A Historic Win for JJ Spaun at Valero Texas Open
JJ Spaun delivered a remarkable performance on a long, wet Sunday, securing a 5-under 67 and a one-shot victory at the Valero Texas Open. This win marked his first title since capturing the US Open last summer, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
Spaun’s victory at the TPC San Antonio was significant, as it was his second win at the course. Four years ago, this win earned him a spot in the Masters. Now, as a US Open champion, he already had his ticket to Augusta National secured. However, this win held special importance for Spaun as he navigated through a challenging start to the year.
Throughout the season, Spaun struggled to finish in the top 20, with his best result being a tie for 24th in The Players Championship. This victory, achieved in tough conditions, served as a validation of his skills as he prepares for the first major of the year.
“It’s just, this game is so crazy,” Spaun said. “I haven’t been feeling at the form I wanted to be based on last season, and just trying to take each day as it comes, and accepting what I have.”
He added, “There’s just so much that comes with winning big events like that, a US Open or any other major. I put a lot of pressure on me to start the year, a lot of expectations. I went into the last few weeks starting at the Players trying to be freed up, and put less pressure on myself, and it’s been trying. But sticking to that mantra has really helped me.”
A Close Competition
Robert MacIntyre, who led much of the tournament, completed 12 holes on Sunday morning in the storm-delayed event with an even-par 72, staying ahead by one shot going into the final round. The groups remained unchanged for the final round in an effort to finish before more rain arrived.
Spaun was among a dozen players in contention when he hit a tee shot to 3 feet on the par-3 16th hole for a birdie. Then, on the 306-yard 17th hole, he drove the green to 10 feet for an eagle. He finished with a par, setting the target at 17-under. He did this about an hour before MacIntyre and the final group.
As MacIntyre approached the final hole, he faced challenges due to the wet conditions. He drove the 17th hole and holed an eagle putt just outside 15 feet to get within one shot. However, on the closing hole, a par 5 that saw only 10 birdies in the final round, MacIntyre hooked his second shot from a wet fairway. Despite relief from temporary immovable obstructions, he could only hit a wedge to 30 feet.
His birdie putt to force a playoff was short all the way. MacIntyre closed with a 70, sharing second place with Matt Wallace (68) and Michael Kim (69).
Looking Ahead to Augusta
Ludvig Aberg continued his strong performance, securing his third straight top 10 finish. His performance included a notable moment at The Players Championship, where he gave up the lead on the back nine. Aberg heads into the Masters in decent form, closing with a final round of 70 and tying for fifth with Andrew Putnam, who needed a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff but hit a wedge into a back bunker, making bogey for a 70.
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