STUART APPLEBY captured his first Australian Masters title with a gripping one-shot victory at Victoria Golf Club.Appleby started the day seven shots behind leader Adam Bland but fired a brilliant six-under-par 65 as all around him faltered.
Bland had the chance to force a play-off at the 72nd hole but his putt for eagle drifted by the cup. Appleby, on the practice fairway preparing for a play-off, broke into a broad grin.
The 39-year Victorian had a difficult 2009 but his 2010 has been something special. in August, he made history when he shot a 59 in the last round to win The Greenbrier Classic - his ninth victory on the US PGA Tour. His win in the Masters is his third on the Australasian tour - he won the 1998 Coolum Classic and the 2001 Australian Open.
Appleby made six birdies in all - three on the front nine and three on the back. Two of those birdies came at the closing two holes, including a monster putt at the par-five 17th as he finished at 10-under.
Bland was second at nine-under while Daniel Gaunt was a further shot back. Defending champion Tiger Woods finished his tournament with a bang, matching Appleby with a closing 65 to finish in outright fourth.
The world No 2's final four holes were breathtaking. Woods made eagles at 15 and 18 to finish three shots behind Appleby at seven-under.
“It would have been nice if I got off to that start,” Woods said.
“Unfortunately I didn't do it. Too little, too late.”
Woods' putting was once again his bugbear, although he finally found his range over the closing holes.
“I finally made a couple of putts,” he said.
Woods also said he wanted to return next year.
“I would love to come back and play, no doubt,” he said.
