Morning tee-offs Cameron John, Ben Eccel, and Tom Power Horan had set the early clubhouse target at 5-under, but Sinnott’s afternoon charge of 6-under 64, the lowest round of the day, put him clear at the top.
Sinnott capped his round with a birdie-birdie finish, including a clutch 15-foot downhill putt on the 18th, in spite of the increasingly challenging conditions.
As the wind picked up on the Mornington Peninsula and the greens firmed, Sinnott leaned on his familiarity with the course he grew up playing on and where he’s had professional success, winning the event in 2022 and finishing fourth in 2024.
“The greens firmed up a lot and it’s quite breezy, so I’m very happy with six under and to birdie the last couple,” Sinnott said.
“I actually grew up playing here a lot. My nan was a member, so I kind of got into golf playing with her.
“I like the course and I think I know what I’m doing out there, so hopefully the next three days are good, too.”
A win here would be crucial for regaining full-time status on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia for Sinnott, as he also lost playing rights on the Asian Tour after a tough 2025 campaign.
“I don’t really get to play that many events in Australia, so when I do, I need to play well. I just want to win this category back,” he said.
Sinnott’s strong form follows a fifth-place finish at the Vic Open, but last week’s champion John looms at 5-under.
After fulfilling a boyhood dream by winning the Vic Open at 13th Beach, John is confident in his game after securing his third Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia title.
“I think I’m just picking the right shots and my swing feels in a good place. I am happy with how my body’s moving,” John said.
“I rolled the putter really nicely; it felt like there wasn’t much I was missing, which is a good sign.”
Four players sit at 4-under, while Ian Cho leads the women in a share of ninth place at 3-under.
Entry to Webex Players Series Victoria is free for spectators, with the final two rounds available on Kayo and Foxtel.
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