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First-year PGA trainee professional Frazer Droop has won the world’s richest trainee tournament; the PGA National Futures Championship.
Starting the final round at Ballarat Golf Club with a three-shot lead, Frazer was shaky early but held his nerve to shoot 1-over 73. He won the title by three shots from his playing partner Robbie Hogan.
“At the start of the week, I did have a few expectations and this was the goal. To come out on top after four really tough days is a very good feeling,” said Droop.
“It was a grind today. I was 2-over after three holes so it was a slow start. I was pretty patient all day and hung in there.
“Robbie (Hogan) and Trent (Smith) were playing pretty solid and making a few more birdies than I was.
“But I had a really good putt on 17, I holed about a 40 foot putt down the tier which was the highlight of the day and gave me a buffer coming up the last.”
Frazer was happy to come out on top with his family, including his father PGA Pro, Evan Droop, out supporting him at Ballarat Golf Club.
“At probably the 14th hole I felt a little bit of pressure but to come home with the win, I just can’t thank everyone enough,” added Droop, who works for his father at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.
“Nan and Pop came down as well, they have been out there the last couple of days, so a huge thank you to them and also to my Dad, Mum and sister.
“It is always nice to have them out following me and when I come out on top it feels a whole lot better to have my family there with me.”
For his win, Droop collected $10,800, the winner’s share of the AU$60,000, as well as a start at the 2018 Australian PGA Championship.
“It’s going to be unreal, being co-sanctioned by the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, there will be a lot of good players there,” added Droop.
“I am going to practice between now and then so that I am ready to give it my best shot.
“I have always wanted to play on Tour; the PGA Traineeship is just a different pathway to getting there. I feel like I made the right choice and that I will get there in the end.”
Finishing outright second on 2-under the card was New South Wales, Third Year PGA Trainee, Robbie Hogan.
A shot further back on 1-under the card was England’s Matthew Fieldsend, the 2017 PGA of Great Britain and Ireland Assistant Champion.
Rounding out the top-5 on the leaderboard was New Zealander Cameron Jones and New South Welshman Trent Smith who finished the tournament at even par.
For all final scores from the 2017 PGA National Futures Championship please visit pga.org.au.