Jones holds off Spieth to win Australian Open
Jordan Spieth was unable to defend his Australian Open title as Matt Jones claimed victory in Sydney.
Matt Jones held on to win the Australian Open despite a nervy final round on Sunday, while Jordan Spieth never got going.
Jones, a winner on the PGA Tour last year, carded a two-over 73 to win by a shot at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.
The Australian holed a three-foot par putt on the final hole to finish at eight under, a shot clear of Spieth and Adam Scott.
Jones had endured a difficult round that included four birdies, a triple bogey, a double bogey and a bogey.
Spieth missed a long eagle putt at the last that would have forced a play-off.
The world number one ended up with an even-par 71 in the final round, but he never found his best form in his title defence.
Adam Scott shot a 65 to surge into contention as he finished alongside Spieth in a tie for second.
Rod Pampling had fired an incredible 10-under 61 and he was outright fourth after his course-record round.
Nick Cullen and Lincoln Tighe were tied for fifth at three under, a shot ahead of Terry Pilkadaris.
A group of five players – Todd Sinnott, Brett Rumford, Geoff Ogilvy, Aron Price and Rhein Gibson – finished tied for eighth.