Tim Stewart has saved his best for last to take out the 2018 Tahiti International Open, Stewart’s final round of 5-under 65 would see him secure a two-shot victory from overnight leader James Anstiss.

To top off the brilliant final round, he will take home the largest winner’s check on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series of $25,000.

Heading into the final round two shots behind, the leaders started on the back-9. It didn’t phase Stewart who started with two birdies in his first three hole.

His first nine holes were flawless with four birdies and no bogeys and he joined Anstiss at 7-under by the turn.

On the 7th hole Stewart took control of the tournament with a birdie on the same hole that had cost him a double bogey the day before.

The win also catapults Stewart to top spot on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series Order of Merit.

“I played really well this week. Yesterday I finished poorly but managed to regroup to start well today with birdies on the 10^th and 12^th. I kept my momentum going with a good save on the 15^th and then backed that up with birdies on the 16^th and 17^th," said Stewart.

“I travel up to the Philippines on Wednesday to play so it gives me great confidence winning this week.”

Anstiss was Stewart’s main danger during the final round and the New Zealander still had a chance on the final hole. Needing birdie, he flew the green and would unfortunately finish with a bogey.

Last year’s runner-up Michael Wright finished third at 4-under 276.

Rounding out the top-5 was 36-hole leader Blake Proverbs at 3-under 217 and local hope Vaita Guillaume at 2-under 218.

Backing up his 2017 amateur title was New Caledonian Morgan Dufour with 8-over 288.

James Anstiss finds himself leading the Tahiti International Open going into the final round after shooting 3-under 67, one of only four under-par rounds for the day.

“I’ve been hitting the ball good all week but today I seemed to hole some more putts which helped. I feel the conditions today suited me I have a low ball flight and I like playing in the wind," said Anstiss.

Hot on his heels are three players they include overnight leader Blake Proverbs, Tim Stewart and local player Vaita Guillaume who has been plying his trade on the McKenzie Tour in Canada over the last two years.

Having Guillaume in contention has definitely created great interest amongst the locals. In recent history, the title has been taken out by New Zealanders and Australia ns.

If Guillaume were to take out the title tomorrow it would be fantastic for golf in French Polynesia.

Defending champion Dale Brandt-Richards found the going tough with 4-over 74 to fall five shots behind the lead. Brandt-Richards, although not out of contention, will need something special in the final round if he is to go back to back.

In the amateur section, Morgan Dufour takes a two-shot lead into the final round. His 2-over 212 total sees him two shots ahead of Adrien Peres.

Leaders tee off Saturday morning 9:00am local time.

Blake Proverbs holds a one-shot lead at the halfway mark of the Tahiti International Open.

Proverbs shot an even round to remain at 6-under par and in front at the halfway mark of the tournament.

New South Welshman Tim Stewart backed up his opening round of 3-under 67 with 2-under 68 to sit in outright second at 5-under the card.

Defending champion Dale Brandt-Richards put himself in contention shooting the low round of the day 4-under 66. He will head into the third round only two shots back of the leader.

“I started solid around the tough back nine without really making much. Then my putting got hot once I made the turn and I went from even par to four under pretty quickly," said Brandt-Richards.

Last year’s runner-up Michael Wright also got himself in a good position shooting a 3-under 67 which has him only three back of the lead.

An even-par round from New Zealander James Anstiss has him in outright fifth place at 2-under the card.

The low amateur at the halfway mark is Adrian Peres who sits at 1 over 141.

Six countries are represented by 32 professionals in the Tahiti International Open as picture perfect skies at the Green Pearl greeted the first round.

Young Queenslander, Blake Proverbs made the most of the ideal conditions shooting 6-under 64, his round was flawless with six birdies and no bogeys.

“After playing here last year I came with a plan. I was not as aggressive and that was key to me hitting 18 greens out there today," said Proverbs.

Proving experience is important on the island, a longtime supporter of the event Pieter Zwart is hot on the heels of the round one leader with an impressive 4-under 66.

Putting himself in a great position is Tim Stewart who has continued his great form of late with an opening round of 3-under 67.

Defending champion Dale Brandt-Richards got off to a steady start with an even par round.

The leading amateur was Morgan Dofour with 2-under 68.

Play is now underway for round two, for scores, visit pga.org.au.

The Tahiti International Open tees off next week 22-25 May on the Jack Nicklaus designed Green Pearl Golf Course on the Island of Moorea.

Defending champion Dale Brandt-Richards will be hoping to go back-to-back and take home the lions share of $125,000, the largest prize purse on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.

Brandt-Richards’ victory last year was the biggest of his young career and saw him eventually finish runner-up on the 2017 Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series Order of Merit. Going back-to-back will be no easy task as Brandt-Richards will be joined by last year’s runner-up Michael Wright and third-placed Peter Wilson.

With knowledge of playing in the South Pacific being a key factor to success, many good judges would say that Peter Wilson will be the one to catch in 2018. Wilson has an impressive South Pacific resume having won the Samoa Open three times.

In 2017 Wilson was the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series Order of Merit winner and not only does Wilson love playing in the South Pacific but he is in terrific form.

“The Green Pearl at Moorea is a wonderful championship layout and a perfect venue for the Tahiti International Open. Many players from last year will return to take on the Green Pearl which is no surprise given the positive feedback received,” said Peter Welden PGA NSW/ACT Tournament Coordinator.

The event is played in a Pro-Am style format over the first three rounds with a seeded draw for the final day. A select few amateurs will get to play on the final day and see if they can match it with the professionals.

“It’s a wonderful chance for our amateurs to test themselves against the professionals. The amateur component of this championship is extremely important,” said Christian Lausan FPG President.

A win in the 2018 Tahiti International Open would likely see the player catapult themselves to the top of the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series Order of Merit.