Gareth Paddison has gone back-to-back at the Autex Muriwai Open after a thrilling three-hole playoff against James Anstiss to claim his fifth title on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

After a long week with no power, the Muriwai Beach Golf Club lit up this afternoon with some spectacular golf, topped off with Paddison sinking a clutch birdie for an exciting and well-deserved finish for the local gallery. Paddison with rounds of 70,67,71,68 and Anstiss 71,70,68,67 finished tied on twelve under par 276. Ryan Chisnall finished in outright third and nine under par.
It wasn’t his first clutch moment after showing his experience to come back from two-shots behind after Anstiss laid down a great challenge, highlighted by an amazing eagle on the 14th to jump into the lead with three holes remaining. He then added a birdie on 16 to apply huge pressure on the eventual champion who handled it well.With three playoff holes and three impeccable wedge shots, Paddison couldn’t get the final putt to drop, but it was third time lucky as he secured yet another title.“This one means a lot in defending my title, there is a lot at stake and a lot of pride on the line, so it was a great day and I couldn’t be happier,” said Paddison.“James played exceptionally well and made that eagle on the par five and was unlucky to drop a shot on the last, so he was very impressive today. All the young guys were impressive this week and have a big future ahead.”Paddison will now take this momentum to Japan where he has two qualifying events in a row as he aims to get his Japan Tour card.