NSW golfer Aaron Townsend has won the Victorian PGA Championship by one shot from Western Australian Scott Strange at Huntingdale.
Starting Friday's final round four shots off the lead, Townsend fired a six-under-par 66 to finish on 13-under 275.
He was ecstatic after holing a bunker shot on the 18th to claim victory, with storms rolling in.
"I played great today. I couldn't have asked for a better start," said Townsend.
"Five-under through nine holes and I then made a birdie on 10, so I felt that set me up very well.
"It's nice to get a win so early in the season. Hopefully, I can build on it and maybe play better in some events coming up."
Townsend's victory gives him a second state PGA title after winning the 2009 NSW PGA Championship. Before that, in 2008, he won the NSW Open.
Townsend was complementary about the conditions of one of the standout courses on the Melbourne sandbelt.
"I've always liked the golf course, but now I love the golf course. I've just enjoyed every round here this week.
"It's been a great week and it's been so nice to be back."
Strange finished his campaign one shot behind Townsend recording a five-under 67 to finish on 12-under 276.
Kris Mueck and Ryan Haller finished tied for third on 11-under 277.
Townsend will head north next for the Queensland PGA Championship in Toowoomba.
