Paddison prevails in thrilling playoff at Muriwai Open

Gareth Paddison has gone back-to-back at the Autex Muriwai Open after a thrilling three-hole playoff against James Anstiss to claim his fifth title on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

After a long week with no power, the Muriwai Beach Golf Club lit up this afternoon with some spectacular golf, topped off with Paddison sinking a clutch birdie for an exciting and well-deserved finish for the local gallery.

It wasnt his first clutch moment after showing his experience to come back from two-shots behind after Anstiss laid down a great challenge, highlighted by an amazing eagle on the 14th to jump into the lead with three holes remaining. He then added a birdie on 16 to apply huge pressure on the eventual champion who handled it well.

With three playoff holes and three impeccable wedge shots, Paddison couldnt get the final putt to drop, but it was third time lucky as he secured yet another title.

"This one means a lot in defending my title, there is a lot at stake and a lot of pride on the line, so it was a great day and I couldnt be happier," said Paddison.

"James played exceptionally well and made that eagle on the par five and was unlucky to drop a shot on the last, so he was very impressive today. All the young guys were impressive this week and have a big future ahead."

Paddison will now take this momentum to Japan where he has two qualifying events in a row as he aims to get his Japan Tour card.

Anstiss who carded a memorable final round of five-under par, 67 only had positive thoughts after falling just short of a maiden Jennian Homes Charles Tour title.

"Im obviously a bit gutted not to win, but it was an awesome week and Im pretty happy with how everything went and its nice to be up there, right in contention and to have that energy running through the body down the stretch," smiled Anstiss.

"I played really well all day, recovered well and took advantage of some great opportunities with the bonus of that eagle."

"Its the great thing about this tour is that if you play well you are going to be up there and to have these feelings will prepare me well with whats to come in the future."

Anstisss debut event on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour was the Carrus Open in 2014, which will bring back nice memories as he now casts his mind to the Jennian Homes Trophy. This result lifts him into second place and he will now fight it out with Daniel Pearce for the season long prize.

Daniel Hillier started the day birdie, eagle to throw his name in the mix early, but couldnt challenge the leaders enough from there. It still was enough to once again end the week leading amateur as he continues to progress and impress.

Oscar Cadenhead and Jang Hyun Lee were tied for lowest round of the week (66) which earns them a share of 52 dozen Asahi. However, with Lee being just 15-years-old, he is unable to accept this which naturally put a large smile on Cadenheads dial.

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Muchin Keh has won her third Autex Muriwai Open title this afternoon by a mammoth nine-shot margin to also record her fifth victory on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

Keh was the only player who could handle to tough conditions throughout the week at the Muriwai Links Golf Club as she claims her maiden win as a professional after making the leap last year.

To see her return to the national circuit and produce such a clinical performance while defending a large lead was great to witness.

"It feels really good and Im stoked with the outcome. I wasnt too focused on the lead, I was just trying to focus on my game and play each shot which turned out pretty good," said Keh.

As an up and coming professional, the first win is always a special moment which she has now achieved in her backyard.

"Its nice to get my first professional win out of the way, and even more special to do it here at home."

Keh heads back to China next week and may have to take extra luggage with her new-found form. After starting her career on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour, its going to be exciting to see where she can go from here.

"This tour is where I grew up playing golf and building the confidence and reaching natinal level which has helped me a lot, especially with overseas experience."

Brittney Dryland finished the week as bridesmaid, with Miree Jung in third place. They will be looking forward to a fresh start at the Carrus Open next week in a field that doesnt have to name Munchin Keh listed.

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- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