Wollongong's Jordan Zunic remains in the hunt at Australian Open

Zunic, who will wed his fiancée Olivia Marlow in New Zealand later this month, shot 1-under on Thursday at Sydney's Australian Golf Club.

He is five shots off the pace from joint leaders Takumi Kanaya and Chun-An Yu.

See more: Wolves commence quest to repeat highs of 2019

Zunic was on the course in smoky weather conditions on Thursday morning. His highlights included an eagle on the par five, 14th hole while he managed birdies on the par five, fifth hole and par four, 13th hole.

The 27-year-old told the Mercury this week that he wanted to achieve a "top 10 " finish at the Australian Open.

"That would be an amazing way to finish the year. If I get myself into a position to do better than that coming into Sunday, that's a bonus," Zunic said.

"The Australian Golf Club is quite a long golf course and it's quite demanding with your approach to the greens. There's certain parts of it where you've got to be quite accurate.

"I've played it a few years now so I feel like I have the gist of where to hit it. Hopefully I can use that experience to help me have a good couple of rounds and set myself up for the weekend."

It was a tough day at the office for Port Kembla golfer Lincoln Tighe on Thursday afternoon.

The 30-year-old started on the back nine and impressed early with birdies on the par three, 11^th hole and par four, 12^th hole.

However, he then had two double bogies and three bogies to finish his round on +5.

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.