Golf News: Australian Open - Craig Parry Wins

At long last Craig Parry has added the missing link to his resume, finally winning an Australian Open title at his 24th attempt.

The 41-year-old fired a closing round three-under-par 69 to finish on 11-under at The Australian course in Sydney, one shot ahead of West Australian Nick O'Hern (70), young Sydneysider Won Joon Lee (66) and American Brandt Snedeker (69).

Already boasting 12 titles on home soil from his 22 triumphs worldwide, Parry had come so close to winning his national championship, including a playoff loss to John Morse here way back in 1990.

Seventeen years later at the same venue, Parry can finally add his name alongside those of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman on the prestigious Stonehaven Cup.

Well known for holing a six-iron for eagle on the first playoff hole to win the 2004 Ford Championship in Doral, Parry said Sunday's was comfortably the best victory of his career.

"Just the feeling I've got right now, this is the best one ever," he said.

"If you enter in golf tournaments you have to think you've got a chance of winning.

"When I don't think I have a chance of winning I'll be putting the clubs away.

"It's amazing. Who would think at 41 I'd win an Aussie Open?"

Parry looked anything like the Open winner when he started with a first-round two-over 74, but a course record-equalling 64 in the second round ignited his charge and closing rounds of 70 and 69 were enough to claim the $315,000 winner's cheque.

Asked what he was going to do now, Parry jokingly said "retire", but he'll be back to defend his title next year...

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My Thoughts
Craig Parry is one of those really likable guys and one of my favorites. I have always had great respect for him and can't imagine a more deserved winner. He has wanted this tournament for so long and it just goes to show that those old dogs can still learn a trick or two.