Chalmers Nails Down Second Win in Australian Open


Greg Chalmers closed with a 3-under 69 to win the Australian Open Sunday at the Lakes Golf Club in his hometown of Sydney. The 38-year-old finished at 13-under 275 to edge countryman and 54-hole leader John Senden by a stroke for his second win in his national championship. Chalmers' previous victory came in 1998.

"I am just extremely excited and extremely pleased to have won this tournament twice," Chalmers said. "To win it once, you can stumble into that. I can see how guys can do that. But to win it twice, with this field, that does something for me.

"That really floats my boat and it's very exciting for me. I don't know that there's any extra gratification. Just that I have got my name on the Stonehaven Cup twice. That's phenomenal.

"I think I stumbled into it when I was 26. I had no idea how big of a deal it was. I know more and I know how important it is. I think age gives you that. You understand how difficult it is. I am not a prolific winner in golf. It's hard to win. I have a very strong respect for that."

Senden, a regular on the PGA Tour, had a 72. The 40-year-old Queenslander ended up in solo second at 276, one stroke ahead of Tiger Woods, who followed up a disappointing 75 with a 67 in the final round. "I was happy to at least give it a chance," Senden said.

Woods, who had five birdies, an eagle and two bogeys Sunday, was generally pleased with how he performed in the Australian Open, which took place ahead of the upcoming Presidents Cup this week at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

"I've just got to keep plugging along. I'm showing some progress," he said. "Two holes on the back nine today, and I putted awful yesterday, or I would have been right there."

Jason Day, who is also playing at Royal Melbourne as a member of the International squad, finished with a disappointing 75 to end up in a tie for fourth at 279 with Presidents Cup teammates Geoff Ogilvy, who had Sunday's low round - a 7-under 65, and Adam Scott (68), along with fellow Aussie Nick O'Hern (72) and American Nick Watney (72), a U.S. team member.

Six players in the top 10 in the Australian Open will be competing at Royal Melbourne.

Before his 3-over total in the final round, Day, who turned 24 on Sunday, posted rounds of 69, 68 and 68. "If I keep putting myself in these kinds of positions, it's only a matter of time I learn the formula and break through and start to win," he said. "I'm very positive about where my game is right now."

U.S. Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples had a 71 to take a share of 15th at 5-under 283.

For all the scores, visit http://www.australianopengolf.com.au/default.aspx?s=mao_leaderboard&tid=683.