SYDNEY — Adam Scott won the Australian Open for his first pro victory in his home country, shooting an even-par 72 yesterday to beat Stuart Appleby by five strokes.

Scott won 14 times worldwide since turning pro in 2000 before breaking through in his native land. He finished at 15-under 273 at New South Wales Golf Club.

The win followed Scott's worst season on the PGA Tour, where he made only nine cuts in 19 tournaments and had just one top-10 finish.

"I always thought I'd get my chance," Scott said. "It's so bizarre, this game, that off the back of such a bad year I finally played good enough to win down here.

"I've worked really hard even though I've played terrible all year. But it pays off. You've got to stick with it."

Appleby closed with a 75.

New Zealand's Michael Long (70), American Bryce Molder (68) and Australia's Nick O'Hern (74) tied for third, nine strokes behind Scott.

ELSEWHERE

Chevron World Challenge: Jim Furyk shot a final-round 5-under 67 for a one-stroke victory over Graeme McDowell (70) in the Chevron World Challenge at Thousand Oaks, Calif. Furyk finished at 13-under 275 for his first victory since the 2007 Canadian Open.

Nedbank Challenge: Robert Allenby shot a final-round 1-under 71, then parred the third playoff hole to beat Henrik Stenson and win the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, South Africa. Stenson shot a 69 to tie Allenby at 11-under 277.

LPGA Qualifying School: Kaua'i's Lehua Wise shot a 2-under 70 and was tied for 43rd at 4-over 292 after 72 holes of the 90-hole tournament at Daytona Beach, Fla. Honolulu's Ayaka Kaneko was tied for 65th with 74—299. Norway's Marianne Skarpnord (70—282) takes a one-stroke lead into today's final round.

PGA Qualifying School: Former Hawai'i residents Jarett Hamamoto (70) and Keoke Cotner (73) were both at 9-over 297 after 72 holes of the 108-hole tournament at West Palm Beach, Fla. Hamamoto was 4-over and Cotner 3-over through 15 holes when fifth-round play was suspended because of darkness. Leader Troy Merritt was at 18-under overall through 12 holes.