Queensland golfer Adam Blyth has recovered from a horror start to his final round to win the NSW Open in Sydney.
Blyth has carded a rollercoaster 71 to emerge a three-stroke victor at 23 under for the championship at Stonecutters Ridge.
It was anything but comfortable, with Blyth relinquishing his four-shot overnight lead by the turn.
After opening with two birdies, Blyth dropped six shots in six holes as exciting young amateur Brett Coletta regained the lead by collecting four birdies on his front nine.
Blyth, though, regained his composure and stormed home with five birdies down the stretch to score the biggest win over his career.
The 35-year-old picked up a cheque for $72,000 in a timely confidence booster ahead of this week's Australian Open at Royal Sydney.
Having his girlfriend Nicole carry his bag for the first two days and then letting his father Stephen caddie over the weekend made his triumph extra special.
"It's been a magical week. I enjoyed it. I played probably the best golf of my life," Blyth said.
"To share it with my girlfriend and dad is just super special."
Blyth shot to the top of the Australasian Order of Merit with his victory.
Having also won the South Pacific Open in September, he is the first player since Adam Scott in 2013 to win twice on the Australasian tour in a single season.
Coletta, 20, had been bidding to become the first player since Greg Norman 30 years ago to win the Queensland and NSW Open titles back to back.
The Queenslander opened the tournament with a course record-equalling 62 on Thursday but Coletta started Sunday's final round seven strokes adrift of the lead.
Coletta eventually settled for equal second with rising West Australian Jarryd Felton, who also closed with a 67 to finish at 20 under.
Wade Ormsby powered home with a Sunday-best 64 to share fourth place at 19 under with US-based New South Welshman Rhein Gibson (70).
Share
