New Zealand’s charge at the Australian PGA stalled today, with the Kiwi contenders having poor third rounds.
Starting the day in a share of fifth at seven-under par, Denzel Ieremia bogeyed four of his last six holes to card a four-over 75 and drop back to into a share of 20th on a difficult day at Royal Queensland.
Nobody struggled more than fellow Kiwi Daniel Hillier, who started in a tie for 10th at six-under but slumped 46 spots after the worst round of the day, an eight-over 79 which included six bogies and a triple bogey on the par-four 10th.
That left Chang Gi Lee, who shot an even-par 71, as the best New Zealander in a share of 15th at four-under, with Nick Voke (74) at even par and Josh Geary (73) at two-over.
New Zealand’s hopes of victory would have been slim even had they performed well, with world No 3 Cam Smith taking control of the event to lead by three shots.