CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Brad Kennedy won the New Zealand Open on Sunday, holing a 30-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff with Australian compatriot Craig Parry to complete a wire-to-wire victory.
Kennedy closed with a 2-over 74 to match Parry at 7-under 281 at Clearwater Golf Club. Parry took a two-stroke lead to the final hole, but drove into the water and finished with a double bogey for a 69.
“To make a birdie when it counted, that’s why we play golf,” Kennedy said. “To win a New Zealand Open, with all the names that are on the trophy, it’s one of the oldest Opens, is pretty special to me.”
On the 18th in regulation, Parry hit his tee shot into the water to the left of the fairway, then hit into long rough before making a good recovery to reach the green. He missed a bogey putt that would have left him with a one-stroke lead.
Parry again found trouble off the tee on the 18th hole in the playoff, hitting into a bunker. He was facing a 5-foot par putt when Kennedy holed his birdie try.
New Zealand’s Josh Geary was 7 under going to the final hole, but dropped a stroke for a 72 to finish a shot out of the playoff.
-
Tags: New Zealand Open, Brad Kennedy
Related Articles
U.S. Women's Open sectional qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 22, 2013 12:02 PM ETSectional qualifying results for the U.S. Women's Open to be contested June 27-30 at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. Read More
Teater leads British Open qualifier; Guthrie 1 back
by Rex Hoggard | May 20, 2013 2:34 PM ETMidway through the marathon that is British Open qualifying, Josh Teater is poised to earn his first trip to golf’s oldest championship. Read More
U.S. Open local qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 17, 2013 11:43 AM ETLocal qualifying results for the 113th U.S. Open to be contested at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., June 13-16. Read More
Latest News
- Kuchar leads suspended Crowne | Glance | Scores
- Molinari leads BMW | Rory, McDowell MC | Scores
- Euro chief: 'Colored' friends | Unfortunate
- Zoeller: Garcia controversy will 'blow over'
- Sergio's 'chicken' jab | Apology | Tiger: Hurtful
- Mickelson, Stricker not among Memorial field
- USC women sweep team, individual titles at NCAAs
- Scott joins legal coalition against anchor ban
- Friends Cochran, Perry share Sr. PGA lead | Scores
- Bowie Young leads LPGA in Bahamas | Scores
- USGA, R&A ban anchored stroke | Explanation
- Tip of the Week: Stop scooping your chip shots
