Owen adds Australian title to record

Expat Wanganui golfer Simon Owen adds the Coco-Cola Australian PGA Seniors Championship to his impressive resume. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Former Wanganui and now Taupo professional Simon Owen has won the Coco-Cola Australian PGA Seniors Championship in dramatic fashion.

Owen, who finished regulation play tied with Australian Michael Harwood on two-under the card, made a birdie on the first playoff hole to claim the title at the weekend.

Other Australians Terry Price, Tim Elliot and Alan Cooper all finished one shot outside of the playoff.

Owen, who is famous for finishing runner-up at the 1978 Open Championship to Jack Nicklaus, showed the value of his experience during the first playoff hole.

He hit a three wood off the tee to within 20 feet [7m] of the hole on the short par 4 18th to put the pressure on his rival.

Harwood, also a runner-up at the Open Championship, chose to lay-up and when his birdie putt from 10ft [3m] failed to drop, the trophy and Championship was Owen's.

"I'm ecstatic to win this tournament," said the 63-year-old.

"There are some great names on this trophy and it's an honour to now be alongside them."

The well-known Kiwi shot rounds of 66, 70 and 72 at the Richmond Golf Club in West Sydney to finish in a share of the lead.

This was Owen's first time contesting the Australian PGA Senior Championship which is sanctioned by the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour.

The former New Zealand Open Champion, who won twice on the European Tour in 1970s, has added two European Senior titles, two Senior NZ PGA Championships and now the Australian Senior PGA Championship to his startling record.