Pampling broke Jordan Spieth’s mark at the course, where the American finished tied with Adam Scott for second on Sunday.
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The final round shaped as a battle in two before Jones and Spieth made horror starts on Sunday to invite the chasing pack back into the tournament.
Like Jones, the Australian Open was the first win of the year for both Spieth and McIlroy and in their cases, they used their Sydney success as the launch pad for spectacular following seasons, both winning two major championships.
World number one Spieth, who believes his win the previous year was a springboard to his two majors wins last term, had a look at an eagle putt on the last to force a play-off, but was unable to convert the chance.
Jones secured a three-shot lead over the world No. 1 and defending champion after the third round of the Australian Open in Sydney, courtesy of a superb 3-under par 68, which was helped by birdies on the final two holes.
Pampling will qualify for next year’s Open at Royal Troon if he finishes among the top three of those not already exempt, like Spieth and Scott. I’ve played enough rounds of golf with him where he makes those putts. “And now I’m well in contention and likely in the last group, whether it’s three or four behind, it’s a lot better than I’d thought it would be after four holes”.
More importantly for Jones, he joins seven-time champion Gary Player, six-time victor Jack Nicklaus and five-time victor Greg Norman with his name on the Stonehaven Cup.
Earlier, Scott gave himself a shot by finishing at seven-under after shooting a six-under par 65, including a birdie on the final hole that ended the hopes of a fairytale by veteran Aussie Rod Pampling (six-under).
“It’s not about a match-play mindset at all”, Jones said.
The key shot in the round came on the 12th, after Jones hit his tee shot well right and his second shot ricocheted off a tree he was trying to hit past.
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Scott and Spieth tied for runner-up position with Rod Pampling 4th and Nick Cullen and first round leader, Lincoln Tighe, sharing 5th. “Hopefully I haven’t peaked because I know I can hit it better than I did today, I can make a few more putts than I did today, so if I can do that I’ll have a good day tomorrow”.
