LIKE A PRO: Jake Higginbotham.
CHARLESTOWN teenager Jake Higginbottom has become the first amateur to win the New Zealand Open since 1956.
The 19-year-old held a one-shot lead at Clearwater Gold Club in Christchurch going into the last tee.
His drive on the final hole came within six metres of the pin, setting it up for the win.
He started the day at two under, and then continued with a bogey and two birdies.
Higginbottom went on to birdie on the eighth, and again on the 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th.
He bogeyed on the 16th before hitting his eighth birdie of the day at the 17th hole.
Higginbottom finished with a five-under 67 final round.
He completed a seven-under total for the tournament.
Had Higginbottom played as a professional, he would have taken $72,000 for the win.
The former top-ranked Australian junior plans to go professional next year.