The Bacchus Marsh-based golfer is tied for the lead with reigning champion Shane Gurnett heading into the final round of the Port Fairy Golf Club championship, which concludes on Saturday.

He shot two-under par round of 70 on Saturday to rocket up the rankings from 11th to first. Gurnett moved to equal first after the third round on Sunday, shooting 77 to Keane’s 78.

Keane, who is contesting the A grade championship for just the second time, said “a few putts dropped at the right time” to help him charge up the field.

“I probably missed a couple of putts I should’ve got, but had a few drop in that were a surprise,” he said.

“I got up and down really well from seventh (hole) in a bunker, got a good putt on eight. I played a great shot on nine and birdied on 11, which really got me in.”

Teenager Noah Best is three shots behind the leaders in third, while Chris Dunn is another shot back.

“I’m just happy to be playing at the level of Chris Dunn, Shane Gurnett and young Noah Best – Noah’s going to beat us all in the future.”

Gurnett, who is chasing his second title at Port Fairy, was one of the more consistent performers across the first three rounds, posting scores of 76, 77 and 77.

“I’m reasonably happy (with that),” he said. “I probably could’ve scored a little better in each round, but there’s a lot of pressure in club championships.

“There’s not much in it – there’s still Noah and Chris Dunn who can win it.”