Table of Contents
Elvis Smylie Opens Up Lead, Smith Faces Tough Challenge
After trading birdies to start the final round of the Australian PGA Championship, Elvis Smylie has put down the gauntlet to Cameron Smith, extending his lead by three shots.
Five years ago, Smylie (15 under), who was awarded the Cameron Smith Scholarship, performed with his mentor in front of a sizable Sunday gallery at Royal Queensland without displaying any indications of nervousness.
The 22-year-old made four birdies in his opening six holes, putting him ahead at the turn.
After a two-stroke swing on the sixth hole and a mishandled second shot on the par-five ninth hole, Smith was three back, and the former world No. 2 in the mangroves needed help.
With his fourth shot, he got the green but missed a five-metre par putt.
Leishman Misses Out, Smith and Smylie Contend
Marc Leishman, who played in the last group alongside Queenslanders Smith and Smylie, was left scratching his head after several putts missed the hole to tie David Micheluzzi at 10 under.
Smith is aiming for his fourth Kirkwood Cup, but his first championship in almost a year.
Smylie won the WA Open last month and would love to return to the European Tour, which is part of the prize package for winning the DP World Tour-sanctioned $2 million tournament.
There was lots of activity underneath them in what has become a three-round tournament owing to heavy rain.
Angel Ayora finished nine under for the event with a seven-under 64, while Anthony Quayle was the clubhouse leader after shooting an eight-under round to go to 11 under.
Jason Day, making his first Australian appearance in seven years, birdied the first and fifth holes to get into the top ten at nine under with five holes remaining.
Lee Defies the Odds, Retains Australian PGA Title Despite Injury
Min Woo Lee, the defending champion, shot a 66 in the final round to finish at seven under after just cutting on an erratic Saturday.
Lee, a tremendously popular winner in Brisbane a year ago, admitted this week that a painful knee has been hindering him.
Lee expressed optimism for the upcoming Australian Open, which begins on Thursday at Kingston Heath and Victoria golf courses.
“I was unable to bend down and still lack the confidence to do so.
“That’s why I felt a little flat for the first few days.
“It was simply a strange accident. “I literally turned in bed and something popped!”
For more, Follow Sports Dribble on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
Discover more from SPORTS DRIBBLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
