Jones fends off Spieth and Scott

Jones stumbled out of the blocks, making a double bogey and triple bogey on his front side to go out in 4-over 39 before rallying with a 2-under 34 on the back to win.

The largely unheralded Jones burst from the shadows of celebrated countrymen Adam Scott and Jason Day with a hugely popular one-stroke triumph over defending champion Spieth and Scott on his home course at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney on Sunday.

After starting the day at four over and 14 strokes off the pace, Pampling dropped another shot on the first hole before racking up nine birdies and an eagle on the par-5 18th hole to surge to six under for the championship.

Veteran Rod Pampling finished a shot further back after an incredible course-record 10-under-par 61.

They both parred the third, but Jones finally began to right the shop with a birdie on the fourth hole, while Spieth sank a par putt to leave the margin at three shots.

He was joined on seven under by Scott, who shot a superb six-under 65.

“It would be fantastic”, the 35-year-old said.

“It’s not about a match-play mindset at all”, Jones said. “I think I can shoot a couple of mid-60s; it’s really do-able if you play good and I’ve just got to put it together”.

Matthew Jones poses for photographers as he holds the Stone Haven Cup after winning the Australian Open golf tournament in Sydney.

But he enjoyed every minute of his one-day stay – he poured in nine birdies and one eagle – to eclipse the “old” record (set by Jordan Spieth last year) by two shots. I knew, getting to the back 9 with a chance I would – that’s all I wanted to do was get to the back 9 with a chance because I know I can birdie some holes out on the back 9.

“So I am going to give it everything I can as I would love to have my name on that trophy alongside the likes of (Jack) Nicklaus and Norman”.

“I can’t recall off the top of my head, normally I can sneak one in”, said Scott, managing a smile.

The Sydneysider’s victory also earned him a place at next year’s British Open along with Pampling and Nick Cullen (68), who shared fifth with Lincoln Tighe (72) on three-under but clinched the spot at Royal Troon courtesy of his higher ranking.

Jones had a three-shot lead heading into the final round at the Australian GC but a two-over 73 nearly saw his second PGA Tour title slip away.