Smith followed his second-round 67 with a 66 today with five birdies and not a single bogey, recovering from a scrappy start during which he had to battle for pars.

At nine under par overall, the 27-year-old Australian made up some ground on the field but is five shots behind the 54-hole leader, Xander Schauffele of the US at 14 under par.

It means that he will need to play equally as well if not better in tomorrow’s final round, with some of the best players in the world ahead of him. But the dream is alive.

Golf returned to the Games in Rio five years ago after a century-long absence but none of the Australians medalled.

“It’s going to take a good one,” Smith said today. “But if I can get out to a start like I did those first couple of days, make a few birdies in the first four or five holes, I think I’ll be looking at it differently. I just need to go out there and do that.”

Smith said the nature of the event – with just three medals on offer – made the approach different to that of a regular golf tour event where prizemoney and rankings points go down to 70 players.

“It’s just a different mentality,” he said. “If you get off to a scrappy start in a tour event you can still sort of wiggle your way up there and get some good points, whereas this week, all you think about is those first three spots. That’s the way it is this week.”

The Queenslander has had a ball in the Olympic bubble. “I mean, the crowds would make a massive difference but nonetheless the Aussie boys have had a great week off the course,” he said. “It’s been so much fun and it’s not very often you get to represent your country. I’m pretty proud. Proud to be an Aussie. The Aussies are going great in the Olympics so far, and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Australia's Marc Leishman shot a one over par 72 today and is back in the field.

Martin Blake

#HaveAGo at Tennis