November 28, 2015: The Australian Open is set for a thrilling finish with Jordan Spieth chasing Matt Jones for Sunday glory. The Aussie shot a 3-under 68 to retain a three-stroke advantage over the world No.1 ahead of the final round on Sunday.
Spieth gained three strokes over the final two holes of the third round – striking an impressive eagle from 181 yards, at the par-4 17th, before adding a birdie at the final hole.
Jones wasn’t to be left too far behind, putting from off the green at the 17th to make birdie and stay well ahead of the American going into the final round. The Aussie is 10-under 203 while Jordan is 7-under 206 through 54 holes.
“It would be fantastic. It’s something I’ve thought about growing up, watching (Greg) Norman win it, watching Adam (Scott) win it, watching all the guys win it,” said Jones.
“I’ve been close before and tomorrow I’m going to give it everything I can to have my name on that trophy alongside the likes of (Jack) Nicklaus and all those guys – it would be amazing.”
The leaderboard was loaded with Australians – 8 of the top 10 are still native, with only Jordan and Darren Clarke the exceptions.
Adam Scott bounced back with a 68, but rounds of 71, 73 on the first two days left him lying in T7 with Clarke, Brett Rumford and Todd Sinnott. Those four men were 1-under through three rounds.
It has been a difficult course this week; despite some good golf, Geoff Ogilvy settled for a second straight 71 to occupy sixth place at 3-under 210.
There are only ten golfers under par after 54 holes and only one other golfer has managed to stay even with the par-71 Australian Golf Club course. Nick Cullen is lying eleventh after making 70 on Saturday.
Rhein Gibson is in third after making consecutive 68s on Friday and Saturday. He is 5-under, two strokes behind the defending champion Spieth.
Spieth had a rough start to his round – as he slipped to three over after four holes. He picked up pace from there, making three birdies over the next five holes.
Having turned in 36, Jordan returned to his rampant best. In fact he gained as many as six shots through the last ten holes of the third round to bring himself firmly into contention.
“I made a couple of bad swings and a couple of bad decisions,” acknowledged Spieth. “Not many pars.”
The Associated Press reported the eagle at the 17th. “The fireworks came with his shot on the 17th – an 8-iron from 181 yards which hit the front edge of the green and rolled straight toward the flag, gently nudging the pin before falling straight down into the hole,” wrote Dennis Passa.
“The 22-year-old American threw his hands in the air, high-fived his caddie, Michael Greller, then gave him a light punch in the chest.”
He will need more of that magic on Sunday to overhaul a determined Jones and defend his title.
Pic Credit – PGA.com – USA Today Images
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- anand datla
- australian open
- Jordan Spieth
- Matt jones
