It was a long time coming but Matthew Millar claimed his maiden Australasian tour win with a three-shot victory in the New Zealand PGA Championship.
The 38-year-old from Canberra overcame difficult conditions to shoot a one-under-par 71 on the wind-swept Remuera course in Auckland to triumph at 18-under 270 on Sunday.
“I am so relieved, gee it was tough out there today,” said Millar.
“Remuera certainly showed its teeth. The wind was strong, blowing in different directions.”
A talented player, Millar has been in great form with three top-10 finishes so far in 2015 including a runner-up at the Queensland PGA Championship to New Zealander Ryan Fox.
He found it hard to explain why it had taken him 16 years as a pro to break through on his home tour.
“I wish had that answer,” he said. “But I am over the moon.”
Victorians Kristopher Mueck (71) and Geoff Drakeford (71) tied for runner-up with New Zealand’s Josh Geary (72).