Dimi Papadatos has joined the likes of legendary golfing countrymen Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle as multiple winners of the Vic Open.
The 30-year-old from NSW held his nerve to drain a tricky five-foot downhill putt on the final hole at 13th Beach on Sunday and claim a one-shot victory over New Zealander Ben Campbell.
But there was a pretty significant silver lining for Campbell and third-placed Australian Matthew Griffin, as the top three finishers were all guaranteed starts at the 150th British Open at St Andrews in July.
"It's been a long time since my last win in Portugal four or five years ago and I wasn't sure if I still had it in me," Papadatos said.
"The Open is just an added bonus.
"I was obviously just trying to get the win today and that's definitely the highlight.
"I'll worry about the Open when it comes."
Papadatos, whose only previous appearance at a major was the 2019 British Open at Royal Portrush, closed with a six-under 66 for a four-round total of 21-under 267.
He and Campbell (66) both birdied the final hole in a grandstand finish.
"I felt pretty comfortable over it - surprisingly," Papadatos said.
"It was a bit of a nightmare putt, left to right and downhill with the wind off the left, but it went straight in so that was good."
Having previously saluted at 13th Beach in 2017, Papadatos was honoured to join the likes of celebrated major champions Thomson and Nagle as multiple Vic Open winners.
"I'm very happy with that - it goes to show I didn't fluke it the first time," he said.
"I'm just so happy to get my game back and start playing alright again."
Griffin, who was also hoping to become a two-time winner of the Vic Open after triumphing in 2014, claimed the final British Open slot on offer after finishing third at 16 under with a final round of 70.
"I felt like I was close to the lead and then realised around 16 that I was a few back and it was project top-three," he said.
"I just wanted to make sure I didn't make a mistake on the last hole."
Fellow Victorian Josh Younger (70) was a shot further back in outright fourth at 15 under.
Having led after each of the opening three rounds, New South Welshman John Lyras slipped back to a tie for fifth after closing with a two-over 74.
