Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann triumphed over Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino in an intense play-off, marking his first victory at the Australian Open.
Both players ended level on 14 under par after 72 holes, each managing to birdie the 18th, forcing the sudden-death play-off into a second hole.
Niemann, aged 25, then surpassed Hoshino’s birdie with an eagle, securing his win at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney.
Niemann, a former world number 15, confessed to recent struggles with his putting, adding that he had dedicated significant effort to improvement.
“It was gratifying to make that last putt,” exclaimed Niemann, underscoring the significance of his dedication.
“I always practice those three, four, five-feet ones and know that one of those will be to win a tournament. It’s amazing.”
Securing his inaugural DP World Tour title, the two-time US PGA Tour winner, who joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series last year, has earned an exemption to next year’s Open.
On the same day, Ashleigh Buhai defended her women’s title by narrowly defeating Australia’s Minjee Lee.
South Africa’s Buhai clinched victory with a one-shot lead over Lee, securing her second consecutive title, being the first back-to-back champion since Yani Tseng in 2011. The 34-year-old finished at nine-under for the tournament, carding a three-over-par 75.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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