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Three years ago Robert Allenby welcomed James Nitties into his home in the United States for a barbecue, a few beers and some tips on his golf game. Today, all friendships will be put aside when the pair go head-to-head in pursuit of the 2007 Australian Open crown.
Two-time former Open winner Allenby and youngster Nitties both shot matching three-under-par 69s to finish the third round tied atop a star-studded leaderboard on 10-under 206, one stroke ahead of 2001 champion Stuart Appleby, who fired a 68 in windy conditions at The Australian course.
Fellow Australians Craig Parry and Nick O'Hern are both in contention for their first Stonehaven Cup, ending the third day equal fourth on eight-under, just ahead of American and PGA Tour rookie of the year Brandt Snedeker. Another two-time former winner Aaron Baddeley is also in touch, alone in seventh place at six-under following a 69.
The four New Zealanders to make the second round cut all slipped back, with Steve Alker the best placed in a tie for 30th on 214 after shooting a 73. Brad Iles shot 76 to be on 217, while David Smail and Michael Long signed for matching 77s to be on 218.
They are all chasing Allenby and Nitties, two golfers who know each other well after the former asked Nitties and his then Australian amateur team-mates Michael Sim and Jarrod Lyle to his house ahead of the 2004 Eisenhower Trophy in Puerto Rico.
Nitties, 25, knows he will have to be at his best to overcome Allenby and the rest of the high-class field tomorrow.
"We went over for a barbecue, [Allenby] invited us over before the Eisenhower because we flew into America on the way to Puerto Rico and he took us out on his boat," Nitties said. "Away from the course he's just a normal Aussie dude and we had a couple of snags and beers. Then on the course he's determined and tenacious."
