Sport: Cory Crawford wins PNG Open in playoff

10:36 am on 8 May 2017

Australian golfer Cory Crawford is the Papua New Guinea Open champion following a thrilling six-hole playoff win in Port Moresby.

The Queenslander checked in as the clubhouse leader after 72 holes at 10-under par and faced an agonising wait for compatriot Brett Rankin to finish his round in the group behind him.

Rankin had the chance to seal victory in regulation but was only able to make par on the 18th, forcing a playoff for the second year in a row at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

The pair could not be separated through five playoff holes on the par-3 18th, both making par on all attempts.

Cory Crawford celebrates winning the PNG Open.

Cory Crawford celebrates winning the PNG Open. Photo: PGA of Australia

But on their sixth trip Rankin could only bogey, giving Crawford an easy par for his first professional victory.

"It definitely means a lot considering I've had a really rough couple of years out here so it was good to get it all together in one week and obviously to get the win is fantastic," he said.

"I haven't won a lot of playoffs as an amateur but this was great. I mean six holes: it's tough, it's taxing and obviously on top of 72 holes, it's quite hot here as well.

"It was getting tough towards the end but it's great to get the job done."

Cory Crawford in action at the PNG Open.

Cory Crawford in action at the PNG Open. Photo: PGA of Australia

Crawford said as the playoff drew longer he was playing a safe and simple game plan.

"I just kept doing the same thing, kept getting to the same spot and giving myself a chance to hole a par and in the end it worked out in my favour."

The 24-year-old claimed AU$21,300 in prizemoney and now has full exemption on the PGA Tour of Australasia until the end of 2018.

Australian's filled the top 16 positions on the leaderboard in Port Moresby, with New Zealander Luke Toomey and Fiji's Sam Lee among six players tied for 17th at two under par.

Papua New Guinea amateur Morgan Anato finished in a share of 49th place at 10 over par, with compatriot Soti Dinki one shot further back.