Norquist takes third round lead at Satelindo Golf Open
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)