Spieth, Scott struggle in Australian Open

The highlight of Spieth’s round was a hole-out eagle on the par-4 17th, which led into a birdie at the par-5 finisher to cap off a back-nine 31.

In all, there were 10 players within five shots of the lead early in the final round, setting up a possible grandstand finish at The Australian Golf Club.

Sitting outright third on the leaderboard on 5-under the card is Rhein Gibson who just this year earned his ticket to the PGA TOUR.

The efforts of Jones and Sinnott also have them in line to secure one of the three places for next year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon Scotland.

The field’s main Australian draw, Adam Scott, looks to be out of contention after a miserable day on the greens saw him card two over, leaving the 2009 champion nine shots off the pace. Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke and England’s Lee Westwood are in a tie for 14th place on even par.

“No matter where you’re ranked in the world, he’s played this golf course better than I have up until now and I’ve got to somehow overcome that”.

Spieth is equal third with 2010 champion Geoff Ogilvy (71), Aron Price (68), surprise first-round leader Lincoln Tighe (73) and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts.

The head shakes and arm swipes turned into a beaming smile, however, when he whipped an eight iron 181 yards towards the flag on the par-four 17th and watched as the ball bounced twice before trickling into the hole.

Spieth had picked Jones as one of the danger men here before the tournament began, and Jones is enjoying proving him right. But either way it’s a lot better than it was through the first four holes. “That’s what’s positive. That’s what I’m going with”.

“I’m playing to a strategy I have”, he said.

“But, two days to go, I can’t really be thinking about that now”.

“When I finished my round I thought I’d be tied or one back but either way it’s a lot better than I thought it was going to be”.

“I’d say more so the local knowledge would come with the wind and understanding how heavy it can be from certain areas”.

Jones had endured a hard round that included four birdies, a triple bogey, a double bogey and a bogey.