FINGAL, Australia (AP) — Chris Kirk shot a 7-under 65 on Saturday in the Moonah Classic for a share of the third-round lead with fellow American Jim Herman.
Kirk, a former University of Georgia player in his third season on the Nationwide Tour, matched Herman at 9-under 207 on the Peter Thomson-designed Moonah Links. Herman shot a 75. He opened with a course-record 62 and had a 70 on Friday.
American Scott Gutschewski (71) and Australians Andrew Dodt (68), Alistair Presnell (70) and Jarrod Lyle (72) were tied for third at 5 under in the event also sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Kirk began his round tied for 27th, 10 strokes behind Herman. However, four birdies in five holes on the front nine saw him move quickly up the leaderboard in windy conditions.
"I was lucky to have a real good feel for it all day, how much the wind was going to affect it and hit a lot of solid shots," Kirk said. "The key for me (is) I always try to tell myself when it's a really windy day like that is to never hit one hard."
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