Ryggs Johnston made his second DP World Tour appearance at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open with five consecutive birdies in six holes to help him advance into the final round. Leading edge.
The Q-School graduate, who made his debut at the BMW Australian PGA Championship last week and finished tied for 43rd, shot a 4-under 68 on a rain-soaked Kingston Heath course to chase the win. Enter Lucas Herbert at 14 under.
Home favorite Herbert shot a stunning 63 to beat Kingston Heath by 66 in Victoria on Friday to lead by four shots at the half but managed just one birdie in an even-par 72 to seal the win. The chasing team left the door halfway open.
American Johnston – named after the “Lethal Weapon” character made famous by Mel Gibson – had four consecutive birdies starting on the fourth hole and heading into the seventh hole in stunning fashion.
Further gains followed in ninth and 12th, and the Montana native was looking to take a commanding lead on Sunday.
Herbert bogeyed the fourth hole and hit a six-footer on the ninth to temporarily pull within one shot.
However, Johnston made a double-bogey 7 on the 14th hole after hitting a free tee shot from the right side and a bunker shot off the back of the green.
Three-time DP World Tour champion Herbert endured cold putts on the back nine, while Johnston made a long birdie on the final lip, forcing the pair to share the lead.
“I’ve been under quite a bit of pressure for a while trying to get certified through credentialing school,” Johnston said.
“The last round was the most stressful round. I mean, it was a different type of pressure and I did a good job.
“So I just try to carry that with me and when we look back we tell ourselves, 'Hey, a lot of people are watching it and it's stressful, but you can still do this'.
“I guess I've been a little bit lucky this week. It's been raining pretty hard and the golf has been softer, so we've been able to play more of the golf we're used to in the States, which is nice. Especially, I've never been to Australia, Haven't played golf here either so definitely it might be a bit of an advantage to me as it makes it a new course for everyone.
“It means a lot to me to be able to win for my career. But, yeah, I'm trying to take the pressure off myself. So just try to go out and play good golf and whatever happens, happens.
“It's been a long time since I won a golf tournament. I'm going to use it as much as possible as a learning experience and hopefully it works out my way. But if it doesn't, I want to stick around and play all 18 holes and give myself a chance ”
Five players tied for third place, including Chinese player Ding Wenyi, Finnish player Oliver Lindell, Chilean player Joaquin Niemann, and Australian players Elvis Smiley and Jasper Stubbs. It's 12 under par.
Herbert added: “It’s a bit frustrating but really nothing ground has been lost.
“I'm still in the lead and probably got a few more people back in the race but still in the lead and still where I want to be. So yeah, I guess, a good result on a frustrating day. ”
