It’s getting tight at the top mid-way through the front nine in the final round of the Ford NSW Open here at Murray Downs, with the famed Ted Parslow layout playing as tough as it gets.
Overnight leader Cam Smith is one-over for his round, whilst fellow Ripper GC team-mate Lucas Herbert is one-under, closing the gap to just two shots in the battle for the Kel Nagle Cup.
It is shaping up to be the shootout we all hoped it would become, with fierce winds, dust storms, lightning and debris throwing adding to the drama.
Cult sensation Corey Lamb, who’s family and friends all hit the road to be here for the likeable 23-year-old’s potential breakthrough win, is also still in the hunt just two back and one-over for his final round.
The round of the day belongs to the inaugural World Sand Greens champion Brett Rankin who is three-under through his back nine to be at -6 for the championship.
Jye Pickin and Adam Bland are also three-under for their rounds, so far the best of the day, as Murray Downs finally shows how tough it can be.
11.20am: Play Resumes
Play is now back underway at the Ford NSW Open after a brief storm delay of around 20 minutes.
Strong winds blew down fencing, dust and rain hit the course, and there were even reports of lightning, but the storm has now moved away quickly and play resumed at 11.15am.
Notwithstanding any further interruptions we look forward to crowning a champion around 5pm this afternoon as players get back on the course in the hunt for the Kel Nagle Cup.
Reminder: You can watch all the action from midday on 7two or check out the Golf NSW website and social media for regular updates.
6.30 am: Final Round Tee Times
It’s Championship Sunday here at at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club in the Ford NSW Open, and today’s final round promises to deliver plenty of drama.
Every morning this week, the course has greeted players with brisk, cool conditions that have well and truly warmed up by mid-morning, leaving the fairways bathed in glorious spring sunshine.
Predicted storms, however, could play a pivotal role in deciding who takes home the Kel Nagle Cup later this afternoon.
2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith of Ripper GC, is the player they are all trying to catch. The Queenslander managed Saturday’s heat well, rolling in five birdies and an eagle en route to a five-under-par 66. Had it not been for an uncharacteristic double bogey on his second to last hole of the day to give the chasing pack a sniff of a chance.
Branxton powerhouse Corey Lamb played his way into the final group alongside Smith with a well-crafted 67 in Saturday’s testing conditions. Joining them in the final group is Sydneysider Alex Simpson, who carded a handy 68 to move up the leaderboard.
Smith’s Ripper GC Teammate Lucas Herbert is still in the mix despite an uncharacteristic 72. He will tee off in the penultimate group of the day alongside Kiwi Josh Geary and 2022 NSW Open Champion Harrison Crowe, who made his move with a three under par 68 yesterday afternoon.
For those unable to witness the action live (remember, entry is free!), Channel 7 will broadcast the final round from midday on the 7TWO channel.
Additionally, the Golf NSW website and social media channels will feature real-time updates, insights, and analysis from experts Mark Hayes and former Australasian PGA Tour winner Matt Guyatt.
It’s all set up for an unforgettable conclusion to the Ford NSW Open—stay tuned as Championship Sunday unfolds!
