Golf: Big final day needed if Kiwis are to contend in AAC

The New Zealand contingent of golfers will require something special if they are to get close to winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship after another solid, yet not spectacular day.

Luke Toomey is now the leading Kiwi at three under par, a whopping 11 shots behind Australian Nick Coletta. In difficult winds Toomey carded a two under round of 70 to sit in eighth spot alone.

"It hit it really nicely today, gave myself plenty of chances and hit some good putts that just slipped by, but two under on a day like this was pleasing," said Toomey.

Nick Voke is one shot behind Toomey and once again produced a very colourful scorecard which was highlighted by an eagle on the par four, 14th that got his round back on track.

It was a tough day at the office for Nick Coxon who was the leading Kiwi through 36 holes. After a solid start things turned to custard as the 20 year old found himself in bunker trouble recording a double bogey on the par three eighth. Deciding his fate was a run of four bogeys on the final stretch, from holes 14-17 which dropped him out of contention finishing at two over par (T16).

Once again the Australians are perched at the top of the pops with Coletta showing no signs of slowing down. He couldn't match his opening rounds of five under, but in tough conditions he managed a round of four under which included a par save after hitting a water hazard on the par four 14th.

The 20 year old will be joined in the final group by his roommate for the week Cameron Davis who is trailing by two shots. Davis is the more experienced of the duo, but is it enough to chase down his exciting friend and fellow countrymen in what looks to be a two horse race.

Finally visiting our other Kiwi golfers, Daniel Hillier was showing comfort throughout his round before a tough double bogey, bogey finish which left him at four over for the day, three over for the tournament and in a tie for 20th.

Luke Brown finished one over for the third round to be placed in a tie for 26th. He too had a double bogey on the card after what was looking to be another solid round for the Northland number one.

Ryan Chisnall rounds out the six strong New Zealand side, just one shot behind Brown at six over after an even par round today.

This young side is building vital experience every day and as we are on the eve of the final round, many will be thinking of shooting the lights out, but also Royal Wellington next year and how well this week will be preparing them for that challenge on their home turf.