Chalmers holds steady to claim Aust PGA

Never, ever, give up.

That’s the message Greg Chalmers delivered after securing a thrilling Australian PGA Championship win over world No.3 Adam Scott at Royal Pines on Sunday.

The West Australian left-hander made up eight shots during a remarkable tournament-best round of 64 on Sunday to crowbar his way into a three-man playoff involving Scott and Wade Ormsby.

Then as Scott’s putter deserted him across seven playoff holes Chalmers held on.

He went to the bunker off his tee shot five times. Once he sprayed left and wound up in the trees.

Through it all he did what Scott couldn’t, nailed putts. Staying alive.

South Australian Ormsby, who drained a long birdie putt during regulation on the 18th to finish on 11-under-par with Chalmers and Scott, couldn’t keep up and bowed out after three playoff holes.

Chalmers however hung on as Scott relentlessly made the green in two, only to keep failing to land a killer blow.

“I wasn’t sure Scotty was ever going to hit a loose shot,” Chalmers said.

“My caddy was getting worn out raking bunkers.

“I just thought I really wanted to force somebody to make birdie if I could … if I’m gonna lose this, I wanna lose to a birdie.”

In the end, Chalmers only needed a tap-in for par to claim the Joe Kirkwood Cup for a second time after Scott’s putting profligacy caught up with him.

The 34-year-old sent a four-foot par putt to the left and Chalmers stepped up to complete a remarkable win.

“Just relief that it seemed to be over but it wasn’t over until I made my little diddler, so I was happy to see that drop.”

Scott ends 2014 with one tournament win to his name – the US PGA Tour event at Colonial in May – as question marks once again surface about his short game.

He’s also winless during his 2014 Australian swing after claiming both the PGA Championship and Masters crowns Down Under last year.

Scott is yet to decide who will caddy for him in 2015 and must ditch his broomstick putter before the club is banned at the start of 2016.

It’ll certainly give him plenty to ponder during his off-season.

“In a play off it is a lottery,” Scott said.

“This one went on and on and on.

“The story of the week – I didn’t make any putts.

“I had so many looks. When you have putts to win the tournament you have to make them.”

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