MELBOURNE: England's Ian Poulter finished the season by donning the gold Australian Masters winner's jacket on Sunday after a resilient final round of four-under 67 at the windswept Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne.
"To win this is the second highlight in what has been a tough year for me," Poulter said. "To do this in a Ryder Cup year and move inside the top 20 on the world rankings means a heck of a lot."
Poulter, 37, who also won the world matchplay in Spain this year, finished with a 72-hole total of 269 -- 15 under par -- and pocketed a cheque for Aus$180,000 ($179,500).
He finished three clear of Australian Marcus Fraser (12-under 272) and four ahead of another home player, 2006 US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy (11-under 273).
World number one Luke Donald had looked dangerous on the front nine when he moved to eight under for the tournament, but faltered on the way home for a 72 and a four-under total of 280.
Poulter began the day two behind overnight leader Ogilvy and said it was an advantage being paired with the leader.
The Englishman, regarded as one of the best exponents of matchplay golf, immediately put pressure on his opponent with an eagle at the short 233-metre par-four opening hole.
He rolled in a five-metre putt after hitting a five wood off the tee while the Australian went with a three-iron as winds gusted up to 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph). (AFP)
AFP
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