8 Mar 2009

Steve Alker wins New Zealand PGA

6:30 pm on 8 March 2009

Steve Alker has become the first New Zealand golfer to win the PGA Championship on the Clearwater course near Christchurch since the inaugural professional tournament there seven years ago.

And New Zealanders Josh Geary and David Smail have tied for second.

Alker picks up 200 thousand dollars after going from a share of 25th to second with a third round of 67 then finishing with another 67 to end the tournament 15 under, two clear of Geary and Smail.

Their final rounds of 67 and 68 saw them finish one clear of the Australian Michael Sim, Norway's Henrik Bjornstad and the American Ryan Hietala, who shared fourth.

The 18-year-old New Zealand amateur Danny Lee came in seventh equal at 11 under and Gareth Paddison 10 under in a share of 11th.