GOLD COAST (AUSTRALIA) - American Harold Varner III took his first professional victory at the Australian PGA Championship Sunday on the Gold Coast by two strokes.
Harold Varner III of the US celebrates winning the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines, Gold Coast on December 4, 2016
Varner, 26, who lost in a three-way play-off in last year's event, fired rounds of 65, 72, 67 and 65 for 19-under 269.
He prevailed in the final round to beat Australian overnight leader Andrew Dodt to win the European Tour co-sanctioned tournament at the Royal Pines Resort.
Dodt, who led for three rounds, finished with a three-under par 69 to take outright second at 17-under 271.
World number seven and 2013 Augusta Masters champion Adam Scott carded his best round of the week, a five-under 67, to finish in third place with 15-under 273.
Varner finished runner-up after a three-way playoff with Dylan Frittelli and eventual 2015 champion Nathan Holman a year ago.
Australian Ashley Hall was fourth on 14-under with compatriot Brett Rumford fifth on 10-under.