Hopewell led the pack through the halfway mark and continued to look back at the field through 54 holes with a three-round total of 13-under.

Tomorrow Hopewell will attempt to be the fourth amateur in eight years to win the coveted Open trophy and kick-start what already looks to be a very impressive golf career.

“I’m pretty happy, it was tough out there today in that wind. I played solid today and unfortunately left a couple out there but that’s golf,” Hopewell said.

“There will be nerves tomorrow but I’m confident in my game plan and look forward to the opportunity.”

Former PGA TOUR player Michael Sim has continued his great form from Kalgoorlie where he finished third, shooting a 5-under par 67 in round three to sit in second place alongside Rick Kulacz.

Sim, who sits two shots behind Hopewell at 11-under the card, was excited about the opportunity to get back in the winner’s circle following his Queensland Open win in 2017.

“I played solid last week, I’m playing good this week and looking forward to what tomorrow brings,” Sim said.  

“Every player’s goal is to get in a position to win the event on Sunday and I’ve ticked that box so I’m very happy.”

West Aussie Rick Kulacz is a fan of the Cottesloe Golf Club and knows how to make the most of the course having won the Cottesloe Open back on the May/June Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series circuit.  

“I got hot through that patch on the back-nine where I had four birdies in a row,” Kulacz said.

“There is some great golf being played out here so it’s to be a great battle out there tomorrow, one I’m really looking forward to.”

A pack of golfers will look to pounce in the final round including 2015 WA Open winner Daniel Fox who sits in outright fourth on 10-under par followed by Callan O’Reilly, Michael Wright and Chris Wood on a 9-under par total.

Saturday’s third round also marked the start of the WA Open All Abilities Championship where Geoffrey Nicholas leads following a 4-over par 76 ahead of Arnold Bamroong in second place with 80.

The All Abilities Championship will precede the final round play beginning from 8.30am at Cottesloe Golf Club. Keep up to date with scores through the ww.pga.org.au or via the PGA of Australia app.