New South Wales golfer Daniel Gale has blown away the competition to win the Papua New Guinea Open by a whopping nine shot margin.
The 21 year old, who set a new course record of 11 under par in the penultimate round, closed with an impressive six under 66 to finish on 23 under the card, securing his first victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Daniel Gale celebrates winning the PNG Open. Photo: PGA of Australia
He also became the first player in nine years to win the Morobe Open and PNG Open in successive weeks.
"I felt a bit shaky to start off with, last week I felt like I was in control because I had to chase down Damien (Jordan)," he said.
"A three shot lead can change in one hole and I think my lead got down to one at a point on the front nine but I went on a roll on the back nine and had four birdies on the trot and that separated me.
"The last two holes were a lot of fun; I had a seven shot lead with two holes to go and could just enjoy the walk."
Daniel Gale during the PNG Open. Photo: PGA of Australia
Victory in Port Moresby means Gale now has full status on the PGA Tour of Australasia and will tee it up in marquee events on the schedule including the Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship and the Fiji International in August.
"It hasn't fully sunk in yet, to know that I'm playing Fiji, Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship, I can't wait," added Gale, who is now fully exempt until the end of the 2019 season.
"...I've ticked that off the list and the hard work is all paying off. To shoot a personal best of 22-under last week and beat that with 23-under this week is just insane; it's the kind of stuff you dream about."
Finishing in a tie for second place were Australian duo Tim Stewart and Braden Becker at 14-under the card.
Papua New Guinea amatuer Brian Taikiri finished in a five-way tie for seventh place at 10 under par, after closing with a three over 75, while Fiji's Sam Lee ended in a tie for 15th place.
Brian Taikiri Photo: PGA of Australia