Rod Pampling’s first-hole bogey gave no indication he would light the fuse for the fireworks with nine birdies and a 70-foot eagle putt at the last for a course record 10-under 61 – a career best.
Advertisement
Jordan Spieth’s grip of the Australian Open is not entirely secure as he sits three shots behind table leader Matt Jones heading into the final day. “I would’ve much preferred to leave it to a tap-in or gimme distance, but I was expecting Jordan to make that”.
Matt Jones talked about the “stress and anxious moments” during his final round at the Australian Open on Sunday.
After starting the day three shots clear, Jones closed with a rollercoaster two-over-par 73 to edge out fast-finishing Scott (65) and Spieth (71) with a 72-hole total of eight-under 276.
There is little doubting the quality of player Jones has become after seventeen years in the USA, attending Arizona State University then playing the Web.Com Tour and eventually the USPGA Tour, where he has won, but his exploits have largely escaped the attention of Australian golf fans.
“There was a poor shot in there and a really great chip and a putt, and the same on 17 when I put myself in an awkward spot after two”, Scott said.
Pampling was just two strokes adrift of Jones when he finished his scintillating round – and going nowhere as the wind began to pick up, boosting his prospects of winning or forcing a playoff. I can’t wait to get over there for The Open.
With Spieth and Scott already qualified for next year’s British Open at Royal Troon.
“I battled away today, which is fantastic the way I did, I could have let it slip and let it get away”.
The final round coverage of the 2015 Australian Open will be show LIVE from 12pm on the Seven Network.
Spieth struggled on the opening two days of the tournament but managed to overcome that as he carded a four-under-par 67 to move up to second. “‘I’m passionate” said Spieth. “I thought I needed to make a couple of putts in the last couple of holes but I’ll take it. I’m very happy”.
Advertisement
The Texan, whose success has been so recent that he has only previously defended one title, hit a course record 63 to win the tournament a year ago but said he would be putting memories of that brilliant round to the back of his mind on Sunday.
