Golf: Poulter cruises to Australian Masters title

Ian Poulter of England in action during day four of the 2011 Australian Masters. Photo / Getty Images

England's Ian Poulter won the Australian Masters at Victoria Golf Club as local favourite Geoff Ogilvy faded on Sunday.

Poulter had a final round 67 to cruise to a three-shot victory at 15 under par.

Victorian Marcus Fraser finished second at 12 under following a final round 64 while Ogilvy shot two-over 73 to finish outright third, 11 under the card.

Ogilvy started the day two shots in the lead but was hunted down firstly by Poulter and then by Fraser.

Fraser continued the excellent form he has shown in the past two months, defying tough, swirling winds to leap up the leaderboard.

Poulter set up his victory with a confident opening nine which began with an eagle two at the first hole.

That allowed him to immediately draw level with Ogilvy while he moved a shot ahead with birdies at the seventh and ninth.

Ogilvy seemed frustrated by the windy conditions and, despite his local knowledge, was unable to set up any opportunities.

In fact, he slipped further behind with bogeys at the 13th and 15th holes.

Ogilvy made his first birdie of the day when he sank a four-metre putt at the par three 16th.

He was left little time to celebrate however as Poulter, seconds later, rolled in a three metre putt to match Ogilvy and stretch his lead to four shots.

World No.1 Luke Donald made a half-hearted charge early in the day when he climbed to fourth place but the Englishman faltered on the back nine to finish one-over 72 and four under for the tournament.