Bathurst’s Hodson, who is based at The Australian Golf Club, shot rounds of 74 and 72 to claim the win in his first attempt at the Open in seven years, bettering a healthy Duntryleague contingent that was led by three-time former champion Andy Campbell.

Hodson was thrilled not just to win but to even be a part of the Bathurst tournament after clashes with other events had made him unavailable in the past.

“It was awesome. I haven’t played in it for a long time so it was great to get a start in it. This is something that I’ve been wanting to play in for years” he said.

“It was a good experience. It’s great preparation going into my club champs at The Australian.

“There was definitely a bit of home ground advantage for me. I knew where to hit it and where the spots to avoid were. That definitely helped me towards those last few holes each round. 

“I was really impressed with how I was able to play over the last 10 holes.”

The opening round was an uphill battle at times for Hodson but his late eagle would prove a decisive moment in a weekend to remember.

“I was six over with four to play. I was a bit upset with myself about the round so far,” he said.

“I had a great birdie on the 15th then missed another birdie chance on the 16th. I then had an 80m chip on the 17th for eagle. That got me back to three over and I was able to par the last hole.”