Rosebud’s James Marchesani has taking out the 2019 Telstra Store Horsham Western Open in an enthralling five-hole playoff against young Victorian professional Ben Murphy.

It took a marathon playoff to split the pair after they were square at one-under-141 following two days of action at the Horsham Golf Club.

Remarkably, both withstood the pressure, replicating each other’s shots before Marchesani secured the victory on the 18^th green.

“It has been great to return to some form over the last few weeks, and I am happy to get the win here at Horsham,” Marchesani said.

“Everyone involved should be so proud. You have a wonderful golf course, great facilities and some of the best greens I have ever putted on.

“A big thank you must be extended to the Telstra Store Horsham, and the Horsham City Council for your wonderful support of the event. I look forward to returning next year.”

Players were treated to sandbelt conditions at the magnificent Horsham layout, with the greens firm and fast and the wind wreaking havoc over the two days.

Starting the day tied with Brady Watt and Murphy, Marchesani made a slow start, opening the first four holes at one over.

A couple of late birdies saw him enter the back nine with a three-shot lead.

Murphy was a consistent performer all day, with his putter keeping him in it. Marchesani faltered slightly on the back nine, making three consecutive bogies, however stood on the 18^th tee with a one-shot lead.

In the penultimate group and trailing by a shot, Murphy hit the best shot of his short career, a booming drive to within 12-feet on the 290-metre par 4 18^th. He calmly rolled in the eagle putt to find the outright lead.

Marchesani hit a solid tee shot and found the greenside bunker. With nerves of steel, his splashed out to five-feet and converted the putt to give him a share of the lead after regulation play.

The two exchanged pars on the first three playoff holes, with birdies halving the fourth.

Both players drove left on the fifth trip down 18, with James getting up and down to seal a memorable win.

In the Ivo Whitton event, Heidelberg’s Lachy Aylen claimed line honours with consistent rounds of 74,71 – good enough for T6 in the open event.

“It was awesome to come here and test ourselves against the professionals to see where we are really at,” Aylen said.

“I’m happy with my result this week, yet realise I have a lot of work to do in order to compete with the best.”

Rounding out the Susie Tolhurst section, Kim Kennedy claimed a two-stroke victory over Monica Marchesani.

This was the second instalment of the combined Gold Australia and PGA-sanctioned open Pro Ams, with the format growing in popularity each year.