Scott Barr is on the verge of shedding his bridesmaid tag at the Ageas HKPGA Championship after firing a three-under-par 67 at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club to take a healthy lead heading into the final round on Wednesday.
The Australian, who has finished second to compatriot Unho Park in the past three editions of the long-running event, handled the gusty conditions at the cliff-top course with aplomb, finishing with four birdies in his final five holes to surge to the top of the leaderboard.
Barr, who opened up with a level par 70 at Hong Kong Golf Club on Monday, leads by three from Park, who struggled to a 72, with Hong Kong amateur Leon D’Souza occupying third spot, a further stroke adrift.
“I was pleased with how it went today, especially on the back nine where I managed to hit a few nice shots and make some good putts,” said 43-year-old Barr, an Asian Tour regular.
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Barr has finished runner-up to Unho Park in the past three editions of the Hong Kong event.
“I’m going to approach the final round like any other – I’m going to be aggressive. If I can build a substantial lead I might become more conservative, but let’s see how it goes. I’m looking forward to it.”
Park, by contrast, was luckless on the greens – he had four three-putts – but an eagle at Clearwater Bay’s par-five closing hole gave him an outside chance of extending his championship record to four consecutive wins if he can put in a strong showing over Hong Kong Golf Club’s Eden Course on Wednesday.
Unho Park struggled on day two but is still in with a chance after an eagle on the 18th.
“It was a struggle out there,” said the 42-year-old. “I’m three back and chasing, so I’m just going to go out and try to make as many birdies as I can to put the pressure on.”
D’Souza, 17, will join Barr and Park in the final group, and is relishing the opportunity of taking on his professional counterparts.
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Seventeen-year-old Hong Kong amateur Leon D’Souza currently occupies third spot.
“I’m in the final group of a pro event, so it’s going to be a great experience whatever happens,” said the reigning Hong Kong Open Amateur champion, who came in with a 71.
