Wright enters zone to compete at senior golf major

The 50-year-old Champions Tour debutant heads into the final round tied for fourth place, three strokes behind leader Steve Stricker, who shot 67 to finish nine under par. He was one stroke ahead of Ernie Els (64) and Robert Karlsson (66).

Wright was the first reserve ahead of the tournament and only came on when Harrison Frazar withdrew with a neck injury.

He started the third day tied for 23rd but moved up with eight birdies between the third and 13th holes.

“I had a moment halfway through the round where I passed out,” Wright said.

“I didn’t even put scores on my scorecard. I forgot to write the scores down, so I just had a real just zone experience in the middle of the round.

“I had absolutely no idea what to do except hit the ball, goal, hole, goal.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I wish we could do it more often.”

He enjoyed having Noah with 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 really cool to have him on the bag and someone I can trust and share that experience with is cool.

Wright is not the only Australian to have won three rounds.

Fellow Champions Tour rookies Cameron Percy (69) and Mark Hensby (68) shared 12th place at two under par and Stuart Appleby was tied for 16th after shooting a 66, while Richard Green (72) finished tied for 23rd.