Lonard victorious Down Under

Peter Lonard fired a final round 69 to claim the Australian Open title at Moonah Links.

In atrocious weather conditions Lonard put together one of the best rounds of the day, including a birdie on the final hole, to snatch victory from Stephen Leaney, who led for much of the day, and young prospect Chris Downes.

The win is the 36-year-old’s first victory since the 2002 Australian Masters but possibly his sweetest.

It completed a memorable triumph for Lonard who won the Australian Masters and tied for first in the Australian PGA with Jarrod Moseley last year and ensures he finishes on the top of the Australasian PGA Order of Merit in terms of prize money.

“It’s a wonderful way to finish the year,” Lonard said while clutching the Stonehaven Cup.

“To be part of Australian Golf history for the rest of time is something special. You look through the list of the winners. It’s a catalogue of the best golfers of all time.

“I’m privileged to be a part of it,” he said in remarks on www.australianopengolf.com.

Lonard and Leaney went through the front nine in even par and were tied for the lead after Lonard birdied the par-five 13th.

Leaney could have taken the outright lead after the 17th, but his birdie putt lipped around the cup as

Lonard watched on the big screen near the 18th tee.

Lonard set himself up to take the lead with a well placed approach shot on the par-five final hole, which rolled to within three metres of the flag.

Leaney had the chance to force a two-way play-off with a six-metre putt on the 18th green but the ball rolled short and to the left denying him his first victory since the Linde German Masters in 2002.

It is Leaney’s second runners-up finish in an Open tournament this year – he also finished second in the US Open in June.

“I guess I can’t be disappointed,” he said.

“It’s just a shame I couldn’t make that putt on the last. Pete did what he had to do and he’s a worthy champion,” he said.