Jared Pender surges to the lead

Te Puke's Jared Pender is tied for the lead at the Ngamotu Classic. PHOTO/NZ GOLF

Te Puke pro Jared Pender shares the lead with Daniel Pearce at the Augusta Funds Management Ngamotu Classic after a dramatic finish to the third round.

Pender signed his card for a four-under (68) with the knowledge he was three shots behind Pearce before a bogey, double bogey finish from the overnight leader levelled things up to create a mouth-watering final round.

In contrasting fashion from his interrupted second round of nine-under (63), Pearce came home in an ambulance after what was looking like a one-horse race.

"I was just a little tired to be honest, it's been a tough day and just ran out of steam a little bit at the end," said Pearce.

"I'm happy to be leading, but disappointed at the same time. After a good start, I let things slip at the end. The body still feels good and I am putting really nicely, so all should be back to normal tomorrow."

Pender who made clutch birdies on 16 and 17 proved he is playing an enjoyable brand of golf and will be dangerous today.

"I had no idea what was going on behind me, so it was a bit of a surprise to see the leaderboard when I got home," said Pender.

"I'm just enjoying my golf with no expectations, so it's going to be a fun day with big Pearcey."

Moving day lived up to its reputation with more than just Pender throwing their name into the ring. Kieran Muir (Omokoroa) shot the day's lowest round of 65 to rise to six-under, but Tauranga's Mark Brown (69) and Harry Bateman (67) are also be in contention.

Brown and Bateman are neck in neck in the New Zealand Order of Merit, so today will play a big part with last week's champion, Harry Bateman currently leading the race.