PGA & WPGA TOURS OF AUSTRALASIA
Kabori, Pollard & Goodall Earn Victories at the Webex Players Series Victoria
Kazuma Kobori etched his own chapter in history by sinking a clutch 12-foot putt on the challenging 18th green to win the Webex Players Series Victoria at Rosebud Country Club. The 22-year-old rising star from Christchurch, New Zealand, displayed remarkable prowess, securing back-to-back victories on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, a feat not accomplished since Adam Scott in 2013. Only eight tournaments into his professional career, Kobori's triumph at Cobram Barooga last weekend catapulted him to second place in the Order of Merit, placing him in contention for a coveted DP World Tour card for the upcoming season.
Finishing at an impressive 18-under, Kobori secured a one-shot victory over Malaysia's Ashley Lau, with veteran Mat Goggin claiming a solid third place at 16-under. Reflecting on his achievement, Kobori admitted, "They always say the first win's hard, and I'll tell you what, I can speak about it now that the second one's just as hard. But I'm glad to get the job done."
The pivotal battle came against Goggin, his fellow competitor throughout the round. From the first hole, where Kobori's three-putt briefly handed Goggin a share of the lead, to the very last, the competition was intense. As they approached the 18th tee with Kobori leading by a single shot, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion.
Goggin, hitting a commendable approach to 25 feet, set the pressure on Kobori, especially when the latter found the greenside trap with his second shot. The tension escalated as Goggin missed his birdie putt, leaving the door open for Kobori's par putt, which would secure the outright win and the $45,000 first prize. With nerves evident, Kobori steadied himself and buried the putt for the win.
Kobori's incredible journey over the past 12 months, from winning the Australian Amateur to clinching the World Amateur with New Zealand, conquering the Australian tour school, and now securing two professional tournament victories, marks a meteoric rise.
Kobori, who starting the day with a one-shot lead, carded a composed 2-under 69 to get to 18-under.
Lau, making a late surge on the back nine, finished strong with a 3-under 68 for a 17-under total and secure solo second place.
Goggin, who searching for his first tournament win since 2015, posted a final round 1-under 70 to reach 16-under and claim outright third place.
Todd Sinnott's spectacular 64 earned him a fourth-place finish at 15-under.
In other events, New South Welshman Cam Pollard emerged victorious in the Webex All Abilities event, securing a two-shot win over Wayne Perske. Shepparton teenager Bailey Goodall claimed the Webex Junior Players Series title with impressive rounds of 72-72, outshining Huntingdale's Rupert Toomey.
Final Scores
1. Kazuma Kabori -18
2. Ashley Lau -17
3. Mathew Goggin -16
4. Todd Sinnott -15
T5. Daiel Gale -13
T5. Andrew Campbell -13
T5. Cassie Porter -13
Image courtesy of Australian Golf Media Centre
