Ashburton pro wins PGA title

Kiwi Daniel Pearce wasn’t even supposed to be at the Queensland PGA Championship, but rallied back from blowing an eight-shot lead to claim his first Australasian PGA Tour win in a playoff.

The Ashburton professional’s wife gave birth to their first child four weeks ago and the initial plan was to stay home with them. A strong 11th-placed showing at the New Zealand Open last weekend led to a late change of heart, which paid off to the tune of A$18,750 (NZ$20,500) and an exemption to play on the tour next year.

‘‘I wasn’t even planning to come play this event, I was going stay home with them, but I’m glad I didn’t,’’ he said after the win.

‘‘Getting the exemption is fantastic, I’ve struggled to keep my Aussie tour card the last four and a half years, mainly because I haven’t played enough events, so to have the exemption for next year takes a weight off my shoulders.’’