With new Zealand’s Josh Geary opting to take the week off Bryden Macpherson has the chance to achieve a feat that was almost unthinkable three weeks ago: take top spot on the PGA Tour China Order of Merit.

Geary, a three-time winner on the Tour this year, appeared to have an unassailable lead at the top of the earnings table less than a month ago but Macpherson’s brilliance in recent weeks now has him challenging for the top position.

Two wins and a third place finish have rocketed the Victorian up the standings, his AU$114,000 in earnings now just AU$42,000 behind Geary.

With weekly winner’s cheques on the PGA Tour China worth just over AU$46,000, Macpherson has the chance to steal the top spot this week with just four events remaining in the season.
The top five on the Order of Merit at season’s end gain status on the American secondary circuit, the Web.com Tour.

Just 10 Australians will play this week’s tournament, down from the 20 or so who tee up most weeks, presenting a good opportunity for players to move up the Order of Merit.

Rohan Blizard, who is in good form after a top five finish last week, is hovering at 12th on the money list but a good week could see him threatening the coveted top five.