Tour news: American Kevin Stadler eagled the final hole to stave off a stern challenge from Australian Nick O'Hern to win the Johnnie Walker Classic at the Vines in Western Australia yesterday.
Making the most of a sponsor's invitation, Stadler shot a closing three-under-par 69 to finish on 20 under for the tournament, edging out O'Hern by two shots.
The 26-year-old teed off on the par-five 18th needing a birdie to win the event, and a brilliant second shot to the green left the American a one-foot putt to claim the biggest title of his career.
"That was the best shot I hit all week, as I knew I had to make at least four, but thankfully I didn't have to worry about the putt," Stadler told reporters after eagling the last for the third day in a row.
"It was the perfect club to the perfect pin position."
The American suffered a slight lapse on the front nine, registering three straight bogeys from the fifth hole, but he offset those with four birdies and his solitary eagle to claim the €305,500 first prize.
Searching to end a seven-year title drought, O'Hern completed a round of 68 after narrowly missing an eagle putt of his own on the last to finish two shots clear of his compatriots Robert Allenby and Richard Green.
South Korea's KJ Choi was a further shot back in fifth place, with defending champion Adam Scott of Australia registering a sixth-place finish after a final round 69.
The champion, son of 1982 US Masters winner Craig Stadler, is now pondering his options after earning a two-year exemption from the Australasian, Asian and European Tours with the Perth victory.
"I am honestly baffled by this win," he added.
"It's been a good week, and except for those three holes in the middle today, it's been just fantastic.
"It was my intention this year just to play the Nationwide Tour and get my PGA Tour card back, but now I have no idea what I will do.
"I just wanted to come down to Australia and get some golf under my belt in readiness for the two Nationwide events next week in Adelaide and then in New Zealand."
Although disappointed with another near miss, O'Hern was gracious in defeat.
"I got off to a bit of a flyer to be three-under par after five holes, but then I hit a brick wall," he said.
"I will keep plugging away and trying my best, and sure enough it will happen some time. But all credit to Kevin, as he hit a great shot in to the last."
England's Ian Poulter and Italy's Francesco Molinari were the leading European players, both finishing on 14 under for the tournament in a share of sixth place along with Scott.
American Fred Couples, a former champion, carded a level par closing day 72 for a share of ninth place on 13 under par.
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