Rookie Thompson lands knockout win in Super Six

The Gippsland Super Six trophy was decided on the Knockout Hole, with Adelaide rookie Jack Thompson triumphing over the emblazoned Jordan Zunic in a shoot-out.

The pair went toe-to-toe on the final day of competition across the Warragul Country Club’s six-hole course, making for a nail-biting end to the four-day tournament.

The Knockout Hole was specially designed to determine any tiebreakers during competition, with the hole showcasing Warragul’s requirement for precise short play.

On the final hole, both golfers were similar distances from the green and victory would be decided by the better pitch.

Zunic’s shot landing on the apron would require an accurate putt to make par. But it was Thompson’s superb pitch shot that set him a short putt away from victory.

Zuric missed his attempt from 15 feet, allowing for the rookie to collect his first ever tournament win.

It was the end of a contest-killing run for Thompson who battled through medal match play after his tight squeeze to qualification.

After three bogeys from five holes on Saturday, the Gippsland Super Six champion turned his game around.

Meeting Jason Bugdalski in the opening match on Sunday, Thompson was two down with two holes to play. It was an incredible birdie shot from outside 25 feet that saw the rookie advance to round two.

It was hurdle after hurdle for Thompson, meeting top seed Michael Sim for a shot at the finals. Sim was coming off a bye round because of his top-eight qualifying spot, which allowed Thompson to capitalise with his momentum.

The Adelaide product continued his decisive streak all the way to the championship match, where he finally had the chance to collect his first PGA tournament trophy. Thompson turned pro in February and has since been vying for a win in the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The rookie will now have his name etched onto the Gippsland trophy and collect $24,750 in winnings.

The tournament brought 124 professional golfers to Warragul last week, along with defending Super Six champion Marcus Fraser.

Fraser bowed out after missing a qualification spot for day three, placing equal 56th after 18 holes.

“You’ve definitely got to be in play off the tee, it’s not overly long but if you’re not pretty straight off the tee or in the right spot, it’s going to be a long day for you,” Fraser said.

Fraser is no longer playing golf full time but was happy with his play after the first day.

“The expectations aren’t there anymore but I do want to play well, anytime I put a card in my pocket I want to play well,” he said.

The tournament gave many rookies a shot at a tournament win, Queensland youngster Lawry Flynn was leading play after day two and had good chance at victory.

“It’s nice to be in contention in my second event as a professional, so it’s great,” he said.

Flynn finished 17th and came away with a share in prize money.