Robert Allenby wins Australian PGA

Australia's Robert Allenby won his second successive tournament on home soil with a one-shot victory in the Australian PGA at Coolum in Queensland on Sunday.

Allenby, who battled a tendon injury in his right hand to win the Australian Open at Moonah Links last week, pipped compatriot Matthew Goggin for the title when he made birdie on the 18th hole after his perfect eight-iron approach left him a one-metre putt.

"As soon as I hit it I knew it was perfect," said Allenby, who shot a five-under-par 67 to finish on 18-under 270.

Goggin, who shot a nine-under 63 in his final round to storm up the standings and into the outright lead before Allenby's late birdie, finished on 17-under-par 271.

"It was a nice way to finish off the week, but it takes four days to win a golf tournament," Goggin said.

"I only put three together this week, so I just came up a little short."

Persistent rain and electrical storms severely hampered play on Thursday and Friday, with players having to complete their third round early on Sunday before the final round could begin.

Nathan Green, who had gone into the final round tied for the lead with Allenby, Rod Pampling and Nick O'Hern finished tied for third on 275.

U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand, who was in contention four shots off the pace after the third round, made a two-over par 74 to finish alone in 13th on 281 and said tiredness had affected him this week.

"It's been a long season and I've made bogeys from 100 yards about four times this week and, to me, it's a sign of tiredness," he told reporters.

"It's been a long season. I've been travelling the world and where have I been? I can't remember now."

December 4, 2005

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