Popovic wraps up maiden win

Last updated: 16th December 2012

Local golfer Daniel Popovic claimed his first professional victory with a four-shot win at the Australian PGA Championship.

The Australian carded a final round 69 at the Palmer Coolum Resort to pick up a 225,000 winners cheque.

While the margin of victory appears a comfortable one, the reality is that Popovic was made to work hard on the final day after a double bogey on the par three eighth saw him slip a shot behind Rod Pampling, having led by two at the start of the day's play.

Pampling started the day with six straight birdies and seemed on course for a superb come-from behind victory, but his form deserted him on the back nine.

Back-to-back bogeys halted his progress, while a birdie from Popovic on the par five 12th brought him back to within one shot of the lead.

Another birdie at 17 put Popovic firmly in the driver's seat, handing him a four shot lead after Pampling found the water and double-bogeyed.

A par at the last from Popovic proved more than enough to secure the title.

Pampling finished second on 12 under alongside Anthony Brown, a shot clear of Geoff Ogilvy (69) and Brad Kennedy (70).