Bryden Macpherson has claimed his second PGA Tour of Australasia victory in two months, triumphing in the NSW Open by three shots from rookie Jack Thompson and teen amateur star Elvis Smylie.
The 30-year-old Victorian collected $72,000 for his fifth pro win, using all his experience and composure to overcome a frustrating start after going into the final round at Sydney's Concord GC as overnight leader.
Overhauled during an even-par front nine, Macpherson reclaimed the lead with a long-bomb putt for eagle at the par 4 13th hole and followed it with a birdie at the 15th, allowing himself a comfortable walk up the 18th as he shot a three-under 68 to win at 18 under.
"I hadn't really holed any long ones all week and I kept saying to myself that I'm due to hole one soon. It looked good the whole way," said Macpherson.
"I didn't seem to be reading putts very well. The best thing I could do was just stick in there and get lucky and some of the other guys will get nervous."
The win follows his victory at last month's Moonah Links PGA Classic and the 2011 British Amateur champion also has three victories in China.
Queenslander Smylie, 18, threatened to pull off a huge upset when five under through 16 holes and a shot from the lead.
But a double bogey at the par 4 17th, when his drive landed between tree roots forcing him to take relief, effectively ended his hopes as he shot a 68.
In only his third pro start, 24-year-old South Australian Thompson had his chances dented by consecutive bogeys at the 12th and 13th following a strong start and he carded a 70.
NSW youngster Dale Williamson (69) tied for fourth with former US PGA Tour player Michael Sim (69) at 14 under.
The future of Australian golf looks great as far as Macpherson is concerned.
"All of these young kids, they are really good players," he said.
"I'm excited to see what they do, and I hope they can stick to what they're doing and get better at competing. ..I was impressed."
