New Zealander Ryan Fox claimed victory in the John Hughes Nexus WA Open Championship by an impressive six strokes at Cottesloe Golf Club in Perth.

Fox, who began the final round tied for the lead, started off strong with a birdie on the first hole before going on to shoot five-under-par for the round to finish the tournament at 23-under 265.

The WA Open is Ryan Fox's first title on the PGA Tour of Australasia. PHOTO: Getty Images The WA Open is Ryan Fox's first title on the PGA Tour of Australasia. PHOTO: Getty Images

The 27-year-old Kiwi has been touted as a rising star of New Zealand golf and the win marked Fox’s first title on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“It’s great to win my first Tour event,” Fox said “I have been in this position a couple of times but hadn’t quite got it done. It’s nice to turn all that practice into a winning result.”

Fox revealed he was inspired by the All Blacks’ narrow victory over the Wallabies on Saturday night. “It was actually good to see the national team do so well and see what they did to win. I definitely drew some inspiration out of that.”

After getting off to a great start, Fox built up a decent lead in the final round and was able to enjoy the last few holes in one of his favourite places to play golf.

“I love coming to Perth. This is my fourth time. I have always played well over here so it’s nice to put a win on the board and hopefully I will be back next year.”

In true Kiwi fashion, Fox celebrated the win with a drink. “I have a nice bottle of wine sitting at home so I think we might drink some of that tonight.”

West Australian Stephen Dartnall birdied the 18th to seal a runner-up finish with a total of 17-under 271. Rhein Gibson, Paul Spargo and Daniel Nisbet tied for third, a shot back from Dartnall at 16-under.

Victorian Todd Sinnott finished the tournament tied for sixth, the best performance of the amateurs. However, it was a tight affair with eight players finishing tied for sixth at 13-under.

The European Tour will now join the PGA Tour of Australasia for the ISPS Handa Perth International at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from Thursday.

LEADERBOARD

1. Ryan Fox (NZ)                       64-66-68-67—265

2. Stephen Dartnall (WA)          64-69-69-69—271

T3. Rhein Gibson (NSW)          71-65-66-70—272

T3. Daniel Nisbet (Qld)             65-69-67-71—272

T3. Paul Spargo (SA)                 66-66-66-74—272

*For the full leaderboard, click here