PGA of Great Britain and Ireland Apprentice Michael Bullen was victorious over Queensland PGA Trainee Gavin Fairfax after they both tied at 8-under after 72 holes. 

New Zealand’s Blair Riordan started strongly with consecutive birdies on the 2nd and 3rd holes to join Cooper Eccleston in the lead however it was the performances of Bullen and Fairfax that got the Ballarat galleries cheering.

Seemingly out of contention Bullen rallied with two birdies on 16 and 17 to tie for the lead. Fairfax followed suit with a birdie of his own on 17 causing a four-way tie going into the last.

While the rest of the field fell away it was Bullen and Farifax who handled the conditions best to both finish at 8-under, resulting in a two-way playoff.

Four times the duo went down the 18th hole, each with their own opportunities at different times but still the pair could not be separated.

The playoff then went to the par-5 10th hole where Fairfax, as he has done all tournament, played a controlled hole and elected to layup.

However fortune favoured the brave and Bullen, from 216 meters, hit a 3 iron within 20 feet of the hole. Fairfax made the green in regulation but missed his birdie opportunity leaving the door open for a two putt victory for Bullen.

The Englishman stepped up and sunk the eagle putt for the win and the PGA National Futures Championship trophy.

“I can’t believe it, that 3-iron I hit was probably the best shot I’ve hit all week and to do it in a playoff was just amazing,” Bullen said.

“After 24 holes I didn’t think I was any chance but I told myself just to stay in it and keep pushing and I managed to make some good birdies on 16 and 17 and force a playoff.”

Bullen thoroughly enjoyed his stay in Australia.

“Everyone here is so nice and everything has been amazing, I don’t want to go but I am looking forward to getting home.”

While Fairfax was disappointed, he was still proud of his week and his performance throughout the tournament.

“Obviously I’m a little bit disappointed not to get the win, but I was really happy with how I grinded out today and to make the play off was a bonus.”

Early tournament leader Cooper Eccleston was keen to claw back some ground after a disappointing third round performance of 6-over par saw him drop to be tied for fourth overnight.

Eccleston’s aggressive game plan in the final round was evident when he secured early birdies, but it came unstuck on the 14th with a triple bogey to see him finish the tournament at 7-under in third place.

As the highest placed Australian Trainee, Gavin gains entry into the Australian PGA Championship to be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 19 – 22 December 2019.