Spieth clinches second Australian Open in three-way playoff

THE American phenom has done it again.

Jordan Spieth clinched the 2016 Australian Open – his second in three years – after a thrilling three-man playoff.

Spieth – a BettingSite.com.au betting tip – birdied the last hole to finish at 12 under par after 72 holes, along with with Aussie duo Cameron Smith and Ashley Hall.

Nerves of steel on the green, what the world number five is known for, was the difference-maker. A three-metre putt for birdie on the playoff hole put pressure on Smith and Hall, who failed to sink their opportunities and handed the superstar the title.

The 23-year-old last won the Australian Open in 2014 and finished runner up in 2015.

The $4 favourite is a near certainty to return for a fourth-consecutive year to defend his title in 2017.

The people’s hero of the day was runner up and world number 902, Ashley Hall.

With his big frame, knock-about personality and big-hitting, he evoked memories of US-great John Daly and went into the tournament paying $251 to win. After Spieth hit his playoff putt, Hall’s lipped out, ending what would have been the most unlikely Australian Open fairytale in more than a decade.

The good news for Smith and Hall is that despite their loss, they have secured a ticket to the 2017 British Open at Royal Birkdale.

Will the Americans continue to dominate at the World Cup of Golf?

The attention of the Australian golfing industry turns to Melbourne’s Kingston Heath Golf Club for the 2016 World Cup of Golf on Thursday, November 24.

While Australian Open-winner Jordan Spieth won’t be competing, the Americans will still field a strong team with Rick Fowler and Jimmy Walker.

Adam Scott, who finished equal 14th in the Open with -6, will team up with Marc Leishman for team Australia.

Sportsbet has released its betting market for the tournament, which features 29 countries.

2016 World Cup of Golf betting: