Cowra Golf Club Head Professional Matthew Docking has held his nerve over the closing holes to win the PGA Professionals Championship at Hamilton Island today.

Docking’s score of 1-over par 72 in today’s final round capped off a remarkable week to finish 3-under par and one shot clear of Vernon Sexton-Finck, who shot the lowest round of the day with a 2-under par 69.

Starting the day with a two shot lead, Docking was again quick to get out of the blocks and after only three holes had extended his lead to five.

However, it wouldn’t stay that way for long as Sexton-Finck continued to chip away at Docking’s lead and when there was a two shot swing on the 14th hole, Docking’s lead was cut to just one.

When Sexton-Finck made bogey on the 15th hole, Docking arrived at the 18th with a two shot buffer.

As he had done all week, Docking held his nerve with his second shot to find the green and when Sexton-Finck held the birdie putt to reduce the margin to one, Docking only needed two putts to claim the win.

Docking becomes the first Professional since Brad Burns in 2004/05 to win the PGA Professionals Championship back-to-back.

"The win hasn’t really sunk in as yet, but I am sure it will over the next few days," said Docking.

"It was really tight coming down the stretch, especially with Vernon making a few putts and really putting up a fight over the closing holes. I played great tee to green all week and knowing you can’t take anything for granted here at Hamilton Island, I am pretty happy to walk away with my second win."

In his first trip to Hamilton Island, Sexton-Finck was pleased with his performance throughout the week and is looking forward to the opportunity to play the Australian PGA Championship.

"The course at Hamilton is extremely demanding mentally and although I had my ups and downs throughout the week I am really happy with my result," said Sexton-Finck.

"This week was so much more than just about the golf, as it was nice to have my family with me to enjoy the experience. Although I may not have won, I have earned one of the two spots available to play in the Australian PGA Championship next month, so that is pretty exciting and something I am really looking forward to."

With both Docking and Sexton-Finck gaining exemption into the Australian PGA Championship in December, those Professionals who finished 3rd – 8th will also be on the Gold Coast in the same week, as they receive an invite to represent Team Australia in the International Challenge.

The top-6 place getters, including our 2015 champion, will also win an all expenses paid trip to China to represent Team Australia in 2016.

In the battle for the Vicar’s Shield, Sexton-Finck combined well with state compatriot Tristan McCallum to claim the shield for Western Australia.

The two combined for a six round total of 439, three shots ahead of New South Wales. This is the first time Western Australia has won the shield since 2004, with the first shield contested in 1930.