Golf: Millar takes out NZPGA title

Kiwi golfer Josh Geary made a run on the final day but ended up tied for second. Photo / John Borren

Steady Australian golfer Matthew Millar has held his nerve to take out the NZPGA title at Remuera.

He took a two shot lead into the final day, had that narrowed to a single stroke at halfway but then edged away down the last few holes to win by three shots.

It was an emotional finish for the Canberra-based pro who claimed his first four-day title after starting out on his professional career 16 years ago.

The 38-year-old kept his mistakes to a minimum in the breezy conditions with some fine recovery play like his brilliant scramble to keep the damage to a bogey on the short 9th.

He was chased hard by fellow Australian Kristopher Mueck who led the tournament on the opening day with a course record 64, a score Millar matched in the third round.

Mueck turned at three under in his last round but then fell back a touch as the pressure ramped up and the swirling winds continued to make club selections awkward.

Some like Geoff Drakeford and Kiwi Josh Geary who was looking for his first major win on home soil, made small surges before mistakes slowed their momentum. The pair tied with Kristopher Mueck for second.

Millar began this year with three top 10 finishes after getting his card back at Q school. A fortnight ago, it seemed he would pick up the Queensland PGA title before he was run down by Fox who had two eagles in the last few holes.

This week was his turn.