Nathan Holman has been named as the first Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month of the 2016 season following his glorious home victory at December’s Australian PGA Championship.

The Melbourne native claimed his maiden professional title in the historic event, which marked a new era in The European Tour’s evolution as it was co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia for the first time.

In testing conditions at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Holman beat South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli and Harold Varner III of the USA on the first play-off hole courtesy of a par four, having battled his way from two shots back on the final day.

The Australian has since taken up membership of The European Tour, and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of compatriots such as Adam Scott, Greg Norman and Brett Rumford by becoming a multiple winner on the tour.

Holman, who receives Hilton HHonors Diamond Elite Status – the highest tier of the hotel’s renowned loyalty scheme – for winning the Golfer of the Month award, said: "It’s a really big honour for me and it’s great to be recognised for my feats – it’s something I’m really proud of.

"I’ve got a bit of added attention on me now that I’ve won a tournament, being drawn in bigger groups at events, and I’m really enjoying it all. I’m playing with a bit more confidence knowing I can compete out here and that I belong.

"The win has definitely opened some doors – I’ve got The Open Championship coming up in the summer and a couple of World Golf Championships, so I’m looking forward to them very much.

"It’s a very nice prize, and I can’t wait to stay in a few nice Hilton Hotels around the world and make good use of it."

Iain Carter, the BBC’s Golf Correspondent and a member of the voting panel, said: "Professional golf is so competitive, as there are plenty of players who can win tournaments; but to bounce back from not earning a card at the Qualifying School by winning a European Tour title, and doing so on home soil, is a great achievement."

In addition to the panel, which comprised members of the golfing media, fans on My European Tour also played a part in the award as they attempted to match the panel’s 1-2-3 vote of Holman, Charl Schwartzel and Matthew Southgate.

The winner receives a two-night stay at any Hilton Hotel of their choice, while the runners-up will receive a one night stay at any of the prestigious hotel chain’s Portfolio worldwide.