[PHOTO: Getty Images]
Cameron Smith has survived a late stumble to hold onto a two-shot lead at the NSW Open going into the final round at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club.
A birdie on the first came before Smith fired a stunning 7-iron from 180 metres to close range and drained an eagle putt at the par-5 fourth.
On the later stages of the back nine Smith broke away from playing partner and fellow LIV Golf star, Lucas Herbert, who had been pushing him for 12 holes. Birdies at 10, 14 and 16 gave Smith a sizeable lead before the first stumble of the day – a double-bogey 6 at the par-4 17th.
After playing on autopilot for 16 holes, Smith pulled an iron off the tee on 17 and found the fairway bunker left. An overhanging tree blocked Smith’s backswing and he eventually dropped two shots.
“It was really a shame to not finish as good as I wanted to,” Smith said. “Did what I needed to do today and on 17 there it was just, I don’t know. I don’t even know what it was to be honest. It’s all a blur.”
Smith made par on 18 for a 66. At 15-under-par through three rounds, he led Corey Lamb (67) by two shots.
“Leading into the last day is where you want to be, you want to be there thereabouts. I just need to do more of the same as what I did today,” he said.
After going head-to-head with Smith, Herbert made double-bogeys at the 13th and 16th to shoot a one-over 72, relegating him to a tie for third at 11-under with Josh Geary and Alexander Simpson.
“With Herbie having the day he did today, I expect that he’s probably going to come out with a good one tomorrow.
Smith is in the driver’s seat for a first official win of 2024.
