Brett Rumford claimed his sixth European Tour title in emphatic fashion as he beat Phachara Khongwatmai in the final of the inaugural ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth.
The European Tour was breaking new ground in Western Australia last February, with an event consisting of 54 holes of stroke play before a 24-man six-hole match play competition on Sunday.
Rumford was utterly dominant in both, leading after all three days of stroke play - by five shots at 17 under on Saturday night - and then sealing four wins in match play to complete a wonderful turnaround after losing his playing privileges last season.
His 2 and 1 victory over Thai teenager Khongwatmai in the final delighted the home fans, who saw a Perth native lift the trophy at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.
"It's amazing, particularly being a new format, the first winner of that," he said.
"Golf is bigger than one person. If it's going to grow the game and it's more than just a golf tournament and it becomes an event in which we're trying to grow this sport with a bit more thrill and excitement about it, then I think as a Tour we've done a great job.
"It's great to be back. I've done a lot of reflection these past few months after missing my Tour card last year. I had a tough year and didn't see my family that much, only four weeks in six months. It was a gruelling six months but I'm back and I couldn't be happier."
