Brett Rankin has dominated the field playing exceptional golf at the Lae Golf Club to be crowned the 2019 NKW Group Morobe Open champion.

Firing 3-under 69 in the final round for a tournament total of 20-under 264, Rankin claimed victory by four shots from his nearest competitor Brady Watt who completed the tournament alone in second place on 16-under 268.

On a perfect afternoon for scoring, the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series spectators were out in force in Papua New Guinea as they were treated to a final round master class of exceptional shot making from the leading groups.

Rankin made the turn at 2-under 35 but while a bogey on the 14^th hole threatened to derail the round, birdies on the 15^th and 16^th holes secured the win.

A trio of players including Jay Mackenzie, Watt and Martin Dive mounted a charge for the lead midway through the round however Rankin held his nerve throughout the day.

“I felt I was in control of the tournament throughout the day,” said Rankin.

“I knew I just needed to shoot in the 60’s today and that would be good enough to win the event.”

This result is the four-round tournament win breakthrough for Rankin who was thrilled to take the title.

“It is a great feeling winning the NKW Group Morobe Open in Lae here today. I have been fortunate to win many one and two-day pro-ams on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series but this is the first four round tournament,” Rankin added.

“I still played great today but I didn’t hole as many putts which was the difference in the score.”

Competitive amongst the front-runners for the duration of the tournament, New South Welshman Martin Dive rounded out the top three, finishing with a tournament total of 14-under 270.

Daniel Fox and Jay Mackenzie completed the top five sitting equal in fourth place at 12-under 272.

The week has been much more than just golf for Rankin and all of the professionals who have enjoyed both the golf course and the hospitality which is synonymous with the Lae Golf Club.

“This is my seventh trip up here for the Morobe Open and I must say the course is getting better with each year,” said Rankin.

“The conditions were heavy in the first couple of rounds following all the rain but yesterday and today the course was fantastic, full credit must go to all involved.”

“It’s been a fantastic event not only on the course but also off the course, the members of the Lae Golf Club are just so welcoming and the hospitality we are shown whilst here is nothing short of incredible, I always look forward to returning each year.”

As the leaders were battling it out Jacob Boyce made the highlight of the fourth round with an eagle on the 10^th hole driving the greenside bunker on the 305m, par-4 hole before proceeding to hold his bunker shot for an eagle 2.

Professional golf remains in Papua New Guinea next week with the SP Brewery PNG Open being staged at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club as part of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.