By GREG DOWLING
Steven Jeffress is tasting success after firing a final round 66 at Sanctuary Lakes to win the National Australia Bank Victorian PGA Championship.
Jeffress grabbed seven final round birdies to finish on 272 – 16 under par – and one shot ahead of gallant runner-ups Mark Leishman and Anthony Painter.
Leishman had the chance to send the tournament into extra holes, but dunked his approach shot into water fronting the 18th green.
Apart from the top three finishers, up to 16 contenders were at one stage within four shots of each other during an absorbing final day enjoyed by an enthusiastic crowd.
Jeffress, who started golf at the age of 10, was understandably thrilled to record his breakthrough victory.
“It’s an awesome feeling to win,” the new champion said.
“I’ve been knocking on the door and doing all the right things to give myself the best chance. So it’s great to finally get one under the belt.”
Jeffress intends toasting his terrific win by sharing a few beers with two of his best mates who also travel the PGA Tour.
Rookie professional Mark Leishman arrived at the par-four final hole tied for the lead but drowned his approach shot after misjudging the ball’s lie.
“I picked the right club, but the long, whispy stuff grabbed the hozel and turned it over,” the 22-year-old from Warrnambool explained.
“As soon as I made contact it was headed for the water. The rough was a lot stronger than I thought.”
Still, Leishman can take many positives from his debut as a tournament professional after graduating last month at the PGA Tour School.
The VIS scholarship holder shot 14 under for the weekend, with closing rounds of 63 (a new Sanctuary Lakes course record) and 67.
“I felt comfortable competing at this level and it was good to get into contention with a chance of winning.
“I came up short this time but hopefully there’ll be more chances.”
Sharing fourth place on 14 under par were Queenslander Wayne Perske and David Lutterus, a 20-year-old from Adelaide also playing in his first event as a professional.