An Australian golfer has again used the New Zealand Open to make a name for themselves, unheralded 22-year-old Dimitrios Papadatos blitzing the field to claim the title by four strokes from New Zealander Mark Brown at the Hills in Arrowtown.
Papadatos fired a six-under 66 in his final round to finish the event at 18-under.
The 22-year-old had never led a professional tournament heading in to the final round but he never faltered, collecting five birdies on the back nine.
Poor conditions threatened to mar the final day as rain struck on more than one occasion but it didn't hurt Papadatos who banked $NZ 153,000 for his first win as a professional.
It was another frustrating NZ Open for Brown, who despite shooting a three-under 69 on the final day, didn't hole enough putts to put any serious pressure on Papadatos.
Te Anau's David Klein finished third at 13-under for the tournament.
Papadatos' victory means the search for a New Zealand champion continues with Mahal Pearce the last local to win the crown.
