It only seems fair that J.J. Spahn has a connection to Tiger Woods, as the latter hangs over the edge in the collective golf world with his "whether he will play the Masters" news. However, Spahn would not mind, as he became the first player since Woods at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines to start the final round of a PGA Tour event with a double bogey and win the Valero Texas Open. Of. After emerging from the overcrowded leader board with steady play while the others struggled.
Spawn was on hold on several occasions on his way to a three-under 69 on Sunday and the first PGA Tour title of his career. Ninth at TPC San Antonio, he had a "mic drop" moment as his approach went long, hit a microphone in the grass, then proceeded to pierce his pitch—his third hole-out of the week.
In 11th place, Spahn knocked a gap wedge into the tight to add a birdie to the lead when a bogey was made for a two-shot swing by Beau Hosler.
There was more to come. The clutch up and down from the bunker on 14 included a nine-foot putt for a birdie on 5. A solid stroke for a six-foot par in 15th was also a sign of his play on the greens over the weekend. With his well-worn Scotty Cameron by Titleist Prototype. Spahn didn't drop a put within 10 feet in the last 36 holes. For the week he was third in regulation put per green. He also tied for the most birdies with 23, all of which were needed to help offset a double bogey in each of the final two rounds.
Success came off the tee with its Ping G425 LST driver (a low-spin version of the G425 line) with a Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft. Spahn used his 9-degree driver to finish 10th on Stokes' get/off-the-tee, taking nearly three shots on the field.
In other words, a game like Tiger is for a man who is ranked 584th in the world as of last year. It also meant that he not only wiped out bad feelings by holding or sharing a 54-hole lead (the 2017 Shriners Children's Open where he faded to T-10), but will play at the Masters next week. For the first time too.