Golf: Paddison has three-shot lead heading into final round of Victorian PGA

New Zealand's Gareth Paddison has a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the Victorian PGA Championship today.

Having played solid golf over the first two rounds Paddison was able to capitalise on his opportunities and posted four birdies, over a four-hole stretch, on his way to a four under par 67 for a tournament total of 10 under the card.

"I just played really solid, giving myself a lot of chances. I didn't putt anywhere near as well as I had done the first two days but I hit it a lot better so I guess it's kind of evening itself out," said Paddison.

With the Forest Resort Creswick course presenting a challenging layout, patience was the key to Paddison's success.

"I started to hit it really good, it was just a matter of staying patient out there because on the back nine you can really stuff up if you chase it.

"There are a lot of holes that you can bogey just as easily birdie from being in the middle of the fairway so it's certainly not over until it's over that's for sure.

"On most of the holes if you're in the middle of the fairway they present a birdie chance but if you're just off into the rough or your just slightly off line then bogey can be a good score.

"It's very much a thinking man's course."

Paddison is comfortable heading into the final round intending to keep the same game plan that has given him a three shot lead.

"If I can get off to a solid start then keep giving myself opportunities like I did today, then I will be hard to beat, especially if I keep hitting it as well as I have."

"Then again you don't know what anyone else is going to do, if someone runs in six birdies at me I can't do anything about that and I can't put any pressure on myself.

"As long as I stay patient with myself that is my goal and to just play my own game."

Second-round leader James McLean is still in contention after shooting a one over par 72 to be at seven under the card for the tournament and placed outright second.

Shooting the round of the day with a six under 65, Queensland's Kurt Carlson moves to be tied third, with Andre Stolz, with a five under par tournament total.