Kiwi Golfer Kazuma Kobori Maintains Contention at Australian PGA

Kazuma Kobori remained competitive during a challenging third round at the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane on Saturday. Despite losing his lead, the New Zealand golfer managed to stay within striking distance of the top competitors. Currently ranked No. 183 in the world, Kobori started the tournament strong with a hole-in-one in his opening round and a remarkable second-round score of 63.

As the tournament progressed, Kobori faced a stormy third round, which proved difficult for many players. He carded a two-under 69, placing him in a tie for fourth at 12-under overall, just one stroke behind the leaders. His performance kept him as the highest-ranked New Zealander in the field, with the chance to become the first Kiwi to win the title in 26 years.

Competitive Landscape

Kobori’s current position sees him tied with Australia’s top player, Min Woo Lee, who is ranked No. 46 internationally and was the 2023 champion. The two trail a group of three players at 13-under: Australians Anthony Quayle and David Puig from Spain, along with Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia. Puig recorded an impressive round of 65, the best of the day, and notably did so without any bogeys.

The third round began with optimism for Kobori, who quickly notched a birdie on the second hole, bringing his total to two birdies in a row. His success continued with six consecutive birdies dating back to the previous round. However, as storms rolled in, play was suspended for around two hours, disrupting Kobori’s momentum during the final twelve holes. He managed to secure 16 straight pars but could not regain the aggressive play that marked his earlier rounds.

Other Kiwis in the Mix

While Kobori held his ground, other New Zealand golfers also showcased their skills. Ryan Fox, the top-ranked Kiwi, struggled after returning from an eight-week break, finishing the day with a score of 73, placing him in a tie for 57th at three-under. Conversely, Daniel Hillier finished with a score of 67, tying for sixth place, and Nick Voke followed closely with a score of 66, putting him in a five-way tie for 10th at 10-under.

As the tournament heads into its final rounds, Kobori’s consistent play and determination keep him in contention for a significant achievement in his career and for New Zealand golf. With the competition heating up, all eyes will be on the final rounds at Royal Queensland as players vie for the championship title.