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“The Chase Is On” for the professionals on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia with a busy schedule of tournaments for the first half of the upcoming 2024/25 season released today.
Starting from the PNG Open in August, 10 tournaments will be contested through to the end of the year, highlighted by the two Australian major championships co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour.
The first Australian events on the 2024/25 calendar will be the Western Australia double in October, beginning in Kalgoorlie at the CKB WA PGA Championship presented by TX Civil & Logistics (October 10-13).
It’s then on to the Mandurah Country Club, the new home for the Bowra & O’Dea Nexus Advisernet WA Open which will celebrate its 100th anniversary when it is played on October 17-20.
The ground-breaking Webex Players Series, featuring its format of men and women on the same course, vying for the same title, will have one event prior to the New Year with the McLaren Vale wine region once again the home of Webex Players Series South Australia hosted by Greg Blewett from October 24-27.
Another five Webex events will come in 2025, including the debut of Webex Players Series Perth hosted by Minjee and Min Woo Lee at Royal Fremantle GC in January.
The Tour then heads east to the Queensland PGA Championship played once again at Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane from October 31 to November 3.
The NSW Open, offering a boosted purse of $800,000, returns to the schedule with the 2024 edition to be hosted for the first time by the Murray Downs Golf Resort on November 14-17 as the lead-in to the majors.
The BMW Australian PGA Championship will make its fourth consecutive appearance at Royal Queensland in Brisbane (November 21-24) while the ISPS HANDA Australian Open at two of Melbourne’s world renowned Sandbelt gems, Kingston Heath GC and Victoria GC, on November 28-December 1.
The schedule also features a date shift for the Victorian PGA Championship and Gippsland Super 6 which will now be played following the Australian Open in December.
“The Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia is gaining in momentum, mirroring what is occurring with the game of golf in all metrics across Australia,” PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said.
“When the Chase resumes in August, our next generation of stars will have their sights on the great opportunities and pathways that exist by being one of the leading players on our Tour.
“We experienced a fantastic 2023/24 season highlighted by Kazuma Kobori’s three victories which led him to our Order of Merit title, the return of some established names to the winner’s circle and the emergence of first-time tournament winners.
“The new season is sure to bring more spectacular golf when we kick off in PNG and then travel into five states including the return of NSW Open with a significant prizemoney boost at a new Tour venue we’re excited to visit.”
Building on the success of its tournament broadcast, which has brought the Tour and its new era of stars onto screens across the country and overseas, Fox Sports and Kayo will be home of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia. The two majors, the PGA and Open, will also be simulcast on Nine and 9Now. The NSW Open will appear on 7plus.
Challenger Chief Executive, Customer Mandy Mannix said: “We’re excited to begin our second year as naming rights sponsor with the PGA Tour of Australasia.
“Over the past year, in partnership with PGA, we’ve elevated professional golf’s profile and supported a beloved sport that brings joy to older Australians.
“As we embark on another thrilling golf season, we wish all players the best of luck, from seasoned professionals to rising stars, ensuring every swing and every round is a hole-in-one.”
The post-Christmas/New Year schedule of Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia events will be announced in coming weeks.
2024
August 15-18: PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club ($200,000).
October 10-13: CKB WA PGA Championship presented by TX Civil & Logistics at Kalgoorlie Golf Course ($250,000)
October 17-20: Bowra & Odea Nexus Advisernet WA Open at Mandurah Country Club ($175,000 min)
October 24-27: Webex Players Series South Australia hosted by Greg Blewett in McLaren Vale wine region. Course TBC ($200,000)
October 31-November 3: Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee Golf Club ($250,000)
November 14-17: NSW Open at Murray Downs Golf Resort ($800,000)
November 21-24: BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club ($2 million)
November 28-December 1: ISPS HANDA Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club ($1.7 million)
December 5-8: Victorian PGA Championship at Moonah Links Resort ($250,000)
December 12-15: Gippsland Super 6 at Warragul Country Club ($200,000)
The PGA Membership Pathway Program (MPP) is Australian Golf’s primary workforce development program and is designed to provide flexibility to help you take the next step towards your dream job in the golf industry.
The PGA Membership Pathway Program (MPP) is ideal for any golfer who has a passion for golf and a desire to translate that passion into a career in the golf industry.
