Brad Kennedy wins New Zealand Open in playoff

Christchuch, New Zealand – Brad Kennedy birdied the first playoff hole Sunday to defeat Craig Parry and win the New Zealand Open.

Parry had a two-shot lead heading to the final hole of regulation, but faltered to double bogey to fall into a tie at seven-under 281 with Kennedy, who struggled himself with a two-over 74. Parry still shot a three-under 69 Sunday to get into a playoff.

It is Kennedy's second PGA Tour Australasia victory following a win at the 2010 Western Australia Open.

Josh Geary (72), who missed a par putt at the 18th that would have gotten him into the playoff, finished solo third at The Clearwater Resort at six-under 280.

Rohan Blizard (71) was fourth at minus-five, while Nicholas Cullen (71) and Leigh Deagan (70) shared fifth at four-under.