www.ladbroke.co.uk – South African Tim Clark has held beaten Tasmanian Matthew Goggin in a play off to secure the Australian Open and become the first international golfer in eleven years to take home the trophy.
Clark shot a two under, 70 to enter the clubhouse at nine under for the tournament – three shots behind then leader, New Zealand’s David Smail.
It seemed a mere formality for overnight leader Smail who extended his lead to three shots before consecutive double bogeys on the fifteenth and sixteenth handed Clark and Goggin a share of the lead.
Clark, who had already vacated his locker and tucked into a good old Aussie meat pie, was shocked to learn of Smail spectacular crash and burn and immediately set about warming back up on the practice greens.
To his delight, the play off lasted only he first hole, with Goggin three putting to score a bogey and effectively hand the title to Clark.
Goggin is fast earning himself the reputation of a bit of a bridesmaid.
Last week he finished runner up to world number 11 Geoff Ogilvy after a wayward second shot found the water on the fairly straight forward fifteenth hole.
Regardless of the surprise victory, the tournament may always be remembered as the tournament that Smail lost.
Clark wasn’t even considered in contention until the close of play after both Goggin and Stuart Appleby failed to capatilise on crucial birdy opportunities on the back nine.
Clark has openly stated he much prefers playing in Australia to his home country and plans to play as many tournaments in Australia (ahead of his homeland) as he can.
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