Designed for completion over a three (3) year period, the MPP will provide real skills in the workplace, in addition to undertaking a nationally accredited diploma level qualification in a preferred area of interest.
Studies in the program are delivered through on-the-job training, face to face and virtual training schools, and online learning delivered over the calendar year.
In addition to workplace and academic requirements, the MPP also requires regular participation in Professional Golf Tournaments to meet PGA Playing Requirements.
To find out more about the MPP and to apply, click HERE.
Globally renowned premium automotive leader BMW will become the title partner of the Australian PGA Championship.
The collaboration will see the BMW Australian PGA Championship, one of Australian golf’s two majors, join BMW’s suite of premium global tour tournaments alongside the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, BMW International Open in Munich, the PGA TOUR’s penultimate playoff tournament – the BMW Championship – as well as the BMW Ladies Championship on the LPGA Tour.
Locked in for Royal Queensland Golf Club on November 21-24 this year, the BMW Australian PGA Championship stands as one of the premier tournaments on the Australian sporting calendar with its vibrant party hole and spectacular golf, attracting record crowds as Min Woo Lee won the 2023 title in his unique style.
Thanks to the co-sanctioning agreement between the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour, this year’s BMW Australian PGA Championship will again feature a world-class field, pitting the best of Australia’s professionals against an international contingent of contenders.
Same tournament, new title partner 😎@bmwau | #AusPGA pic.twitter.com/qnOLsYOa2e
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) July 1, 2024
It will once again be the opening tournament of the DP World Tour season and enjoy its fourth consecutive year at Royal Queensland, the host venue of the 2032 Olympic Games golf competition.
Min Woo Lee, one of the rising superstars in world golf, has already confirmed he will return to defend his title.
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said that with BMW’s commitment to excellence and innovation, the partnership promises to elevate the championship to a new level.
“We are delighted to welcome BMW as the title partner of the Australian PGA Championship,” Kirkman said.
“BMW has had a wonderful influence on Australian golf and our PGA Championship for many years and this title partnership takes its commitment to the next level.
“The company’s commitment to excellence and innovation perfectly aligns with our values, and we are confident that this partnership will contribute to the continued success and growth of the championship.”
BMW Australia CEO Wolfgang Buechel said: “BMW has had a longstanding involvement in golf around the world for more than 40 years, and we are excited to extend our partnership with the Australian PGA for such a prestigious Australian tournament, welcoming incredible Australian talent home for the season’s first major event.
“From the US via Europe to Asia and Australasia, you will find BMW wherever golf is played and enjoyed through all major markets worldwide.
“This is BMW’s first golf title partnership in the Southern Hemisphere and builds on our existing relationship as the official automotive partner of the PGA, Golf Australia and the WPGA.
“In partnership with the PGA, BMW will create captivating experiences across Australia, where future-defining innovation meets a sustainable society and a shared ambition to grow and create unforgettable memories and moments.
“The BMW Australian PGA Championship will be a great platform to promote our electric future via our range of BMW fully electric vehicles that will be on course at Royal Queensland.”
Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, added: “We are delighted BMW have joined as title partner of the Australian PGA Championship. Over the past 35 years, the DP World Tour have developed an extremely close working relationship that continues to drive strong value to BMW’s global engagement in sport.
“With this partnership in Australia, it brings together a truly iconic brand and iconic golf tournament, popular with golf fans and players alike across the world. The BMW brand stands for luxury, innovation, and sportiness – all values that closely match our own, with both the DP World Tour and PGA of Australia benefitting significantly from partnering with such a respected partner of the game of golf.”
As well as being title partner of the BMW Australian PGA Championship, BMW is committed to supporting the future of Australian professional golf with its existing Australian golf partnership with the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia covering the broader Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, WPGA Tour of Australasia and the Australian Open.
The company also currently has partnerships with LPGA Tour star Grace Kim and DP World Tour player Elvis Smylie.
Tickets for the BMW Australian PGA Championship are available now via Ticketek
Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams, headlines the next wave of speakers announced for this year’s Golf Summit in Melbourne.
Many Australians will remember Williams being on the bag for Adam Scott when he broke through at the 2013 Masters, forever etching Scott and Williams into Australian sporting history.
