Local favorite takes two-shot lead into final round at Asia-Pacific Amateur, eyes historic first for New Zealand

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New Zealand’s Zack Swanwick shot a four-under 67 Saturday at Te Arai Links’ South Course to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. He is one round away from delivering the host nation its first victory in the championship’s history.

The 20-year-old University of Florida junior made five birdies and one bogey, closing with a 10-footer on the par-5 18th to reach seven under overall. Swanwick opened with a 72 on Thursday, a round in which he was four over through his first 15 holes, and sat tied for 25th. A second-round 67 moved him up 21 spots to solo fourth, and Saturday’s matching round put him on top.

Fellow New Zealander Cooper Moore is tied for second at five under. The 18-year-old Christchurch native carded an even-par 71, highlighted by a birdie on the par-3 17th, and remains two strokes back after entering the day in solo second.

Defending champion Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand is also at five under after a two-over 73. The 21-year-old Arizona State senior, who opened the week with a 63 and followed with a 72, is still bidding to become the second player to win consecutive Asia-Pacific Amateur titles, joining Hideki Matsuyama, who did it in 2010 and 2011. Laopakdee has been in this position before. Last year in Dubai, he began the final round six strokes back and won on the third playoff hole.

Japan’s Kaito Sato is alone in fourth at three under. Australia’s Harry Takis, who shot a 68, is tied for fifth at even par with New Zealanders Joshua Bai and Zach May.

There’s no denying the pressure on Swanwick heading into Sunday’s final round, with a chance to make history for New Zealand and secure invitations to the 2027 Masters and The Open. But he is keeping his approach simple. “Just gonna stick to the game plan, soaking it all in,” Swanwick said. “It’s all a pretty cool experience. It’s a spot I haven’t been in a while, so just trying to make the most of it.”

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Swanwick, No. 24 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is making his second Asia-Pacific Amateur appearance after finishing tied for 12th in 2023. This year he was runner-up at the Southern Amateur, reached the Round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur and was a member of the winning International team at the Arnold Palmer Cup. He also made the semifinals of the 2025 Western Amateur. His coach, Andrew Henare, is caddieing for him this week, and his grandfather has been following along.

No New Zealander has won the Asia-Pacific Amateur since it began in 2009. China has won five times, Australia and Japan four each, South Korea twice, and Thailand joined the list last year with Laopakdee’s win.

This article was originally published on golfdigest.com