Korean golfer Guntaek Koh remains in firm control at the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport, increasing his lead to four shots after a steady five-under-par 66 in the third round at Millbrook Golf Resort. Sitting at 22-under, Koh is now on the verge of becoming the first Korean golfer to win New Zealand’s national championship.

With Australia’s Ryan Peake in second place at 18-under, and Kazuki Higa (Japan), Ian Snyman (South Africa), and Bai Zhengkai (China) tied for third at 17-under, Koh will need to hold his nerve in the final round to secure his first international victory.

Koh’s Poise Under Pressure

Despite feeling the weight of leading after a course-record 61 on Friday, the 25-year-old Korean handled the pressure with another composed round. He fired five birdies, offsetting two bogeys, and capped off his day with a spectacular eagle on the par-four 12th, where his blind wedge shot from 66 meters took two bounces before spinning back into the cup.

“I did well to handle the pressure today,” Koh said. “After a 61 and trying to stay in front, there was a lot of pressure, but I am proud of what I achieved. I am taking it shot by shot, not thinking too far ahead. That will be the same tomorrow.”

Koh is no stranger to winning under pressure. He previously claimed the Shinhan Donghae Open—an Asian Tour event in Korea—as well as two Korean PGA Tour titles in 2022 and another last year. However, winning outside of Korea remains his next big career milestone.

Chasing Contenders

Ryan Peake moved into second place with a bogey-free 64, extending his streak to 39 consecutive holes without a bogey. However, the Australian left-hander will need to improve his accuracy off the tee after hitting just three fairways out of 14.

“It’s not the flight I want. I’m not getting the distance that I want and I’m just not finding a lot of these fairways,” Peake admitted. “I’m doing well to make a score from where I am. I just need to start hitting some fairways.”

Japan’s Kazuki Higa, a four-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, surged up the leaderboard with a brilliant 62. He carded two eagles, including one on the par-five 17th, and remains confident about his chances heading into Sunday.

“Playing very well. Excited about tomorrow and can’t wait to start,” Higa said. “It’s my goal to win outside of Japan. I hope to follow in Hataji-san’s footsteps tomorrow.”

South African Ian Snyman (65) and China’s Bai Zhengkai (67) are also in the mix, five shots behind Koh.

Final Round Showdown

The final round at Millbrook Golf Resort promises a thrilling conclusion, with Koh in the driver’s seat but a strong field ready to chase him down. If he holds on, he will join Takahiro Hataji, who became the first Japanese winner of the event last year, in making history for Asian golf in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Open, now in its 104th edition, is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the Asian Tour, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour.