Norquist takes third round lead at Satelindo Golf Open
JAKARTA (JP): Seven birdie putts gave American Gerry Norquist the sole lead by two strokes on 209 (71 69 69) after yesterday's third round of the Satelindo Indonesia Golf Open championship at the Jagorawi course near here.
Norquist, who started the day in fourth place at 140, three shots behind overnight leader Craig Parry of Australia, birdied the 2nd, 6th and 7th, where he dropped putts from 30 feet and 35 feet respectively.
"That was rare, making two putts of such length," said Norquist. "There is no doubt that the key to my form at the moment is my putting. I drove the ball really well last week in Guam and that was a big factor in my win. But in the end, it always comes down putting."
However Norquist suffered two bogeys on the third and ninth for a 35.
Returning to the club house, the 29-year-old American stormed with four fine birdies and two deficit shots for a 34, to make yesterday's round 3-under par-69 and three-day total of 209.
"The heat really got on me out there," said Norquist. "I felt terrible after hole number 14. I went for a run last night which was just stupid. When the heat took effect on the back nine today (Friday) I got very weak in my legs."
The American looked likely to finish the day on 8-under but his tee shot on 18th landed on a deep fairway bunker and after hitting out to 60 yards short of the green, he then came up short with his approach.
"My third was like the shot of a 15 handicapper," said Norquist, who bogeyed the hole.
"I guess a lot of guys would like to be in this position, leading the tournament. I am happy to be here. A two-shot lead with one round to go, however, means absolutely nothing. I have just got to try and keep my head on tomorrow."
Australian Parry from Sydney, who tops the leader board from the tee-off on Thursday, was relegated to joint second place with fellow countryman Jeff Senior, each with a 211.
Senior, a regular participant in the Indonesian Open, closed yesterday's round with a 70 (35 35). His two previous days records were 71 and 70.
Parry ended yesterday's round with a poor 2-over par-74 after carding a 67 and 70 on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Double bogey
Despite going out with a 1-under 35, Parry was punished with a double bogey on the 11th, bogeyed the 12th and another bogey shot on the 13th, three holes renowned as The Three Devil Corners on his way to the club house.
Those three holes have ruined many great rounds and many times have provided golfers with exciting final nine.
Lying three strokes behind Norquist are South Korean Charlie Wi, Japan's Nozomi Kawahara and Des Terblanche of South Africa, each with a 212.
The big-name golfer in the tournament, one of the Omega Asia PGA Tour's leg, Mark Calcavecchia, fell out of contention yesterday after scoring a 4-over par-76 and lies at 3-over 75.
Indonesia was represented by three pro golfers and one amateur, after the cut-off, not one, as mistakenly reported on Friday.
Kasiyadi, from Surabaya, who won the title in 1989, was placed joint 14th with a 217 (71 76 70). Two shots behind on 219 (76 73 70) was local top amateur Sukamdi from North Sumatra. Maan Naasim was placed joint 43rd with 223 (73 73 77) and Ilyas Syak was eight strokes further back at 231 (74 77 80). (rsl)