Playing the event courtesy of his conditional status on the American secondary Tour earned at Tour School, Papadatos began the final round four shots back of the lead but got off to a hot start at the Prince of Wales Country Club.

Two birdies followed by an eagle across the first three holes elevated Papadatos right into contention, with the Central Coast of New South Wales product proceeding to make six straight pars to turn in four-under 32.

A birdie at the par-4 10th was instantly cancelled out by a bogey at the par-3 next before Papadatos once again found his groove to record three birdies in five holes, including at the par-4 17th.

A par at the last saw Papadatos sign for a seven-under 65 and total of 21-under-par, good enough for the clubhouse lead and a nervous wait to see if anyone could match or surpass his mark.

With a birdie at the par-5 last, American Ben Kohles drew level sending the event into extra holes.

It was matching birdies for the pair the first time back down the 18th, with both Papadatos and Kohles going long off the green with their second shots on their third trip down the hole for the day.

Playing first, Papadatos’ chip when past the hole leaving a testing bridie try, yet the advantage looked to be his when Kohles hit his shot just on the green with a longer putt upcoming to maintain the pressure on the Australian.

Kohles did just that when he rolled in the 10 foot birdie putt, with Papadatos unable to match him.

The runner-up cheque worth $US90,000 will help console Papadatos, so too will his start in the next Korn Ferry Tour event based off his finish and elevation up the money list before the next re-rank which determines fields.

Given the success on debut and prospect of more starts, the two-time Vic Open winner looks set to spend more time in America as he tries to secure a place in the top-25 on the money list and with a PGA Tour card for next season.

Something fellow Aussie, and 2023 Korn Ferry Tour winner, Rhein Gibson is on track for after finishing this week in 10th.Â