Green climbs 38 places for victory

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Australian Nathan Green fired a stunning closing round of 65 to win the New Zealand Open by two shots on Sunday, claiming his first European PGA Tour title.

Starting the day in 39th place, following a third-round 76, Green registered four birdies on his first five holes and made seven overall, to finish on five under par for the tournament (279).

The 31-year-old then watched from the clubhouse as the leaders struggled in strong winds at the Gulf Harbour Country Club, north of Auckland and he eventually finished two clear of a group of six players.

New Zealand's Michael Campbell, England's Nick Dougherty and Australians Marcus Fraser, Jarrod Moseley, Wade Ormsby and Brett Rumford tied for second place with three-under totals of 281.

"That was the hardest day of my life," Green told the New Zealand Press Association.

"It was tough to sit there watching the guys come in. Your heart is in your mouth over every putt."

Campbell, the former U.S. Open champion, was unable to mount a serious challenge on the final day, making only two birdies and three bogeys in a round of 72.

"It is obviously disappointing but it was not meant to be." Campbell said.

Green played 30 tournaments on the U.S. PGA Tour this year, finishing second in the Buick Invitational and in the top 10 on five other occasions.

He led last month's Australian Open after two rounds before finishing fifth.

The New Zealand Open is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian tours.

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