Declan O'Donovan (NSW Golf Photo)

For O’Donovan, the day began with a tough battle against 2022 NSW Junior Champ Koby Carruthers. Despite taking an early two-hole lead, Carruthers fought back to square the match late on the back nine, pushing the contest to No. 18.

The crowd was expecting the contest to head to sudden death, but with O’Donovan all but in the hole for par, Carruthers missed his chance for par, much to the relief of the top seed.

With the afternoon contests played in a strengthening southeasterly, O’Donovan really found his mojo against a gallant Jeff Pullen.

Unfortunately, it was a match too far for the tall St.Michael’s representative, who, despite his excellent play, couldn’t match the Avondale powerhouse’s seven birdies in 15 holes on his way to a 4&3 win.

“I had to play some brilliant golf to beat those guys today,” O’Donovan grinned. “I didn’t play the level of golf I have been playing, but the way I played this afternoon was another reminder of how good it can be.”

O’Donovan’s opponent in tomorrow’s final, Andrew Kirkman, was as surprised as he was relieved to make the final.

The 37-year-old battled Vidur Subramaniam in the morning match, eventually winning on the last, before taking out The Australian Golf Club’s Harrison Glenday in the semi-final with an almost faultless back nine in the strong wind, 3&2.

“I never expected to be this far into the competition at the end of the week. It’s new for me, and I have nothing to lose,” Kirkman, the 2023 NSW Country Champ, said.