Damon Stephenson secured victory at the Zigrete Queensland PGA Associates Championship, held at Windaroo Lakes, following a challenging final day. Leading after all three rounds, Stephenson initially lost his four-shot lead in the final round but managed to recover on the back nine, ultimately winning by one shot. This marks his first win in a four-round professional event.
Stephenson, a second-year associate pro at Gainsborough Greens Golf Club, concluded the tournament 8-under-par with a final round score of 3-over-par 76. He sealed his victory with a decisive three-meter par putt on the last hole, narrowly defeating Lachlan Chamberlain from ACT, who finished with a score of 73.
Drew Herbert achieved the best score of the day with a 6-under-par 67, securing third place. The initial lead Stephenson had was challenged early in the final round due to mistakes and pressure from former champion Jack Wright.
Reflecting on his performance, Stephenson said: “I went out with a four-shot lead, not being complacent at all, but it disappeared really quickly and then it was a mental reset.” Despite challenges from competitors like Wright and Chamberlain, Stephenson regained control by birdieing holes 10, 12, and 13.
Chamberlain’s eagle on hole 16 brought him close to forcing a playoff when Stephenson bogeyed hole 17. However, Stephenson maintained composure for his final putt. “I was reading the putt (to win) and I could feel myself getting emotional about it,” he said. “I got back in the present and just read it perfectly.”
Supported by Brisbane-based Zigcrete, this year’s championship offered prize money totaling $47,500 and is considered prestigious among aspiring PGA Professionals.
