Jones maintains lead at Australian Open, Spieth 3 behind

Jones secured a three-shot lead over the world No. 1 and defending champion after the third round of the Australian Open in Sydney, courtesy of a superb 3-under par 68, which was helped by birdies on the final two holes.

Matt Jones held on to win the Australian Open despite a nervy final round Sunday, while Jordan Spieth failed to duplicate last year’s final round 63.

When Jones also made a horror triple-bogey at the ninth after recovering birdies at four and six, it allowed Pampling to briefy share the lead in the clubhouse.

“I’ve watched the Australian Open many years growing up – watching (Greg) Norman especially because he was my idol”.

With his second shot at the par-five 18th, however, he lofted a five iron to 12 feet, draining the putt to record a three-under 68 and stay in touch with the leaders at one-under.

Australian veteran Rod Pampling, who had a course-record 61, was fourth, two strokes behind Jones. 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.

Pampling was just two strokes adrift of Jones when he finished his scintillating round – and going nowhere as the wind began to pick up, boosting his prospects of winning or forcing a playoff. He was tied for 34th and nine strokes behind second-round leader Matt Jones.

Nick Cullen (70) grabbed the third spot after Jones and Pampling by sharing fifth at three under with the lower-ranked Lincoln Tighe (72). That was the first time the course had played as a par-71. He added that today’s round was good timing for him as he got ready to go back to the States December 7 for the last qualifying round of the Web.com tour.

“I think I’ll make enough birdies”.

However, the two-time major victor will need to perform better from tee-to-green in the concluding round, having hit just 10 greens in regulation on day three – although he needed just 24 putts.

“Even if I up-and-down it for a par, starting tomorrow one over, unless they come way, way back I’m pretty much done so, like I said, it’s a good shot, maybe a little lucky but took advantage of it”.

Pampling’s reward for the round of his life was qualification for next year’s Open as one of the top three finishers not already exempt.