Hong Kong Open: Smith journeys into parts unknown on way to sharing lead with Phachara
- Australian Cameron Smith struggles off the tee but still manages a five-under-par round of 65
- Phachara Khongwatmai cards a 66 to join Smith at top of the leaderboard on 16 under, but only four shots separate top eight
Cameron Smith saw parts of Hong Kong Golf Club on Saturday normally reserved for high handicappers and those seeking some relief, and he still finished the day top of the leaderboard.
The Australian carded a five-under-par 65 to move to 16 under overall at the Hong Kong Open, and will go into the final round tied for the lead with Phachara Khongwatmai, who shot a 66.
Ben Campbell sits a stroke back after his five under, and with just four shots separating the top eight, Sunday promises to be a fight to the finish in the penultimate International Series event of the year.
“I found parts of the course that I don’t want to see ever again,” Smith said. “It was a bit of a grind today to be honest, I was happy with the way I hung in there.”
Despite his travails, Smith only had one bogey in his round, when he went way left from the tee on 16 and had to hack his way out of trouble. He repaired the damage at 17, one of the six birdies he managed.
“I just didn’t really feel comfortable with the driver today, and you know, the rest of the longer stuff, but the mid to short irons and wedges felt great,” he said.
