Gulliver has been the model of consistency over the first three rounds carding one-under par 70s in the first two rounds followed by a 69 on Sunday for a four-under par total of 209.

The 2018 and 2015 title winner enjoys an eight-shot lead over 2014 winner Clayton Small who is on 217 with rounds of 72, 72 and 73 which in most years would have him firmly in contention.

“Barring a disastrous final round, Hayden should take out the title for the second year in a row,” Maitland Golf Club captain Rick Marsh said.

“The way he is playing nothing would suggest he will do anything other than card a similar score to his opening three rounds.

“You could describe him as a golfaholic he and his father Bryan are always out on the course practising their game.”

Maitland A-grade pennants captain Chris Burdekin sits third on 220 (71, 73, 76) and Will Fraser is fourth on 224 (76, 75, 73).

Steve Wooderson has an even stronger hold on the B-grade title going into the final round on 248 leading by 13 from Justin Barrett (261), with Ross Haynes a further shot back. Al Matthews is fourth on 264.

Rob Lloyd leads C-grade by six shots carding 269 in the first three rounds. Gary McPhee is second on 275 and Gary Minotti and Darren Saunders share third on 277.

In the juniors it is a battle between Small’s younger brother Bowen (240) who turns 14 soon and 16-year-old Lachie Charnock (246).

The most wide open contest is in the Veterans where just six shots separates six players who all have strong chances of winning.

Greg Eyb and Peter Callingham are joint leaders on 237, followed by Peter Keith third on 240. Ian Jeffrey and last year’s veteran winner Bryan Gulliver are two shots further back with Stu McDonald still very much in contention one behind on 243.

Marsh said the course was in outstanding condition following the recent rain, although humid conditions on the weekend tested players in the lower grades.

“There was some wildly fluctuating form in the lower grades from Saturday to Sunday so results are still open.”