Jason Scrivener broke through for his first professional victory after pulling away from the field in the New South Wales Open at Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club.
Scrivener teed off in the final group of the day with a one-shot lead over Victorian Lucas Herbert and Queenslander Daniel Nisbet but streaked away to win easily by seven shots after a round of seven-under par 65. He finished the tournament 24-under the card.
It’s a landmark win for the 28-year-old who has been on the verge of his first professional win in the past. He’s had three top-five finishes on the European Tour this year alone, including a fourth place finish in the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth.
Despite his dominant win, he said it was tougher than it looked on the leaderboard.
“It feels pretty good. I think it looked a lot easier than what it was; it’s hard work to win,” Scrivener said.
“After the 16th hole, I figured I’d probably have to do something drastically wrong to not win. It was a weird feeling those last couple of holes because the first 16 were just brutal. Even though I was playing nicely, you never know especially around here. There’s bogeys and doubles to be made as well.”
The West Australian said the win gives him confidence in getting the job done should he find himself in this position again.
“I’ve come close before and just haven’t got across the line. It’s just nice to play that well under pressure so I’ll definitely put that in the memory bank. I’m stoked. I’ve been working really hard the past few years and been patient with everything I’ve done.”
Herbert finished in outright second, signing off with a birdie on the 18th to be 18 under the card. The 2015 NSW Open champion, Ben Eccles, finished outright third at 16 under. Chris Crabtree (QLD) and Blake Windred (NSW) rounded out the top-five and were also the best-placed amateurs at 16-under.
For his win, Scrivener picks up $72,000 and moves to fifth on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.