O’Reilly claims Tahiti Open - PGA of Australia

O’Reilly claims Tahiti Open


Callan O’Reilly has won the 2015 BMW Tahiti International Open in one of the most dominant displays in the events 31 year history.

Callan O’Reilly has won the 2015 BMW Tahiti International Open in one of the most dominant displays in the events 31 year history.

"CallanStarting
Sunday’s final round six shots ahead of New Zealand’s Daniel Pearce, O’Reilly
held his nerves in the early stages to maintain his lead.

By
the ninth hole O’Reilly had extended his lead seven shots with Fraser Wilkin
and Edward Stedman the only challengers to rally on the final day.

The
final grouping of O’Reilly, Pearce and Andrew Kirkman were faced with
sweltering Pacific temperatures reaching the mid 30’s by noon.

"I
really battled today and probably wasn’t as relaxed as I was in the first three
days but it’s an amazing feeling right now," said the 24-year-old O’Reilly with
the victory also marking his first 72 hole win.

"It
was amazing weather all week and today was really hot by the time we teed off
but the weather is one of the great reasons this event is so popular".

O’Reilly
hit the professional scene in style, claiming the victory at the 2013 PGA Tour
of Australasia Qualifying School.

Since
turning professional, the young gun from Toronto Golf Club on the NSW Central
Coast has by his own standards had mixed form with several top results on the PGA
Tour of Australasia and several wins on the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series.

"This
is certainly the biggest win of my career to date" said O’Reilly.

"I
don’t think I have ever played as solid for 72 holes as I did this week and
driving the ball as well as I am right now."

"When
I hit that great shot into the par-three 17th hole I felt like I was
in control and had my nerves in check," he added.

New
Zealand’s Fraser Wilkin posted the low round of the day with an eight-under-par
64 to finish in outright second.

Pearce
came unstuck on the par-four 15th where an errant tee shot into the
left trees resulted in a double bogey six and fall out of contention.

Tournament
favourite and recent SIFA Samoa Open winner Mitchell A. Brown posted a final
round 68 to finish in a tie for fourth place.


Headlines at a glance

Media Centre