Defending champion Colleen Bell will take a three-shot lead into the final day of Wollongong Golf Club Ladies Club Championship on Thursday.

Bell trailed main rival Lynne Townsend by one shot after day one but surged into the lead on the back of a 76 on day two last Thursday, which included an eagle on the 13th.

Bell broke Townsend's eight-year stranglehold on the title in 2013 after the pair tied after 72 holes.

Bell claimed the title on the third playoff hole, adding the Wollongong title to her 11 championships with the Port Kembla club, a title that she defended this year.

Townsend will be on the hunt for her 24th championship, after her maiden title win in 1979, in what promises to be a thrilling day's play at Wollongong Golf Club.

"They were neck and neck all the way last year as well," ladies committee president Judy Newell said.

"Lynne had won, I believe, eight straight but Colleen joined the club last year and beat her in a playoff.

"Lynne was in front after the first round but Colleen had a really good round last Thursday and shot a 76 while Lynne had an 80.

"Colleen's going in three shots up on Lynne but every day's a new day in golf but Lynne will need a good round to catch her.

"It'll be another great day, the course is in great condition. It sometimes comes down to the last hole so this year might be the same."

The course record will also be on offer after recently completed refurbishments to the course.

"It's the first stroke rounds we've played on the new course.

"A few holes have changed so whoever comes in with the best stroke round will hold the course record for 18 holes as well," Newell said.