Golf: Geary loses in play-off

Josh Geary finished second at the NSW Open.

Mount Maunganui professional Josh Geary has come up just short of claiming his second title on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The 30-year-old finished in a share of the lead with Victorian Anthony Brown at the NSW Open and the Australian claimed the title after a two hole play-off at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.

Starting the day three shots off the lead, Brown went quietly about his business to shoot 3-under 69 and tie New Zealand's Geary at 14-under 274 at the end of regulation play. After 15 holes, Brown had caught overnight co-leaders Geary and James Nitties at 14-under the card, however, a bogey on the par-3 16th saw him drop out off the pace.

Heading to the 18th hole, now two shots off the lead, Brown made a clutch birdie to be in the clubhouse at 14-under the card.

He watched on as Nitties made bogey on 16 and then Geary on 17, he briefly held the outright lead, but a birdie on 18 from Geary saw them headed to a play-off.

The 18th hole was played sudden death with both players making birdie on their first trip down the stretch.

The second time down 18, Brown made birdie to claim his first title on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

"It was a pretty tough week, it was stinking hot Friday then today with this wind I am just relieved to be done," said Brown.

"I came second in the Australian PGA Championship a few years ago, it's about time I stood up and had a win, it feels great."