Phil Campbell and defending champion Reece Hodson have a share of the lead on 244 strokes through three rounds, with Darryn Bruce not far away with 226.

Bathurst Golf Club general manager Brad Constable is not surprised to see Campbell and Hodson showing how it’s done.

“They’re probably two of the club’s form golfers at the moment. Reece is multiple champion in this and Phil has also won it before,” he said.

“Darryn has been one of those golfers knocking on the door and he’s right up there at the moment.

“Reece had two mediocre rounds, [of 76 and 76] by his standards, to start the championships but scored 72 in the last round.

“Phil shot an 80 in his first round so had he shot a better score there he could have built up a little lead by now.”

Campbell and Hodson shot identical rounds of 72 in round three remain tied.

Ben Cummings led the pair by two strokes last round but has drifted back.

Constable is confident the recent rain will give golfers a great course to play their final round on.

“The course has been playing nice and fast. Unless the rainy conditions keep up through to the weekend it should be in perfecting scoring condition with a bit of softening up,” he said.

“It’s been a solid contingent we’ve had to play this year. We’ve had a couple of blue ribband events recently with the Jack Newton and NSW Seniors tournaments so the course has been in perfect tournament shape now for the past six weeks or so.

“The zing will be taken out of it a bit. The greens have been in great condition lately.”

In B grade Zane Beale (242) leads the way from Norm Matheson (246) and Matt Ryan (248).

“Zane is looking for his first big title, whereas the other two are more seasoned competitors,” Constable said.

Beau Fitzpatrick (253) holds a commanding lead in B1 grade. John Lillie (262), Bill Lambert and Shoon Ryan (both 296) have plenty of catching up to do.

Col Hope (273) is at the head of the C grade field. Todd Jenkins (276) and Paul Barnes (277) are in pursuit.