The PGA Tour of Australasia is in full swing with the Victorian PGA Championship taking place at Moonah Links. Following the prestigious ISPS Handa Australian Open, the event lacks the star-studded lineup seen in previous tournaments. Despite this, the competition was characterized by brutal wind conditions, making for a challenging weekend of golf. The third round saw dry and warm weather with temperatures reaching 27°C, but the strong gusts of wind added an extra layer of difficulty for the players.
Cory Crawford, a 32-year-old Australian golfer, found himself just one shot off the overnight leader heading into the third round. Despite the challenging conditions, he remained in contention throughout Saturday’s action, staying just one stroke behind the leaders as he approached the penultimate hole. However, a missed birdie putt on the 17th caused by the strong winds saw him drop two shots, putting him two strokes off the lead with one round to play.
The challenging conditions did not deter rookie Jye Picken, whose solid performance in the wind saw him tie the overnight leader, Jason Hong, with a score of 68. Picken expressed his enjoyment of playing in adverse weather conditions, noting that it helps him stay focused and present during his rounds. However, for Crawford, the experience on the 17th highlighted the impact that the wind can have on a player’s game, causing him to reevaluate his strategy for the final round.
Despite the challenges posed by the wind, the Victorian PGA Championship provided an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and resilience on the course. The unpredictable nature of outdoor sports like golf adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the competition, keeping fans and players alike on their toes throughout the event. As the tournament heads into the final round, all eyes will be on the leaders to see who can weather the storm and come out on top in this challenging test of golf.
In conclusion, the Victorian PGA Championship at Moonah Links has been a test of skill and resilience for the players, with the wind adding an extra layer of difficulty to the competition. Despite the challenges, players like Cory Crawford and Jye Picken have risen to the occasion, showcasing their ability to adapt to the changing conditions on the course. As the tournament reaches its conclusion, it will be interesting to see who can conquer the wind and emerge victorious in this prestigious event on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Stay tuned for the final round to see who will come out on top in this battle against the elements.
