Cory Crawford’s epic final round comeback to win PNG Open

The Queenslander started the final day five shots behind solo leader Lincoln Tighe, but breezed to a four-shot win thanks to a sparkling seven-under 65 in Port Moresby.

It was his second win on tour in less than a year after claiming the Victorian PGA in late 2024, an event tinged with controversy when Anthony Quayle was penalised seven strokes in his opening round for mistakenly playing preferred lies before charging home on championship day.

There was little doubt about Crawford’s victory this time, the 32-year-old reeling in the leaders quickly with five birdies on the front nine and watching others falter as he finished at 11-under for the tournament.

It was the second time he has won the PNG Open, his other success coming in 2017.

“It feels really good,” Crawford said. “The first time (I won in PNG) I had no idea what I was doing. This time it was really structured and means a lot more because so much has gone into it.

“To win a golf tournament is so hard, as everyone knows. To win this is really special. My mindset was aggressive. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be able to shoot a good number to try to win this thing. That’s all I was thinking for the whole day.”

Tighe’s wait for a first PGA Tour of Australasia win in more than decade goes on, signing for a disappointing two-over 74 to finish at seven-under for the event.

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He was in a tie for second at seven-under alongside Zach Ion (67), Jake McLeod (71), Ben Henkel (72) and Will Florimo (73).

Crawford only started the tournament with a pair of even-par 72s, but clicked into gear on the weekend for a 68-65 finish to claim the season-opening event.

The second stop on tour will be Darwin for the Northern Territory PGA later this month.