Cam Smith has come out firing at Murray Downs this morning and has taken a two-shot lead through the first seven holes in the Ford NSW Open.
The Ripper GC captain birdied the first, eagled the par-five fourth and followed up immediately with birdie on the fifth as players struggle in strong winds and warm temperatures on moving day.
Overnight leader Lucas Herbert is even for his round (-12) battling a cold putter and missing greens back into the wind.
Alexander Simpson (-10) and Corey Lamb (-10) have started strongly and are under the card in the groups ahead of Smith, Herbert and Josh Geary, who is also even for his round.
Round of the day so far belongs to Australian Lawry Flynn who is blemish-free through 12 holes, with five birdies including three in a row from the 10th hole.
Jack Buchanan is -5 for his round today to bet at -7 for the tournament, and Samuel Slater equalled the day’s best round so far with with five birdies, two bogeys and an eagle to be settled in the clubhouse at -6.
12.05om: Murray Downs ups the temperature
Play is officially underway here at Murray Downs in the third round of the Ford NSW Open, with Ripper GC’s Lucas Herbert holding a two-shot lead as the final groups prepare to tee-off.
As expected, the wind has strengthened into a hot and blustery north-easter and the temperature is already an uncomfortable 33 degrees and likely to climb into the afternoon.
There’s a massive crowd here to see the international LIV stars Cam Smith and Herbert with fingers crossed it turns into a shoutout this afternoon, with plenty of quality players chasing.
Of the players out on the course Aussies Quinnton Croker and Jack Buchanan have made light work of the front nine, both three-under through nine and well positioned inside the top 20.
Fellow Australian Jack Munro has also made an excellent start, coupling an early bogey on the par-3 second with four birdies to be at -3 for his round and -4 for the tournament.
8.00 am: The Heat Is ON
It’s moving day here at the Ford NSW Open, where the weather forecast could play a significant role in determining who comes out on top in this penultimate round.
Every day, we’ve awoken to chilly southerly winds that burn off by mid-morning, drenching the course in perfect spring sunshine. However, this will all change around lunchtime.
By noon, the temperature is expected to climb to well over 30 degrees, and winds will begin charging out of the north-northeast with gusts up to 40 km/h, allowing this beautiful layout at Murray Downs to start showing its fangs.
The competition is heating up as well. In the final group, we have Ripper GC teammates Lucas Herbert and Cam Smith, joined by New Zealander Josh Geary, who almost won this event 10 years ago at Stonecutter’s Ridge. Further back, the swashbuckling Corey Lamb, Matias Sanchez, and Dillon Hart are all capable of lifting the Kel Nagle Cup on Sunday evening.
Also within striking distance is Inverell’s Brett Drewitt, an accomplished Korn Ferry and US PGA Tour player, who has proven he can go low anywhere in the world.
It sets the stage for an intriguing day of golf. For those who can’t make it down here (free entry!), don’t worry. Once again, we’ll be televising all the action from midday, thanks to our friends at Channel 7.
We’ll also be publishing up-to-date information and insights on the Golf NSW website and through our social media channels, with expert analysis from our man on the ground, Mark Hayes.
HAYES: Ripper GC – You’ll do Me! • NSW Open
Chops no sacrificial Lamb at Murray Downs • NSW Open
HAYES: Magnificent Murray Downs taking centre stage • NSW Open
We look forward to bringing you coverage of the Ford NSW Open throughout the day as international stars Cam Smith and Lucas Herbert prepare for a shootout for the ages.
