Geoff Ogilvy of Australia plays a tee shot on the 18th hole during the third round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday Dec. 17, 2011.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Geoff Ogilvy took a two-stroke lead Saturday in the Australian Masters, shooting an 8-under 63 on his boyhood course at Victoria Golf Club.
Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open champion, had a 13-under 200 total. He eagled the short par-4 opening hole—hitting a 3-iron to 5 feet—and had nine birdies and three bogeys.
England’s Ian Poulter, the leader after each of the first two rounds, was second after a 69. Australians Nathan Green (67) and Ashley Hall (68) were 9 under.
Greg Chalmers topped a group at 7 under after 67. He’s trying to become the second player to complete the Australian Triple Crown after sweeping the Australian Open and Australian PGA last month. Robert Allenby accomplished the feat in 2005.
Top-ranked Luke Donald was 5 under after a 69.
Ogilvy’s round tied the eight-year-old course record set by John Wade.
“I think I left a few shots out there weirdly enough, but I think I stole a couple as well, so it all balances out,” Ogilvy said.
