Mandurah golfer Braden Becker has won yet another Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series event, this time in a thrilling three-way playoff over Brody Martin and Max McCardle.
After a first round 64, many thought Becker would go low again in the final round to secure the Nexus Risk Services Southwest Open title.
Sunday’s perfect winter’s day provided many other players the opportunity to throw everything they had at the course and post something to get Becker’s attention.
PGA Tour-China player McCardle posted a bogey-free four-under 68 and Martin shot a superb seven under 65 to finish at nine-under the card following 36 holes alongside Becker to force the playoff.
Players were watched by big crowds as they headed down the par-three first hole of the Bunbury Golf Club.
Martin was the first to bow out of the three-way tussle after the first hole with a bogey leaving Becker and McCardle to continue.
Pars on the second extra hole led to a third an final trip, with the Mandurah Country Club pro as solid as ever with another par that McCardle was unable to match, handing the WA player his fourth title of the WA stretch on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.
Becker was all smiles after the playoff and the win but admitted there was some nerves and pressure down the last few holes, especially after three straight bogies from the 13th to the 15th hole saw him drop out of the lead.
“I knew the guys were going low and I just tried to stay focused on my game and make a couple of birdies coming in,” Becker said.
“It was really cool to get a win today in front of my brother, sister-in-law and my nephews Garrett, Bryce and Kaiden who made the trip down.”
Becker also gave credit to his partner and fellow Mandurah Country Club golfer Hayley Bettencourt.
“I must also thank my girlfriend and biggest supporter Hayley, we have had a great year so far traveling around Australia playing the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series and hopefully we can continue this form up north in the coming weeks.”
Fourth outright went to Rory Bourke who matched Becker’s first round of eight-under 64, narrowly missing out on the playoff by a shot.
Players now have a few days break before heading north to Geraldton for the Spalding Park Open.