Williams, whose journey in golf began in 1976 with Australian icon Peter Thomson, will share his vast knowledge and experiences on the Tour. He will be joined by an impressive roster of industry heavyweights such as Dr Paul Wood and Will Robbins, sporting success stories in Elle Steele and Bachar Houli, along with the CEOs of the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia. Together, they will equip attendees with innovative strategies and insights to lead, grow, and transform the golf industry.
Scheduled for October 16-17, the Golf Summit is an event by Australian Golf’s peak bodies – the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia – to bring the industry together to engage and influence key decision makers to lead, grow and innovate Australian golf.
Attendees will have the chance to network, share ideas, strategies and best practices to take back to their business to help drive growth and success.
A highlight of the Summit will be the diverse range of panel sessions addressing critical business outcomes within the industry. There will be a panel tackling championing change for women and girls in golf, along with the impact of technology on golf coaching.
The two-day conference will also feature sessions on promoting diversity and inclusion, talent retention and management, biodiversity and sustainability in golf, and leveraging social media for commercial success.
Confirmed speakers for the 2024 Golf Summit:
READ MORE ABOUT THE SESSIONS
The Asia-Pacific region’s premier event welcoming the entire golf industry, tickets for the 2024 Golf Summit are on sale now.
Find tickets HERE.
The Golf Summit is proudly supported by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the State Government’s National Business Event Program.
Promising teenagers Natascha Tennent and Noah Schammer are among the first six recipients of the Webex Golf Scholarships that will provide financial and practical support to continue their journeys in golf.
Tennent (pictured, right) and Schammer (centre) will receive Development Scholarships as Steven Alderson (left), Lachlan Wood, Garth Allen and Cameron Pollard were announced as the Full Scholarship recipients.
An expansion of the Webex Players Series All Abilities program, Tennent and Schammer will each receive $3,000 in coaching and tournament support while Full Scholarship holders will receive $6,000 in total funding and support.
In addition, there will be Adidas clothing, technology support and a monthly player education webinar as Webex continues to find new ways to promote and develop All Abilities golf.
A total of 19 applications were received from nearly every state and territory with the selection panel not only impressed by the quality of each application but taking the time to talk personally with each athlete about their journey in golf.
“Thanks to Webex, these scholarships provide a great opportunity for these world class athletes,” said Nick Bielawski, Senior Manager – Coaching Programs for the PGA of Australia.
“They’ll receive access to coaching from PGA professionals around Australia. In addition, they’ll receive travel and tournament support to play in more tournaments and improve their world ranking.”
“Webex is proud to be partnering with PGA Australia to enable the ongoing development of All Abilities golfers,” said Chris Bowman, Director of Marketing, Webex by Cisco, APJC.
“Through both funding and the use of our technology, we aim to unlock opportunities for these talented rising stars to be coached by the world’s elite golfing professionals and set them on their path to becoming the next generation of Australian golfing champions.”
Scholarship recipients were selected based on their GA handicaps, performances in Webex Players Series events and performances in WR4GD ranking events.
Full Scholarships
Lachlan Wood
Winner 2023 Australian All Abilities Championship
T4 at 2024 G4D Open in England
Ranked No.7 in WR4GD Gross Rankings
2nd at G4D Tour @ The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Winner 2023 WA Open All Abilities Championship
Cameron Pollard
3rd at 2023 Australian All Abilities Championship
Winner 2024 Webex All Abilities Players Series Hunter Valley
Winner 2024 Queensland Inclusive Championship
2nd at 2024 NSW All Inclusive Championship
Steven Alderson
Ranked No.4 in Australia in gross rankings
Ranked No.6 in WR4GD Nett Rankings
Winner of Webex All Abilities Players Series South Australia
Tied 1st at Qld Inclusive Championship
2nd at SA Inclusive Championship
3rd at Vic Inclusive Championship
Garth Allen
Ranked No.8 in Australia in gross rankings
4th place at the 2024 Scottish Open
3rd place in his flight at US Open Adaptive Qualifying
3rd NSW All Abilities Championship
4th SA All Abilities Championship
Top-50 finish at 2024 G4D Open
Development Scholarships
Noah Schammer
Winner 2023 Riversdale All Abilities Cup
Ranked No.88 in WR4GD Gross Rankings
7th at 2024 Victorian Inclusive Championship
Natascha Tennent
Gold Medallist 2023 Special Olympics World Games
No.13-ranked female on WR4GD
Winner of Sporting Achievement Whilst Overcoming Adversity at 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards
Winner Nett Strokeplay Division at EDGA Algarve Masters in Portugal
Australian golf legend Peter Senior headlines a list of golfers, media members and golf administrators to be included in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List announced today by Governor-General David Hurley.
