Golf: Aussie takes honours in NZ Open

Matthew Griffin poses with the trophy after his victory in the New Zealand Open. Photo Getty Images
Matthew Griffin poses with the trophy after his victory in the New Zealand Open. Photo Getty Images
Victorian Matthew Griffin drained a clutch 1.2m birdie putt on the final hole to win the $1 million New Zealand Open at The Hills today.

The 32-year-old is the fifth-straight Australian to win the tournament, and walks away with $180,000 for his trouble.

Griffin, who entered the day two shots behind overnight leader Hideto Tanihara, of Japan, went into the 18th hole a shot back.

But while he drilled his drive on the 433m par-4 hole down the middle, Tanihara's flayed right and into the rough.

Griffin then set up his winning putt with a lovely approach shot, while Tanihara could only find the bunker with his shot out of the rough.

The Japan golfer came within centimetres of saving par with a tough 5m putt, which would have forced a playoff, but he could not drain it.

That left Griffin to step up and sink the winner.

Griffin finished the day at 20-under-par, adding a final round 67 to his first four three rounds of 70, 65 and 65.

Kiwi Michael Hendry finished tied for third at 14-under-par.

Full story in tomorrow's Otago Daily Times.

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