South Australia's Brad Moules has won the Papua New Guinea Golf Open following a two-hole playoff.
The first round leader surged back into title contention after firing a 5-under 67 round to be the clubhouse leader on 11-under.
"I was playing well all week, even pars in the second and third rounds didn't get it done but today the putts fell and 5-under was pretty good out there I think," said Moules, who had a nervous wait to see what players in the final four groups would do.
He was soon joined by amateur Anthony Quayle and the pair watched on as Queenslander Aaron Wilkin gave up a two shot advantage on the final hole to create a three-way playoff.
Quayle bowed out on the first playoff hole, leaving Moules to birdie the second and claim the winners cheque of $AU21,000 and a two year exemption on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
"The second time round, Aaron hit a quality shot in, which made it easy for me because I didn't have to look anywhere else but at the flag. I put a good swing on it," added Moules.
"I had that same putt in the main round, so I knew what the line was, I hit it a bit harder and it when straight in."
Brad Moules holds aloft the PNG Open trophy. Photo: PGA of Australia
The 24 year old's first tour victory ensured he will now have a place in all the Tour's biggest events including the European Tour co-sanctioned Australian PGA Championship and Fiji International.
"It's amazing, first year on Tour, only six starts in and I have got the first win out of the way. I am rapt. It definitely will put me into the big events, if I had of finished runner-up I would still be trying to get a start on Qualifying School status."
Moules is already considering his next career move onto an overseas Tour but said he will definitely be back to defend the title in 2017.
"Next year I will look at Asia or Europe, I'll see where it takes me but for now I will enjoy it while I can. The tournament has been well run, the PGA was great and the sponsors have all done a great job to make us feel at home. I'll definitely be coming back."
Amateur Soti Dinki was the best-placed Papua New Guinean, carding a final round 80 to finish in a share of 47th place at eight over par.
Jacob Duwe was the only other local to make the cut - he finished in 52nd place on 18 over par.
