Cool Lonard claims first Australian Open title

WORLD number 42 Peter Lonard clinched his first Australian Open title yesterday when a birdie at the 72nd hole edged out US Open runner-up Stephen Leaney and Chris Downes by a stroke.

Lonard, who started the day two shots behind overnight leader Downes, closed with a three-under-par 69 to finish on nine-under 279 and win a gripping shoot-out with Leaney at the new Moonah Links course south of Melbourne.

The 2002 Australian PGA and Australian Masters winner, Lonard added the national open championship with a stunning approach shot to the par-five 18th that left him with a six-foot putt for birdie.