At 64, Horsnell heads into the second half of the tournament tied for second, two shots behind teenage leader Josh Conlan. 

“I’m looking forward to it. I don’t often get into this position,” Horsnell said ahead of this weekend’s final two rounds.

His 78 last Saturday was the lowest score of the second round and, after an 81 to open, has Horsnell level with Jeremy Whalan (80, 79) and first round leader Warren Lynch (76, 83).

“It surprised me a bit. I was expecting a few of the young blokes like Josh Conlan and Kyle Harrison to be coming through but that didn’t happen,” Horsnell said. 

“I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. I haven’t got any great expectations about it. But you’ve got to be in it to win it.”

While Conlan (77, 80) has just finished his HSC, Horsnell has been playing golf for 40 years. He’s been at the City Club for longer than the Championship leader spent at school.

Two years ago, Horsnell finished third behind runaway winner Nathan Bowman but took home the A Grade Nett title. Playing off a handicap of nine (which is down to eight after last week) he said the Nett was his aim again this year.

But it will mean a lot if Horsnell finds himself out in front on Sunday.

“That’s true,” he said. “Hopefully. You never know. I’ve been playing pretty steady and my main goal was to play to my handicap.

“I also bought a new driver. That helps a bit too. I’ve had it about a month and I’ve been surprised at how good it’s going.”

It might have paid for itself by the end of the weekend. 

Behind the top four are Bob McKenzie, John Dare and Harrison, all four shots off the pace set by Conlan. Clarrie Ridley is a further two shots back while defending champion Mick Hazell has 11 shots to make up.