Appleby claims Australian Masters crown

Stuart Appleby has won his first tournament in Australia in nine years after coming from way back to win the Australian Masters at Victoria Golf Club.

Appleby began the final round seven shots behind leader Adam bland but fired a 6-under 65 as Bland faltered to claim the golf jacket by one shot. Appleby said he used some of the experience he gained when he shot 59 in a US PGA Tour event a few months ago to shoot enough birdies to put the pressure on the leaders.

It was a tragic end to the tournament by Daniel Gaunt and Adam Bland who had done little wrong prior to the final nine holes. Gaunt’s hopes disappeared with a poor putt up the slope on 16 which saw his ball come back down the steep slope. Bland was leaking shots and needed to attack the final two par-5’s to force a playoff. He opted for an iron on 17 which only resulted in a par. His eagle putt on the last was always below the hole.

Bland flies back to the US tonight to play in the PGATour Q-School event in order to try and gain his PGA Tour card. Six consecutive rounds hoping to finish in the Top 25 awaits.

Stuart Appleby drives home with a brand new gold jacket and a confidence boosting win on home soil.