Golf: Paddison wins Victorian PGA Championship

New Zealander Gareth Paddison has overcome strong winds and a late scare to win the Victorian PGA Championship. Photo / File.

New Zealander Gareth Paddison has overcome strong winds and a late scare to win the Victorian PGA Championship for a second time.

Wearing all black, proud Kiwi Paddison captured his fifth Australasian PGA Tour title when he sunk a clutch one-metre birdie putt on the final hole to win by a stroke from countryman Mike Hendry at the Heritage club.

A two-shot overnight leader, 2012 champion Paddison carded a one-under-par closing 71 to prevail at 16-under 272.

An untimely bogey at the 17th hole threatened to derail the 33-year-old Wellingtonian, leaving him level with Hendry who had shot a closing three-under 69.

But he steadied, putting himself in a strong position off the tee to set up winning birdie putt.

"Golf is a real mental battle and to birdie the last when you have to, that is what all the practice is about,'' said Paddison.

"Mike played exceptionally well to draw level with me. To beat a compatriot, especially Mike Hendry, is great. He has beaten me enough over the years.

"But it's nice to see him playing well, first and second on the leaderboard is great for New Zealand golf.''

"The wind was so strong out there all day. It was very tricky.''

Paddison was already looking towards his next victory.

"This is my fifth win on the PGA Tour of Australasia and I feel I am overdue to win an event overseas, which is my goal for this year.

"It's all out there for the taking and it's off to a good start.''

New South Welshman Jamie Arnold claimed third place, a shot behind Hendry, with Kurt Barnes (NSW) and Andrew Martin (VIC) tied fourth on 12-under 276.

-AAP