J.J. Spaun wins Texas Open to earn trip to Masters

Tuesday, 5 April 2022 02:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: J.J. Spaun shot a final-round 69 Sunday to finish with a 13-under 275 and earn his first career win on tour at the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.

The two-shot victory earned Spaun his first-ever trip to the Masters in Augusta, Ga. next week, where he will enter play at number 10 in the FedExCup standings.

“It’s a great feeling to be in the winner’s circle and now it’s like a game-changer,” Spaun said.

Coming into the day tied for the lead with three other golfers, Spaun misfired with a double bogey on his first hole, but he rallied to shoot a calm, collected round after that, making five birdies and 12 pars.

He finished his day with four straight pars, with no other golfer able to draw closer.

Matt Kuchar (69 on Sunday) and Australian Matt Jones (66) finished tied for the second two strokes back at 11 under.

Spaun joined the PGA tour in 2017, earning three top-10 finishes as a rookie. He added four more in 2018, but he hit a rough patch in 2020.