David Micheluzzi won't have to defeat Greg Norman, but the Australian Open bolter says he'll have to overcome nerves to become the first amateur in 19 years to lift the Stonehaven Cup.
Not since 1999, when Aaron Baddeley held off golf great Norman and Nick O'Hern at Royal Sydney, has an amateur won the Open.
But Micheluzzi has given himself a chance after a second-round 69 at The Lakes elevated the 22-year-old to seven under par for the tournament in equal second spot behind Korean halfway leader Byeong Hun An (69).
Making his Open debut this week, Micheluzzi attributes a trio of bogeys around the turn to seeing his name high on the leaderboard following a roaring start of three birdies and an eagle in his first six holes.
"That happened so quickly. I glanced at the leaderboard and I think I was three or four in front," Micheluzzi said.
"There is nerves, there has to be because it means something to me.
"To play in an Australian Open is just awesome. I've been dreaming about it since I was a little kid and this is my first one, so the nerves are still there."
Micheluzzi admits it's hard not to dream of lifting the Stonehaven Cup despite two rounds remaining - and with strong winds forecast for Saturday's third round.
But he says finishing runner-up to then amateur Zach Murray during his Western Australian Open victory recently was proof it can be done.
"I saw it first-hand with Zach at WA Open when I came second," Micheluzzi said of Murray, who has since turned pro.
"It would be awesome to win. It's awesome to win any pro event as an amateur.
"It is in the back of my mind a little bit but all I've got to do is just play good golf."
