Josh Cabban has won the largest tournament of his short four month Professional career today, taking out the 2015 South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open.

Starting the final round shared for the lead with Kris Mueck, Cabban opened up a comfortable gap over the opening nine.

Althrough making pars he seemed to be the one to beat with nine holes to play, holding a three shot lead over Daniel Fox.

Cabban remained solid over the back nine and when he made an eight foot birdie putt at the 16th, he found himself holding a four shot lead with two holes remaining. Despite three putting for bogey on the 18th, Cabban carded a final round 71, to finish on 12 under par, four shots ahead of Fox who finished in outright second.

At 22 years of age, Cabban showed class beyond his years today to claim the $27,374 winner’s cheque, especially when trying to deal with all the pressure’s that come with trying to win a national championship.

"This isn’t a position that I have found myself in before, so I am quite speechless to have walked away with the win today," said Cabban.

"I had a chat with a few of the other professionals this morning and one said to me, out of those in the final group I am no doubt the least expected to win today, so go out and play like it. I did and I guess the proof is in the victory,"

"I would have loved to have made par at the last and go bogey free for the weekend though after winning with a few up my sleeve, I am certainly not complaining,"

"When you look at the names of previous winners on the trophy I am very honoured to add my name to it. It is quite ironic that the winner receives a green jacket given I lost all of mine in the blue mountain fires a couple of years ago, this jacket will certainly be cherished forever."

After only turning professional earlier this year, Cabban now moves clear at the top of both the National Rankings and the PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing Order of Merit. Prior to turning professional Cabban was a Carpenter working for his father though with the backing of his family always had an eye on turning professional.

"I love being a chippy though it was never something I really intended to do my entire life. After tasting victory today it is something I could definitely get used to and although it’s far more nerve racking, it is far more enjoyable than being on the tools."

After two incredible weeks in Papua New Guinea, professionals will now make their way home for a few days before the Sunshine Swing is back in action next week with the PCR Polyweld Mining Town Series.

The Sunshine Swing forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia wide and the Asia Pacific region.

Played across more than 170 golf courses the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Professional Golfers whilst also growing the game at a grass roots level by engaging an estimated 48,000 amateur golfers each year.

Related Links

Scores / South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open
News / Cabban and Mueck co-lead PNG Open, 02.05. 2015
News / Mueck leads PNG Open, 01.05. 2015
News / Conlong leads PNG Open, 30.4.2015