The 22-year-old narrowly missed an eagle putt at the last after a superb approach shot but tapped in for birdie, giving himself every chance of back-to-back titles in Sunday’s final round.
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Matt Jones used home-course advantage to shoot a 4-under 68 Friday and take the early clubhouse lead during the second round of the Australian Open. “I just couldn’t get myself to hit the putt hard enough and when the greens slow down I tend to struggle and I did again today”.
Spieth was joint third with Geoff Ogilvy, Aron Price and surprise first-round leader Lincoln Tighe, who continues to make an unlikely tilt at Open glory.
Spieth began his day holing a 12-foot right-to-left birdie at the par four 10th hole, which he later singled out as the highlight of a frustrating day.
Scott eagled the last hole to join Brett Rumford (69) and Northern Irishman Darren Clarke (70) and Todd Sinnott (74) at one under and among just 10 players in red figures.
“It’s tough… we were falling behind”, Spieth said. “It’s always good to play with him and it’ll be good to see where he is and what he’s doing”, Jones said after his round. If I go out and shoot two or three under tomorrow, I’m going to be very tough to beat.
“I can’t recall off the top of my head, normally I can sneak one in”, said Scott, managing a smile.
Australia’s Matt Jones remains in pole position to secure a qualifying place in The 145Open at Royal Troon going into tomorrow’s final round of the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney.
Scott had two double bogeys in three holes, but came back with a birdie on the last to match Spieth.
Spieth is three under for the championship after squeezing everything out of his round. “With a special round like Jordan had past year, anything can still happen”.
“Of course I’ve thought about it…it would be fantastic”, the 35-year-old told ausopengolf.com.
Given the tricky conditions on Thursday – only 18 players finished below par – Scott should comfortably make Friday’s cut but knows he needs to play a lot better to remain in contention.
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Adam Scott hit a brilliant iron shot to set up an eagle on his final hole at the Australian Open on Saturday and just about keep alive his hopes of not finishing the season winless for the first time in his professional career.