Among 737 Australians honoured with awards in the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service, Senior received an Order of Australia (OAM) for service to golf.
The Queenslander was named alongside legendary commentator Sandy Roberts and nine other recipients with a connection to the game.
Senior, whose longevity has been marvelled at across the golf world, won 35 times as a professional, including 21 victories on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, as well as wins on the DP World Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Three times a winner of the Australian PGA Championship, and twice the ISPS HANDA Australian Open, Senior’s first and last PGA Tour of Australasia wins remarkably came 36 years apart, with the 64-year-old winning on Tour in five different decades.
“Peter is one of the most highly regarded professionals of his era not only domestically but internationally and continues to support the game via our PGA Legends Tour,” PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said.
“Since turning professional in 1978, Peter has built a tremendous record around the world, but especially at home in Australia where we have loved watching him play our tournaments across so many years.
“Peter’s remarkable 1989 run when he claimed the Australian PGA Championship, Australian Open and Johnnie Walker Classic is some of the best golf played in this country, and the manner in which he has conducted himself over his career is also worthy of mention.
“His contribution to the game also includes being Chair of the PGA of Australia and serving on the PGA board as a playing director.
“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this accolade for services to golf.”
Born in Singapore, and following older brother Jeff into the professional golf world, Senior’s success continued into the over-50s game including as a two-time winner of the Australian PGA Seniors Championship. His memorable 2015 Australian Masters with son Mitch as caddie is a standout moment in Australian golf.
During many of Senior’s victorious walks down the final hole in Australia, Sandy Roberts formed part of the commentary team, with the broadcaster among those on this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List. Roberts receiving an OAM for service to media as a sports commentator.
Among the other recipients, Robert Dean, who followed his father and mother as a life member of Red Cliffs Golf Club, has been awarded an OAM for service to the community of Red Cliffs.
Mr. Dean served as both President (1972, 1973, 2874) and Captain (1980, 1981) of the club and has contributed a great deal to the regional Victorian club, while Rhonda Parker has been honoured with an OAM for service to the community of Boyup Brook in Western Australian. A valued member of her local community. Ms. Parker has served as Handicap Manager at the Boyup Brook Golf Club.
The winner of the Western Australian Veteran Golfers Association Championship in 2005, Michael Litis is another of the golf linked honourees with his OAM for service to the community through sports organisations.
“To see such a significant and varied range of golfers and golf associated Australians be honoured in this way is a significant moment, and thrill for all of us in Australian golf,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
“Peter Senior is of course a legendary champion and standout on the list for all, however, it is heartening to see recognition across all parts of the Australian golf landscape, especially those who have devoted their time to volunteer run clubs or associations.
“From all at Golf Australia, and the broader golf community, I wish to extend our sincere congratulations to all on this year’s Honours List, and particularly those who have impacted the game of golf.”
The full list of King’s Birthday Honours List recipients associated with golf is listed below.
Mr. David Guthrie Willersdorf AM – For significant service to the community of the Greater Dandenong region.
Mr. Lance Raymond Boswell OAM – For service to the communities of Albury and Howlong
Mr. Robert James Dean OAM – For service to the community of Red Cliffs
Mr. William Edward Faint OAM – For service to the community of Clermont
Mr. William Clifford Gee OAM – For service to surf lifesaving, and to the community
Mr. John Francis Henderson OAM – For service to the community of Inverell
Mr. Michael Nicholas Litis OAM – For service to the community through sports organisations
Ms. Rhonda Joan Parker OAM – For service to the community of Boyup Brook
Mr. Sandy Roberts OAM – For service to media as a sports commentator
Mr. Peter Albert Senior OAM – For service to golf
Mr. Bernard James Sinnott OAM – For service to the community of Camperdown
After two rounds of meeting his goal of bogey-free golf, Brett Rankin grabbed a five-shot win at the PIMS Group Mackay Pro-Am.
