Playing in the final group on Saturday, David McKenzie produced a superb 7-under-par 63 to draw level with two of the PGA Legends Tour’s “young guns” – Brendan Jones and defending champion Jason Norris – at the top of the leaderboard on 7-under-par.
Even par after the opening round, McKenzie’s hot start sent murmurs around the course. He eagled the par-5 sixth to reach 4-under for the day, then closed out the front nine with back-to-back birdies at eight and nine for a blistering 30.
The back nine proved steadier, with one bogey at the 11th offset by two birdies to complete the round of the week and earn a share of the lead. Jones carded a 66, but was disappointed with two late bogeys, while Norris overcame a double-bogey seven at the 15th to sign for a 67.
“It was much better than yesterday,” McKenzie said. “I had a few days off and I hadn’t seen a golf ball fly until yesterday. So the first one went in the hazard, that started things off, but today was much better.
“Guy Wall was fantastic. He lent me his shag bag and I spent maybe half an hour down on the fields over there last night. I found a feel and kept it for most of the way, which is pretty good.”
Jones took advantage of his length off the tee early, racing to an outward nine of 32. However, once again, it was the closing stretch which proved frustrating for the Canberran, who is chasing his maiden PGA Legends Tour title.
BRENDAN JONES POWERED INTO A SHARE OF THE LEAD WITH A 66, CHASING HIS FIRST PGA LEGENDS TOUR TITLE. (PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN GOLF MEDIA)
“Look, it’s a narrow golf course and if you’re out of play, yes, you do need some imagination with your shots,” Jones said. “I played fantastically well, but once again, I’ve butchered my finish. That’s two days in a row. Disappointing, obviously, but I’m still in a pretty good spot for tomorrow.”
For Norris, it was another reason to love Richmond, where the now-Queensland-based 2023 champion is greeted like a member of the club in Sydney’s west.
Bogey-free until the par-5 15th, Norris clawed one back at the short par-4 16th, using his power to take on the drivable two-shotter and walk away with birdie.
“I do like Richmond, it’s a good club, good members,” Norris said. “I have had a couple of good groups and Pro-Ams over the years and I love coming back.”
The three leaders won’t have it all their own way on Sunday, with a host of quality players within striking distance.
Pre-tournament favourite David Bransdon fired a 2-under 68 to sit 6-under overall alongside Murray Lott (66) and PGA TOUR winner Nathan Green, who holed a snaking birdie putt at the 18th for a 67.
Peter Senior matched his age with a 4-under 66 to reach 5-under, joined there by Ken Druce. Overnight leader Nigel Lane and Peter Lonard are part of a five-way tie at 4-under, hoping to make early moves and apply pressure to the leaders.
The final round of the Sharp EIT Solutions Australian PGA Seniors Championship will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Fox Sports 503 from 1pm–6pm (AEDT).
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