West Australian golfing sensation Connor McKinney has launched his 2026 season in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding wire-to-wire victory at the Webex Players Series Perth. The 23-year-old from Joondalup finished at a stunning 18-under-par, sealing his maiden PGA Tour of Australasia win by four strokes on Sunday.
A Dream Victory on Home Soil
The triumph at Royal Fremantle Golf Club marks a significant milestone for McKinney, who earned his DP World Tour card just two months prior after navigating the gruelling 252-hole Qualifying School. His debut season on the prestigious tour now begins with a massive confidence boost, as he prepares to compete in Bahrain in the coming weeks.
"To actually do it at home with everyone here is awesome," an elated McKinney said after his final round of three-under 69. He described the moment his father, brothers, and friends rushed onto the green to celebrate as "pretty special," admitting the victory hadn't fully sunk in yet.
The Decisive Stretch of Play
The foundation for McKinney's dominant win was laid during a breathtaking four-hole sequence spanning Saturday's third round and Sunday's final round. He transformed a three-shot deficit into a two-stroke lead with a spectacular hole-in-one followed by a birdie to close out Saturday.
The momentum carried into Sunday, where he was announced on the first tee by tournament co-host and three-time major champion Minjee Lee. McKinney immediately birdied the first hole and then eagled the par-5 second, sinking a 40-foot putt. "When you roll in a 40-footer on the second hole of the day, you're like, OK, I could do something good today," he recalled.
This incredible six-under-par run over those four holes stretched his lead to five strokes, a gap his competitors could never close. He extended his advantage to as many as eight shots midway through the back nine, adding birdies at the fifth, sixth, and eighth holes.
Sealing the Win and Looking Ahead
Despite giving back three shots with late bogeys on the 14th, 17th, and 18th holes, McKinney's lead was insurmountable. He finished at 18-under, four shots clear of the trio tied for second: Curtis Luck (67), Kirsten Rudgeley (68), and Abbie Teasdale (70).
McKinney, who had his coach David Milne greenside and his brother Archie caddying for him, stated his goal for the final day was simply to extend his lead. He now looks to translate this local success onto the global stage of the DP World Tour.
"It just gives me a lot of confidence heading to Bahrain in a few weeks and looking forward to get going over there," McKinney said, viewing the win as a potential springboard for greater achievements this year. For his playing partner Andrew Johnston, putting struggles continued, hampering his quest for a first win in a decade.
