BRENDAN Jones has a point to prove to the world golfing media when he continues his charge in the USPGA Championship at Chaska, Minnesota this morning.
The Canberra golfer was ridiculed by the press when beaten by world No1 Tiger Woods in the World Match Play Championships in February.
But Jones may become the media darling if he can overhaul tournament leader Woods over the final 36 holes around the Hazeltine course to claim his first major title tomorrow.
He started his third round at the championship this morning tied in second place and four shots behind Woods a position he thought impossible at the start of last week. But it's the stinging treatment he copped earlier this year that could spur Jones on as he chases down golf's biggest star.
''No one likes hearing ordinary things being said about you,'' Jones told The Sunday Canberra Times yesterday.
After losing to Woods in the match play event US journalists took a swipe at Jones's credentials, attacking the world No64 for plying his trade on the Japanese circuit.
''It would be nice to finish off a good event here and make them realise that just because I choose not to play in America it doesn't mean I'm not very good,'' Jones said. ''People aren't expecting me to finish the tournament off and if I have a good weekend, then I've surprised a lot of people. I know that when I am playing well I can compete with the best.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times