Stuart Appleby wins Australian Masters

MELBOURNE - Australian golfer Stuart Appleby has won the Australian Masters by one shot with the help of a near flawless final-round charge at Melbourne’s Victoria Golf Club on Sunday.

Appleby had started the day seven shots behind overnight leader Adam Bland.

However, the 39-year-old shot six-under-par final round 65 to finish 10-under par total of 274, while Bland faltered with five bogeys and three birdies to shoot 73 to finish at nine-under par total of 275, Fox Sports reports.

It was Appleby’s first win on home soil since the 2001 Australian Open, but came only three months after his last US PGA Tour win.

Australian Daniel Gaunt was third at eight-under par total of 276.

Defending champion Tiger Woods also shot a final-round 65 to finish fourth, and end a calendar year without a victory for the first time in his career.

Woods, who began the final round 10 shots off the lead, finished with a seven-under-par total of 277.

It is his best finish since returning to golf in April after his self-imposed exile following the exposure of his multiple extra-marital affairs. (ANI)