The NSW Open golf at Stonecutters Ridge is headed to a playoff between 32-year-old Victorian Anthony Brown and 29-year-old New Zealander Josh Geary.

Brown started the day three shots adrift of co-leaders Geary and James Nitties, who were on 14-under heading into the final round.

Brown played an excellent back nine in tough conditions to draw level, making birdies on all three par fives (10, 15 and 18) as well as the par-four 14th.

In contrast Geary bogeyed 10, 14 and 17 and needed birdie on 18 to force the playoff, with Brown on minus 14 in the clubhouse.

Nitties missed a three-metre birdie putt on 18, which ruled him out of the playoff.