Harold Varner III of the United States hits his tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the Quicken Loans National golf tournament at Congressional Country Club - Blue Course. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Gold Coast, Australia: American Harold Varner III took his first professional victory at the Australian PGA Championship Sunday on the Gold Coast by two strokes.
Varner, 26, who lost in a three-way play-off in last year's event, fired rounds of 65, 72, 67 and 65 for 19-under 269.
He prevailed in the final round to beat Australian overnight leader Andrew Dodt to win the European Tour co-sanctioned tournament at the Royal Pines Resort.
Dodt, who led for three rounds, finished with a three-under par 69 to take outright second at 17-under 271.
World number seven and 2013 Augusta Masters champion Adam Scott carded his best round of the week, a five-under 67, to finish in third place with 15-under 273.
Varner finished runner-up after a three-way playoff with Dylan Frittelli and eventual 2015 champion Nathan Holman a year ago.
Australian Ashley Hall was fourth on 14-under with compatriot Brett Rumford fifth on 10-under.
