American Herman wins Moonah Classic

Jim Herman, who missed his last seven cuts in tournament play, has won the Moonah Classic with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff against fellow American Chris Kirk.

Herman shot a course-record 62 on the opening day and led or held a share of the lead throughout the joint US Nationwide and Australasian PGA tour event. Kirk and Herman finished with a 72-hole total of 11-under 277 on the Moonah Links course. Kirk bogeyed the 17th and missed a 4-foot putt for birdie on 18 that would have given him the win. Both shot 70s Sunday.

On the playoff hole, the par-5 18th, Herman hit his approach to about five feet, where he made the birdie putt for the title. Kirk was in trouble off the tee, hitting into rough on the left side of the fairway.

"I'd like to thank my friends and family who have stuck with me through some difficult times," Herman said at the trophy presentation.

Robert Gates, who won last week's season-opening New Zealand Open, finished in third place after a 66, one stroke back.

"I played great down the stretch," Gates said. "It's fun, it's been a great two weeks, and I've played very well."

The leading New Zealander in a share of 10th was Michael Hendry, who finished with a sharp 66 today to be five-under.

Two strokes behind him in 21st were three compatriots - Gareth Paddison, Phil Tataurangi and Bradley Iles.

- AP