Stubbs joins Herbert, Johnston in share of Open lead

The 2016 US and Asia-Pacific Amateur champion, Luck lost his PGA Tour card and has been plying his trade on America's secondary Korn Ferry Tour.

But the 28-year-old was threatening to crash Herbert's party as the Victorian fought to complete a rare wire-to-wire victory and claim his maiden national championship.

Herbert and the unheralded Johnston, the world No.954, reached the turn at one under for the day as 10 players were within three shots of the lead in pursuit of the Stonehaven Cup.

Warrnambool fan favourite Marc Leishman and 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur champion Jasper Stubbs were one stroke behind at 14 under early on their back nines.

Harrison Crowe was one shot further back, with newly crowned Australian PGA champion Elvis Smylie at 12 under and still in the hunt for a golden summer double.