Louis Dobbelaar’s love affair with New Zealand continues with his maiden professional victory at the NZPGA Championship at Gulf Harbour Country Club.

His first professional victory is even more special with his dad flying over from Queensland to caddy for him in the final round today. He was also on the bag for his New Zealand Amateur win in 2016.

After consistent rounds of 66, 67, and 66, the 21-year-old began today’s final round one shot ahead of kiwi Sung Jin Yeo at 17-under-par. The pair were locked in a two-horse race during the fourth round with Dobbelaar getting over the line by three shots following another clinical round of 69 to finish 20-under and win by three.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Queenslander, who relinquished his lead early after a double bogey at the third. It was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar opening nine that included five birdies, meaning he’d make the turn in a couple under and tied with Yeo.

The pair both birdied ten before Dobbelaar seized control after a Yeo bogey and a double at 11 and 12. Solid pars coming home with a bogey thrown in the mix at 13 was good enough for the Queenslander to hoist his first professional victory in the same country he hoisted his first significant amateur title.

Dobbelaar says this victory may take a while to sink in.

“It’s pretty surreal. It was an awesome week and a really special place to do it; I’m stoked to get my first win here.

“I don’t think it will sink in for a while, but I’m pretty stoked. I’m happy that dad could see me win this one. I don’t know what to say; I’m just bloody stoked.”

The victory capped off an incredible stretch of golf where Dobbelaar went 52 holes without a bogey, which he says is a record.

There is clearly something in the New Zealand air that brings the best out of the 21-year-old. He has strong kiwi connections with family living in Wellington and says he feels just as comfortable this side of the Tasman as he does at home.

“The best part is it’s so familiar to an Aussie feel and I have a lot of family out here, which is nice. There is something about catching up with everyone and I love playing golf out here.”

Japan’s Ren Yonezawa (67), two-time former champion Michael Hendry (63) and New South Welshman Justin Warren (64) did their best to apply Sunday pressure but were never closer than five strokes from the lead.

Yonezawa finished outright third at 15-under par, Hendry, Warren, Kiwi amateur Kazuma Kobori (65) and Brett Rankin (67) sharing fourth place at 13-under par.