Little-known South Australian leftie Nick Cullen played a sensational bunker shot at the 72nd hole to edge out two-time defending champion Adam Scott by a shot for the Australian Masters at Metropolitan in Melbourne.
“That was probably the best shot of my life,” was Cullen’s description.
“I’ve had a pretty poor record this year, missing eight cuts by a shot.”
But not this time. He joins such illustrious winners of the past like six-time champion Greg Norman, three-time champion Craig Parry, and overseas winners like Colin Montgomerie, Bernard Langer, Gene Littler, and Justin Rose.
Scott went so close with his final-round 68, that included three birdies and a bogey going out, and coming home.
The world number two rimmed the cup, also at the final hole, with a 45-foot putt that would have forced a play-off at 9-under with Cullen.
But take nothing away from the gutsy way the 30-year-old Cullen, brother of former Australian off spinner Dan Cullen, overcame enormous pressure from Scott, who shared 8-under with James Nitties, and Josh Younger.
Overnight leaders Paul Spargo and Michael Wright both fell away on the final day – Spargo shot 73 to finish at 7-under, Wright a nightmare 8-over 80, to finish 1-over.
The continued good form of the three amateurs who made the cut deserve a salute in such elite company.
Luke Herbert (18) finished 5-under after rounds of 75, 70, 65, 73.
Todd Sinnott (22), finished 3-under with 67, 71, 77, 70, while 16-year-old Ryan Ruffles also finished at 3-under with 75, 68, 72, 70.
We can look forward to seeing the talented trio stamp themselves on the bright Australian golfing scene.
langou
Roar Guru
What a shot. You got the feeling that the nerves were starting to get to him and I wouldn't have liked his chances in a playoff against Scott and Nittes. The bunker shot was exactly what was needed. One we will remember for some time.