Zunic shines on the Gold Coast

Jordan Zunic surged into the lead of the Australian PGA Championship following a brilliant third round 64 on Saturday.
The Australian was sublime around the RACV Royal pines Resort, shooting an eight under 64 to move him to 17 under for the tournament, three strokes ahead of fellow countryman Cameron Smith.
Zunic tied the course record despite dropping three shots over the final two holes.
The 25-year old got off a fast start, draining a long range putt on the first, almost acing the par three second and then popped in another birdie on the third to move into a share of the lead.
Zunic then had a run of four bordies going out, making the turn at seven under for the day.
And they just kept on coming. Another run of four birdies on the back nine and suddenly a 59 was on the cards for Zunic. However, that faded with a bogey on the 17th and a double on the last.
A putting masterclass from @jzunic91 💯#AusPGA pic.twitter.com/82cEQecKJr
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) December 2, 2017
"It was a bit of a flash that round," quipped Zunic, who is hunting his fourth professional win.
"I don't even really know, I can't remember it almost because I was just going with the flow. I just did such a great job today of what I've been working on in regards to my mindset.
"I'm just really happy with today. The way I played all day, it was just really what I know I'm capable of doing so, to actually go out and do that when it's in tournament mode and on a Saturday afternoon is awesome.
"I haven't been thinking about that (European Tour card) too much because I don't like to get too far ahead of myself. We all know that that's there and that's obviously a great opportunity."
Further down the leaderboard, Adam Bland is alone in third on 13 under, with world number 13 Marc Leishman and David Bransdon being seven shots off the pace on ten under.
2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia is the sole non-Australian in the top nine and will start the final round on eight under.
Latest
-
News
Padraig Harrington expecting ‘serious party’ if Ryder Cup played with crowds
Harrington accepts playing with no crowds would be a better option than another postponement.
-
News
Ryder Cup qualification ‘one of the biggest goals’ of 2021 for Sergio Garcia
The Spaniard is the top points scorer in the competition’s history.
-
News
‘My best is ahead of me’ – Justin Rose motivated by winning majors, not rankings
The Englishman endured a first winless season since 2009 in 2020 and starts this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic ranked 38th in the world.
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.