Mark Brown will take an almost unassailable lead into tomorrow's final round of the Carrus Tauranga Open.
Brown followed up yesterday's course equaling record of 59 with another fine display of attacking golf, to shoot a four-under 66 to lead by six shots from Daniel Pearce (65) and Richard Lee (67).
Brown, who has had rounds of 68, 59 and 66 for a 17-under par total at his adopted home course, said he played really solidly today.
"I felt like I played better than I did yesterday so I am a little bit disappointed with that score," he said.
"I obviously holed a few putts yesterday and they dried up a bit today. That was frustrating it was a real chance to get it done today I thought. I played really nicely from tee to green today."
Brown always seemed in control in the warm and overcast conditions. The only blemish came at the par four 16th when he three-putted for his only bogey of the day.
The NZ Open runner-up said it was not hard to get up again after the world-record nine-under par 26 on day two.
"I was playing with R.Lee who is a good mate of mine so I was pumped and well up for it. We had a good day out there."
Brown, who is a Mount Maunganui resident after shifting up from Wellington last year, has the same game plan for the final round - he will try to make as many birdies as possible in the first 10 holes and then see how he stands after that.
"The guys are at 11 under par so I think there is definitely an eight-under par out there. I think I need to get to 20 under par."
The former Johnnie Walker Classic Champion said it was pleasing to be in contention for another title as he looks to build to a busy close to the year on the PGA Tour of Australasia, OneAsia and European Tour qualifying.
"This is what I came here for, to be in contention, it is great fun to have all my friends around here. I have really enjoyed this week. Hopefully I can finish it off."
Five time Charles Tour champion Doug Holloway (64) and three-time Carrus Open champion Josh Geary (66) are in a share of fourth place after making a move in the third round.
Geary knows he needs a fast start to keep alive his perfect winning record in the event.
"I played really nicely today and I feel like a number is out there," said the 29-year-old.
"I need to start well and make a lot of birdies to put a bit of pressure on him. But the way that I am playing I feel like I could shoot a score to get into contention."
Ryan Fox found form with a 65 after his disappointing three-over 73 yesterday.
Levin's Tyler Hodge is the leading amateur, lying nine-under in sixth equal place, after a fine 66. Mount Maunganui's Hayden Beard roared into contention with a superb 65 to be in 10th equal position overall.
