Final-hole eagle inspiration for Stadler

KEVIN STADLER emerged from his father’s shadow to win the Johnnie Walker Classic at The Vines in Perth.

The 26-year-old American may not remember the 1982 Masters, which his father Craig Stadler won by beating Dan Pohl in a play-off, but he is unlikely to forget the past four days in a hurry.

Three bogeys on the front nine threatened to undermine his title bid, but an eagle on the 18th for the third successive day earned Stadler a two-shot victory over Australian Nick O'Hern.

A final round of 69 followed scores of 64, 69 and 66 to give Stadler a 20-under-par aggregate of 268.

His three-iron approach to the 514-yard par-five 18th left Stadler with a tap-in for the title.

"I don't know what happened there, it was obviously the best shot I hit all week," he said.

"It was a great week. Except for those three holes today in the middle there, I felt like I had total control of my game and it was just really enjoyable."

The world number 256 was lucky to even get a start in the tournament, having to rely on an invitation to the event.

"It was just a great stroke of luck that they let me into the event here," he added.

"It has just worked out for the best."

Ian Poulter finished sixth and rose to 19th on the European Tour Order of Merit, after a 69 today put him on 14-under.

Fellow Englishman Ross Fisher shot a 72 to finish 12-under, with Paul Casey one stroke further behind after his one-over par final day.

"I didn't play very good golf. It was as simple as that," said a frustrated Casey. "I just didn't play the golf I wanted to play."

Steven Webster finished nine-under overall, one stroke ahead of Ian Garbutt.

A host of Englishmen finished on seven-under, including Gary Emerson, Mark Foster, Sam Little and Oliver Wilson.

Scotland's Simon Yates had a terrific day with a six-under 66 to finish on the same mark, but countryman Stephen Gallacher tumbled down the ranks after his four-over 76 to finish five-under.

Local hero O'Hern was level with Stadler until the final hole and despite being happy with his closing 68, he was disappointed not to claim the top prize.

Stadler earned £210,000 by far the biggest cheque of his career while O'Hern took £140,000 as consolation.