The Queenslander followed up his Mackay Golf Club course record of 10-under-par 61 in round one on Thursday with a 5-under 66 today to earn his first win of 2024 and repeat his Mackay success from 2022.
Reigning adidas PGA Pro-Am Series champion Andrew Campbell (64-68) birdied two of his final three holes to claim second with a group of five players – Jay Mackenzie, Connor McDade, Lincoln Tighe, Nathan Page and Jack Pountney – a further shot behind.
The low round of Friday came from Ben Henkel whose 8-under 63 lifted him to eighth place, seven shots from the lead.
While the Victorian’s first round of 71 included five bogeys – as well as an albatross on the par-5 ninth – he was bogey-free today in a round which featured a run of four birdies in five holes on the back nine.
Rookie Queensland pro Blaike Perkins was the other big mover in the morning groups, carding a 65, highlighted by an eagle on the ninth, to move to 7-under.
HOW THE WINNING ROUND UNFOLDED
By the time Rankin stood on the 10th tee this afternoon, the 2022 Mackay winner had built his two-shot overnight lead to a five-shot advantage with birdies on the first, fourth and ninth.
An eagle at the par-5 10th sent him further in front.
After looking at the size of his lead, Rankin adjusted his game plan and “shut up shop”, opting for a more conservative approach. The 37-year-old closed with eight straight pars to confirm his runaway win.
WHAT THE WINNER SAID
“It’s been a great two days. I went bogey-free for 36 holes,” Rankin said. “It’s hard to beat someone when they go 36 holes without a bogey.
“I’ve been playing really well back home and it’s just nice to continue that form, although tournament golf is a little different.
“It’s probably the best I’ve chipped and putted for some time.”
FINAL LEADERBOARD
-15: Brett Rankin (Qld) 61-66
-10: Andrew Campbell (NSW) 64-68
-9: Lincoln Tighe (NSW) 67-66; Nathan Page (Vic) 67-66; Jack Pountney (NSW) 67-66; Jay Mackenzie (NSW) 65-68; Connor McDade (Vic) 63-70
-8: Ben Henkel (Vic) 71-63
-7: Blaike Perkins (Qld) 70-65; Riley Taylor (NSW) 67-68
NEXT UP
The adidas PGA Pro-Am Series stays in the Mackay region for the Roy Powell Security Pioneer Valley Pro-Am on Sunday.
There’s also a two-day event in Western Australia, the Bennco Karratha Pro-Am, starting tomorrow
Queenslander Brett Rankin is the new course record holder at Mackay Golf Club after shooting a scintillating 10-under-par 61 on day one of the PIMS Group Mackay Pro-Am.
The winner in Mackay two years ago, who says he has always felt comfortable on the North Queensland layout, has a two-shot lead over rookie professional Connor McDade (Vic) with last season’s adidas Pro-Am Series national Order of Merit leader Andrew Campbell (NSW) a further shot back.
Starting his round on the 10th hole and feeling “a bit dusty” after some State of Origin beers last night, Rankin turned in 4-under 32 and then collected six birdies on a front nine of just 29 strokes.
He birdied each of the par-5s and had a couple of good par saves to keep his momentum going.
“It was a little bit unexpected,” Rankin said.
“I kind of got hot on the front nine and hit a lot of quality shots.
“I was bogey-free which is always one of my goals even when I’m playing with my mates back home. The No.1 goal is to go bogey-free and I take a lot of pride in that.”
The field of 62 players produced 37 under-par rounds on day one, including a 69 for defending champion Sam Brazel (NSW), while Victorian Ben Henkel (71) provided the shot of the day, holing out for an albatross on the 448m par-5 ninth.
Play in the second round of the 54-hole event starts at 6.30am.
Leaderboard
61: Brett Rankin (Qld)
63: Connor McDade (Vic)
64: Andrew Campbell (NSW)
65: Caleb Bovalina (Vic), Jay Mackenzie (NSW)
66: Jye Pickin (NSW)
Andre Stolz holed out from a greenside bunker on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to beat Jason Norris and Peter Senior and claim the Vuksich & Boric Fiji Legends Golf Classic for the first time today.
The trio headed to Denarau Golf and Country Club’s par-5 18th hole after finishing level at 8-under-par after 54 holes, with Senior catching the joint overnight leaders by carding a final day 6-under 66.
