Voke secures Web.com Tour Card after third win in five events

Aucklands Nick Voke has won his third PGA TOUR Series-China in four events at the season-ending Clearwater Bay Open to bank RMB 360,000 ($80,000 NZD) and finish third on the Order of Merit to secure his 2019 Web.com Tour card.

Starting the final day five strokes clear, Voke shot a third consecutive three-under 67 for a 14-under total at The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club.

Voke, 23, continued his remarkable recent run on the PGA TOUR Series-China, which started with a tie for fourth in Suzhou then back-to-back wins in Qinhuangdao and Macau last month. After a tie for 16th in last weeks Zhuhai Championship, the rookie pro returned to his winning ways to collect the biggest check presented on the Tour.

"Its been a really awesome run of golf and Im really excited to see what I do in the next couple of years. This win means a hell of a lot, to be honest with you," said Voke.

"The first couple of victories I managed to come from behind, so to come out here with a five-shot lead and know that everyone is chasing me, its a different sort of victory. Im very proud with how I handled myself and how I went out and played today. Its absolutely the greatest pro week Ive had so far."

Voke had admitted he was shaking with nerves while in the lead on Saturday, but managed to stay calm in front of big crowds and hold on to the lead by carding four birdies and one bogey. Voke had also made only one bogey in each of his previous three rounds.

"I drove it very well all week and didnt make many opportunities to make bogeys. I only made four in the end so that just summarizes how it was for me out there. Just very solid and steady golf," said Voke.

"Im pretty exhausted and absolutely thrilled to be where I am and I think it will take me a couple weeks to realize what Ive accomplished here. Right now, though, Im just pretty tired."

Despite feeling some pressure from Tarren entering the back-nine, the 23-year-old Voke remained calm and managed to grind it out on the back-nine.

"The first time I saw the leaderboard was on the ninth green and I knew Callum was going deep and I had to keep things going if I wanted to win," said Voke.

"Just a good gritty effort, that back nine. I stuck to my game plan and I felt the pressure, but I handled myself and my emotions and some adversity so just absolutely thrilled."

The top-five on the PGA TOUR Series-China Order of Merit will automatically earn membership on next years Web.com Tour, the top-10 will be eligible for the Final Stage of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament from December 6-9 and players 11-25 will be exempt to the Second Qualifying Stage.

The PGA TOUR established PGA TOUR Series-China in 2014 as its third international developmental tour, following in the footsteps of PGA TOUR Latinoamerica and the Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada. Since its inception, PGA TOUR Series-China players have received Official World Golf Ranking points for top finishes at official tournaments.

Meanwhile in Australia, Ryan Chisnall and Harry Bateman have finished on the podium at the Victorian PGA Championship.

Chisnall who entered the final day leading the way was unable to earn his first professional victory after a round of one-over par to finish one stroke behind Queensland Aaron Pike.

A further one shot back was Bateman who ended the week with great rounds of 67 and 68.

Chisnall started the day in perfection after making birdies on his opening two holes to add to his lead, but they would be the only two birdies until the 17th hole leaving him one-shot behind with one to play.

The rookie-professional gave himself a chance with a nice approach shot, but was unable to birdie the last hole to fall just short of a maiden victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

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