Golf: Kiwis remain in the hunt in Melbourne

Auckland professional Brad Shilton.

Four Kiwis remain near the top of the leaderboard after three rounds of the final stage of qualifying school for the PGA Tour of Australasia in Melbourne.

Brad Shilton and Michael Long are among a four-way tie at the top of the standings at seven-under alongside Australians Aaron Wilkin and Edward Stedman. Shilton fired a three-under 69 at The Victoria Golf Club today, while Long signed for an even-par 72.

Second-round leader Ben Campbell, who has been battling a mystery chest injury this week, fired a two-over 74 as he slipped to six-over to be in outright fifth. Daniel Pearce is the next best of the New Zealanders in a share of eighth at four-under.

The winner of this week's four-round event, that has a field of 75 players, earns A$4000 (NZ$4164), a higher level of exemption on tour and will gain incentives to play internationally on the OneAsia Tour this year.

Players are chasing a spot inside the top 50 to secure their tour cards. Those ranked 26-50 following this week's event hold limited status but those from 2-25 have a better chance of gaining a start in most of the events on tour in 2015.

Shilton had a mixed round today but was happy to get inside the clubhouse in a strong position.

"I'm happy with that score," he said. "I didn't play as well today but it's good to get another good number."

Of the other Kiwis in the field, Sven Puymbroeck is in a share of 27th at one-over, while Harry Bateman is in a tie for 32nd at two-over. Josh Munn is in equal 52nd at six-over, alongside fellow amateur Hayden Beard and both will need a strong final round tomorrow.

Amateur Vaughan McCall is in a tie for 55th at seven-over, while Mathew Perry (T64th, +9) and Campbell Rawson (T68th, +11) are well off the pace.