Trying to emulate a victory at Denarau back when he was in his 20s in 1997, Stolz put himself in some trouble when he flew his third shot into the back bunker. Meanwhile Norris was in a greenside trap in just two and Senior had made it safely aboard in three after laying up.
“I’d actually had two of those bunker shots during the round, exactly the same with no lip which is so strange in a bunker,” Stolz said.
“I’d hit two great shots out already and I said to ‘Norrey’ going up to the green that ‘you know I’m going to hole mine out of here’.”
The 54-year-old made good on his prediction, splashing out of the sand before the ball rolled out with perfect pace into the cup to claim his four. Senior and then Norris missed with their birdie attempts to extend the playoff from four metres and two metres out respectively.
The win moves back Stolz back to a familiar position on top of the PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit.
HOW THE WINNER’S SCORE UNFOLDED
After sharing the lead with Norris at the start of the day, Stolz turned in 3-under-par 33 to take a two-shot advantage.
Birdies on the par-3 11th and par-5 14th brought Norris back to level and the two cartmates couldn’t be separated after 54 holes after they posted pars on each of the final four holes for matching rounds of 69.
Meanwhile, defending champion Senior’s round in the group ahead featured a front nine of 32 and he eventually caught the top two by making a birdie on the par-3 17th. His 66 was the low round of the day.
WHAT THE WINNER SAID
“I was pretty out of sorts over in WA and putting poorly so I went to the local Golf Box and bought a putter. It just felt good and on these greens you’ve got to a get a good roll on them to get them going across the top of the surface,” Stolz said.
“I did some good work at home at Pelican Waters and was feeling good actually when I got over here.
“I love coming to Fiji, as everyone else does, but been a bit frustrated at this event before with two seconds without winning. Now I can tick this one off the list.”
LEADERBOARD RUNDOWN
-8: Andre Stolz (74-65-69)*; Jason Norris (71-68-69); Peter Senior (72-70-66)
(* Stolz won with birdie on first playoff hole)
-4: Mark Boulton (73-70-69)
-3: John Onions (74-67-72); Christopher Taylor (73-70-70)
-2: Roland Baglin (73-68-73); Chris Hollingsworth (73-73-68); Grahame Stinson (74-71-69)
NEXT UP
The PGA Legends Series heads to Queensland for the Australian PGA Nine-Hole Championships at the Town of 1770 on June 28-30.
Andre Stolz and Jason Norris will head into the final round of the Fiji Legends Golf Classic tied for the lead after the birdies flowed freely at Denarau Golf and Racquet Club today.
Norris followed up his 1-under-par 71 from Natadola Bay in round one with a 4-under 68 at nearby Denarau, but was caught by Stolz who produced the low round so far in the three-day PGA Legends Tour tournament, a 7-under 65.
The duo holds a two-shot advantage over Roland Baglin (73-68) and John Onions (74-67).
After a self-described “terrible” putting round on Tuesday, Stolz had a much better day out at Denarau where 20 players in the over-50s field broke par compared to just one a day earlier.
“I’m very happy with how I’m playing again,” Stolz said.
“I had a run over there in Perth and played terrible the whole time. ‘Norry’ was playing great over there and I wasn’t.
“I was really happy to sort a few things out before I came over here.
“It’ll be good fun playing with ‘Norry’ tomorrow.
“Fiji is a great place to have a holiday and play some golf but I’ve run second here the last two years and I’m sick of that.”
Norris will be looking to add the Fiji Legends Golf Classic trophy to the Fiji International title he claimed in 2017 when it was co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, DP World Tour and Asian Tour.
“I have a soft spot with Fiji and love coming back,” Norris said.
“I think I’m going to be chasing Stolzy all day tomorrow so hopefully I can play a bit better.”
Defending champion Peter Senior will also be in the hunt on the final day, starting three back after posting a 70 today following a 72 at Natadola Bay on Tuesday.
The final round will have a shotgun start at 9am (Fiji time).
Leaderboard
-5: Andre Stolz (74-65); Jason Norris (71-68)
-3: Roland Baglin (73-68); John Onions (74-67)
-2: Peter Senior (72-70)
-1: Christopher Taylor (73-70): Mark Boulton (73-70)
Even: Marcus Cain (75-69); David Fearns (74-70); Martin Peterson (72-72)
