Geoff Ogilvy leads the Australian Masters by two shots
Local star equals course record at Victoria Golf Club
Geoff Ogilvy fired a record-equalling eight-under-par 63 on Saturday to take a two-shot lead over Ian Poulter in the Australian Masters.
The former US Open champion is a long-time member of the Victoria Golf Club and made full use of his local knowledge during a third round played in gusty conditions.
"Obviously, I'm very comfortable out here on this golf course. I've probably played here more than I've played any other course in the world," said Ogilvy, who stands at 13-under-par overall.
"It's fun to come back to Melbourne always...especially to play here."
Ogilvy tore through the front nine in 29 and made his ninth birdie on the par-five 18th to equal the sandbelt course's record, set eight years ago by John Wade .
The 34-year-old started aggressively with an eagle and two birdies in his first three holes and the record seemed on when he chipped in for birdie from 30 metres at the 12th to go eight under.
However, Ogilvy then marred his round with bogeys at 13 and 16.
"All in all, I left a couple out there but I stole a couple, especially on 12, so I'm pretty happy with that," added Ogilvy, who failed to win on the PGA Tour this year after suffering a series of injuries.
Awkward
Poulter, who had led on Friday despite suffering food poisoning, lies second after carding a two-under 69, with Australians Nathan Green and Ashley Hall in joint third place, two shots further adrift.
Although Poulter managed to shrug off the nausea during his fighting third round, he was unable to master the gusty winds.
"It was awkward. Got off to a great start, two birdies on the first two holes and then the next four holes had four completely different wind directions," the Englishman said.
"Hats off to Geoff for going in actually eight-under par in that wind today, that's a great score. When someone posts a course record on Saturday they generally move forward.
"Geoff's done that and I'll be chasing him down tomorrow."
Meanwhile, world number one Luke Donald lies eight shots behind after struggling on the greens for a third successive day.
Donald, the joint PGA and European Tour money list winner, carded a two-under 69 and birdied his last hole to give himself the faintest hope of an unlikely victory on Sunday.
