Portuguese golfer Ricardo Melo Gouveia has ascended to a share of the lead at the Australian PGA Championship, marking a significant personal milestone after the third round of the DP World Tour season opener in Brisbane.
Gouveia, ranked 459th in the world, carded an aggregate of 200 strokes, 13 under par, at the Royal Queensland Golf Club on Saturday. He now shares the top spot with Spain’s David Puig and Australia’s Anthony Quayle.
This marks the first time in Gouveia’s eight seasons on the main European professional circuit that he has led a DP World Tour event after 54 holes. The 34-year-old climbed from fifth place following his strong third-round performance.
“I was very consistent off the tee and kept hitting greens, which is really important on this course, and I also made some putts, which was great,” Gouveia told the DP World Tour.
He expressed excitement for the final round. “It’s going to be a very good opportunity tomorrow. I’ve never been in the lead from Saturday to Sunday, so it’s going to be a new experience. I’m happy and looking forward to the day.”
Gouveia followed earlier rounds of 69 and 65 with a 66 in the third round. His third round included seven birdies on holes 2, 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15, alongside two bogeys on holes 14 and 16.
The Portuguese golfer will face close competition from local favorites, including former champion Min Woo Lee and previous leader Kazuma Kobori, who trail by a minimal margin.
Another Portuguese golfer, 23-year-old Daniel Rodrigues, is making his debut on the DP World Tour and also saw an improvement in his position. Rodrigues is currently tied for 18th place at 8 under par, with a total of 205 strokes (72, 65, 68).
Rodrigues’s third round saw him register four birdies on holes 9, 10, 15, and 17, against only one bogey on hole 14, moving him within striking distance of the top 15.