Hoath and Park lead Amateur

Queenslander Lewis Hoath leads the Men’s field following 3 rounds of the 2019 Avondale Amateur. A 67 from the Emerald Lakes Member in sweltering conditions tied the low round of the day, and was good enough for a 2 shot lead at 10 under par despite a late slip. Heading the chasing pack are Sydneysiders Jordan Garner (Castle Hill) following a 69 and overnight leader Jye Pickin, who struggled on the front nine but held it together well to post 74.
​Nineteen year old Hoath, flew out of the blocks with an opening birdie, followed by an eagle on the monstrous 572m Par 5 third after a lengthy putt dropped. Playing in the group in front of overnight leader Pickin, Hoath reeled in the lead and never let up until the death. He held a commanding 4 shot lead with two holes to play, however two late bogeys tightened up the leader board heading into the final round.

“Just take it one shot at a time really, that’s all I tried to do, and it seemed to work out pretty good.” said Hoath.
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Defending Champion Blake Windred remains well in the hunt, 3 back after a 70, together with NSWGC Member Zinyo Garcia after his third consecutive 69. Blake Collyer rounds out the second to last three ball on -5, just 4 strokes back.

In the Women’s field, a seesawing battle between 16 year old South Korean Kumkang Park, known as “KK” and Royal Pines’ Hye Park left the former with a one stroke advantage on -2 through 54 holes. Despite a closing double bogey, KK managed the heat well to finish with 72 and will again go head to head with Hye Park in the final round, after the NSW Junior Champion finished with a 74.

​With only 2 sub 70 rounds thus far, the 5861m Ladies course layout is proving very challenging. “Just play smart, you have to play smart golf here,” remarked KK.
Another Korean, Min A Yoon rounds out the top 3 after a solid 71, whilst the NSW Amateur Champion from last week, Lisa Edgar, tied the low round of the day with a 70 to sit just 5 behind.

Avondale favourite Grace Kim struggled to a 75 and sits in a tie for 7th.

Some welcome respite from the heat IS forecasted for the last round. Friday’s last pairing commences at 11.48am with presentations expected before 5pm.
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