The Melbourne 45-year-old broke through in the $130,000 Turner Plumbing Victorian PGA Championship at Creswick’s Forest Resort yesterday.

McKenzie, who turned professional in 1990, took the title by two shots from fellow Victorian veteran Scott Laycock.

McKenzie shot a fourth round two-under par 70 to finish with a 13-under par 275.

Laycock finished two shots back after shooting a four-under 68 last round.

McKenzie set up the victory on Saturday, when he equalled the course record of 65.

This gave him a four-stroke lead over Laycock and Matt Griffin.

Griffin could do no better than a par 72 yesterday, which dropped him fourth on seven-under. 

Stephen Dartnall, who was joint leader after two rounds, bounced back from a disappointing third round to shoot a 70 yesterday and finish third on eight-under.

It was an emotional McKenzie who held the Jack Harris Cup aloft on the 18th green – a stark contrast to the subdued demeanour he showed after what turned out to be a tournament-winning round.

He was close to tears as he thanked his wife Mai, and parents Neil and Barbara for their long-time support.

McKenzie also paid tribute to friend, golf physiotherapist and golf specific trainer Ramsay McMaster, who died in December 2011.

“I wish he could be here to see this.

“Ramsay was one of my biggest supporters.”

McKenzie said McMaster’s unexpected death left him without any desire to play golf for about six months, even though he did play on.

“I didn’t want to play.”

He said he did not get into the right frame of mind until mid-year.

McKenzie said he had been much better prepared for the Creswick tournament this year.

“I didn’t practice (last year). I didn’t have a practice round. I didn’t see the course until the Thursday.”

McKenzie said this year he wanted to play.

McKenzie will play at the McMaster Memorial Golf Day at Victoria Golf Club on February 1.