Lachlan Barker claims first Australasian Tour title in PNG
Lachlan Barker – image Australian Golf Media
Until today, South Australian, Lachlan Barker, had a best career finish of 4th in a PGA Tour of Australasia event but at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club in Papua New Guinea, the 24 year old won the the Papua New Guinea Open, the first event of the new season, following a final round of 67 which included a stunning outward nine of 7 under par 30.
Beginning the final round one shot behind the leader, Queenslander Chris Wood, Barker, was in front by the 4th and the further they went the further he went ahead. He would win by four shots over Victorian Jack Murdoch.
Murdoch birdied the final four holes after dropping three shots in two holes early on the back nine, a double bogey at the 13th threatening to see him out of contention for a top three finish but he rallied for a round of 67.
Murdoch snatched second place, his best finish in a PGA Tour of Australasia event but he now does own an Asian Tour card where he will spend much of this year.
Wood eventually shared third with Michael Wright and Blake Proverbs.
