The US-based Australian golf star Stuart Appleby ended a nine year drought at home with a victory at the Australian Masters in Melbourne yesterday, shooting 65 on the final day to win by one stroke from the South Australian Adam Bland, who just failed to lead all the way.
Appleby started the final day seven shots behind Bland and sealed his victory with long birdie putts on the last two holes.
Tiger Woods stormed home with a 65 to take fourth place.
Michael Hendry was the leading New Zealander, in a tie for 13th on 2-under par, one stroke ahead of Gareth Paddison, and Michael Campbell took a big step in his struggle to climb out of a chronic slump by posting a one-over par total to finish tied for 28th.