THE third round of the 2012 Talisker Australian Masters is set for a crowd pleasing day with big guns Adam Scott and Ian Poulter set to tee off together in the penultimate afternoon grouping.
The final grouping is headed by Queenslander Matthew Guyatt who maintained a two stroke lead after a 3-under 69 at the Kingston Heath Golf Club on Friday.
Guyatt finished at 10-under par, two ahead of New Zealand hopeful Michael Hendry who also had a second round 69.
Despite struggling in blustery afternoon conditions, Scott (70) remains well in contention at 7-under, while defending champion Poulter, on 5-under, has the perfect opportunity to display all his renowned fighting qualities on “moving day”.
Poulter shot an even par 72 to sit alongside Tasmanian Craig Hancock (71).
Despite suffering chronic back pain, Canberra’s Matt Millar shot the round of the day, a 5-under 67, to share sixth position with David Bransdon at 4-under par.
Scott was remaining very optimistic about his weekend.
“As tough as it was out there [Friday] today, I wouldn’t want to be on any other golf course, it was fantastic, and I’m going to really enjoy the next two days no matter what happens, it’s a great challenge,” he said.
“It’s good to see Matty [Guyatt] playing well, we’ve known each other a long time, since Pennant days back in Queensland, we have a lot of friends and it’s only this time of year that we all really get to catch up.”
“I grew up playing with so many guys with so much talent in Brisbane, and Matt’s worked hard for a long time. So, anything he gets, he thoroughly deserves and I wish him all the best for the next two days, but I’ll be gunning for him.”
With the final cut made at 4-over par, 67 competitors will tee off on Saturday with a couple of high profile Pros lucky to scrape through. This includes marquee import Graeme McDowell who struggled with a 5-over 77.
It’s been a great effort so far by Matthew Guyatt but it will be challenge for him to hold on with the big names behind him.
Adam Scott is long overdue for a win this year.