golf.co.nz article
Last updated December 12th 2020.
James Anstiss has poked his nose in front in blustery conditions on moving day at the Christies Floorings Mount Open held at Mt Maunganui Golf Club.
He sits a shot in front of Daniel Hillier after rounds of 68, 64, and 69 to finish at 15-under for the tournament.
The two-time Jennian Homes Charles Tour champion has the opportunity to join an elite group of players with three wins on the tour. He says he’s looking forward to going head-to-head with Hillier tomorrow, and will call on his learnings from his first two wins as he tries to get over the line.
“Just the belief that I can get it done whether it’s with the lead or coming from behind. Just having that self-belief that I can win should put me in good stead for tomorrow.
“It’d be awesome to get it done. I haven’t had a good run in the last three of these events and I haven’t put myself in contention to win. So, to put in some hard work and get my game back to wear it needs to be is great and to be in the position to win again is cool,” Anstiss explains.
He’ll need some of the form shown throughout the first three days of the tournament.
He says his ball-striking has been the key this week, and the setup around Mt Maunganui Golf Club suits his eye.
Anstiss says he was happy with his work out there today.
“It was a good day out there. I hit it very similar to yesterday and I think it windier today to be fair. I didn’t quite hole as many putts with that wind but I’m happy to walk of the 18th shooting three-under.
“I pretty much hit driver everywhere again today and I’m just going to keep doing that tomorrow. Dan’s playing really well so I can’t take the foot off the pedal. I’ll have a good battle on my hands tomorrow,” he says.
Hillier will look to get off to a fast start again tomorrow as he tries to catch Anstiss.
He carded a third round of two-under 70 following consecutive rounds of six-under. He says he’s happy to finish under par after struggling midway through his round.
“I’m pretty happy with the score in the end especially in that breeze. Putting was the thing that got me today, I missed a few short ones but managed to grind it out and get a couple toward the end.
“I got off to a good start which helped. To be able to come back like I did on the final few holes and keep myself in the event was very pleasing and I’m looking forward to getting into it again tomorrow,” he says.
Hillier has more than just the tournament on the line tomorrow. He has the opportunity to finish off the year in style with the season long Jennian Homes Trophy and just needs to finish in second place to secure the trophy.
Only James Hydes and Luke Toomey can spoil Hillier’s part with a win, and Hillier will still need to finish worse than second if Hydes was to lift the trophy tomorrow, or worse than 51st if Toomey was to win.
He says the Jennian Homes Trophy won’t be on his mind tomorrow.
“I’ve just got to keep everything the same as I have the last three days. I’ve been pretty aggressive off the tee; I didn’t hit it quite as well today but got away with a few. I just have to stick to the game plan, and I have can execute that I should be up near the top of the leaderboard but otherwise it will have been a good week regardless,”
As part of the event, the Grant Clements trophy is on the line for the lowest male and female amateurs.
Kit Bittle currently leads the men’s standings at 12-under with Anna Am leading the females at one-over.
Play gets underway from 8.30 tomorrow morning.
