Australian "rookie" Michael Wright was fortunate just to make the field but now he's in contention for a senior major golf title.
With his 18-year-old son Noah carrying his bag, Wright was so deep in the "zone" he forgot to mark scores down as he shot a seven-under 63 third round in the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio on Saturday.
The 50-year-old Champions tour newbie will enter the final round tied fourth and three shots behind leader Steve Stricker, who carded a 67 to get to nine under and lead by one from Ernie Els (64) and Robert Karlsson (66).
Wright was the first alternate ahead of the tournament and only got into the field when Harrison Frazar withdrew with a neck injury.
he began day three in a tie for 23rd but rocketed up with eight birdies between the third and 13th holes.
“I had a section through the middle of the round where I actually blacked out,” Wright said.
“I didn’t even put any scores down on my scorecard. I had forgotten to write the scores, so just had a real just zone experience through that middle of the round.
“Just totally oblivious to what I was meant to be doing other than hitting the ball, target, hole, target.
“It’s the greatest feeling. I wish we could do it more.”
He relished having Noah alongside him every step of the way.
“This is his third week on (the bag) and he’s done a great job so far,” Wright said. “It’s been really cool to have him on the bag and someone I can trust and just share that experience with him is cool.
Wright is not the only Australian prominent through three rounds.
Fellow Champions Tour rookie Cameron Percy (69) and Mark Hensby (68) were in a share of 12th at two-under and Stuart Appleby was tied for 16th after a 66 with Richard Green (72) tied 23rd.
