The threat of Australian State border closures has forced the Moonah Links PGA Classic to play the final two rounds on the one day and Kiwi Mike Hendry has finished third after leading at the end of the third round.
A new cluster of Covid-19 cases in Victoria has alarmed some State leaders to close borders as of Thursday night and prompted ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia officials to play the final two rounds on Thursday with groups of two to play in a cart, the third round commenced at 9.15 am and the final round started at 1.45 pm NZDT.
Hendry shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday morning to join overnight leader John Lyras on 13-under, a shot in front of Justin Warren after all the third rounds had been completed.
Hendry had an eagle, two bogeys and six birdies in the round, his best for the tournament so far.
After having an hour break, Hendry was back on the course for the final round and early on he took the outright lead with two early birdies. But with bogeys on the 6th and 10th holes, he dropped back and allowed Bryden MacPherson and Justin Warren to jump the queue.
Hendry came home like a train with birdies on 13, 15 and 18 but it wasn’t enough and he finished two shots short of the winner MacPherson.
The next Australasian Tour event will be held in Sydney in early March.
Fellow Kiwi Daniel Hillier had a 4-under round of 68 to leave him on 10-under, tied for 11th and eight shots behind the leader.
Others include Luke Brown finished three 3-under and Campbell Rawson on 9-over.
Mike Hendry ends round 3️⃣ with a birdie to take the solo lead at the #MoonahPGAClassic ⛳️
A round of 66 has Hendry at -13 for the tournament with a round to play.
He leads Justin Warren and John Lyras at -12 with a few holes still to play #PGATA #PGAProud pic.twitter.com/BcEybLSbZz
— #MoonahPGAClassic (@PGAofAustralia) February 11, 2021
