Golf: Gillespie enjoys breakthrough win

Nick Gillespie. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington professional Nick Gillespie is the latest breakthrough winner on the Charles Tour after an impressive eight-stroke win at the Shirley Open in Christchurch today.

Gillespie, who completed the third round in style yesterday with four birdies in the final six holes including a hole-out from the bunker on 18, continued his momentum to blow away the field.

The 23-year-old was the least experienced of the four frontrunners chasing the title. But after a nervous start when he made bogey on the first, he made six birdies for a superb five under 67 to lead Richard Lee home by eight shots.

Gillespie has enjoyed a phenomenal first year in the pay-for-play ranks, winning three titles and showing great composure.

The former New Zealand amateur representative has been a perennial contender on the Charles Tour and was pleased to win his first four round win as a pro in New Zealand.

"I wouldn't go so far to say it was easy," said Gillespie after being presented the Shirley Open trophy by Sir Bob Charles. "I played quite nicely through the middle of the round which opened up a few shot lead but I kept telling myself to play aggressively.

"I set myself the goal of trying to get to 15 under par and I almost got there. I was just trying to stay positive. I didn't want to just protect my lead."

He had the chance to reach 15 under (273) but his birdie putt on the final green lipped out.

Gillespie's 274 total equals the record 72-hole low for Shirley Open winner - Anthony Doyle set that record last year when he beat Eddie Lee's 277 in 2001. His control was reminiscent of the dominant display by Doyle who won by 11 shots in 2009.

Gillespie said every professional title you win is special but he was particularly proud of the way he finished the job at the Christchurch Golf Club.

"All titles are good for different reasons. Winning in Fiji was nice as it was my first as a pro and then Vanuatu was good as well but this one was special in the way I finished and played in that final round."

Lee was disappointed with his three over par 75 that included five bogeys and two birdies to finish runner-up on a six under par total.

Mahal Pearce finished tied for third for the second year in a row, also carding a three under 75. Gore golfer Vaughan McCall finished as the leading amateur, winning by one shot from Christchurch local Jordan Bakermans after a two under par 70 in the final round.

Doyle, the two-time champion, attracted a big crowd again on Sunday as he carded a one under par 71 to finish in a share of ninth.

Emily Perry became the first woman to claim three Charles Tour titles in succession when she won by four shots from Julianne Alvarez on a one under par total.

"I played really steady all day," the 20-year-old said. "I wasn't nervous at all. The last nine holes can be pretty stressful but I knew how to deal with it and I felt really comfortable. The birdies kept coming and it is great to win again."

Perry made four birdies and three bogeys on her way to a one under 73 to hold off her New Zealand teammate Alvarez (76). Larissa Jane Eruera finished two shots further back.