Australian PGA Championship: Holman wins title in three-way play-off

Aussie golfer will receive full European Tour card for next two years

GOLD COAST: Australian Nathan Holman won the European Tour co-sanctioned Australian PGA Championship in a three-way play-off at Royal Pines on Sunday.

Holman won on the first play-off hole with a par from American Harold Varner III and South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli.

Holman worked his way into contention for the play-off with a final round one-over 73 in tough playing conditions.

It was the second consecutive year the Gold Coast tournament had been decided beyond the regulation 72 holes. But unlike last year’s marathon seven-hole play-off between Australians Greg Chalmers, Adam Scott and Wade Ormsby, only one hole was needed.

Holman, 24, held his nerve to make par on the 18th hole — one of the toughest in the new-look back nine at Royal Pines — while Varner and Frittelli both made bogeys.

For his victory Holman will receive a full European Tour card for the next two years following a new co-sanctioning agreement with the Australian PGA.

“It’s huge. I didn’t realise what was on the line, really,” said Holman, who began the day two strokes off the pace. “I did think I’d get to those events in the future, but to do it off the back of a victory is probably going to be better. I’ve deserved it. It’s stuff you dream of, playing golf as a kid.”

The last international player to win the event was New Zealand’s Greg Turner in 1989.

Zander Lombard, the 20-year-old former South African amateur who was tied for the overnight lead with Varner and Frittelli, finished fourth after a four-over-par 76. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 7^th,  2015.

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