The Shell Houston Open was the last chance for golfers to make it to Augusta – and that is exactly what Matt Jones did today! With a remarkable 42-yard-chip-in on the first playoff hole, Jones outdueled Matt Kuchar on his way to winning the Shell Houston Open and earn his first trip to The Masters as well as $1.2 million!
This win is the first on the PGA Tour for the Australian – he sank a 46-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to reach the playoff whereas Kuchar bogeyed his final hole of regulation. Jones started the day six shots back of Kuchar, but shot a final round 66 and ended the tournament 15-under par overall. Kuchar shot a final round 72 after shooting 66-67-68. This was the second straight final-round finish where Kuchar shot in the 70’s – he shot a 75 in the final pair of last week’s Valero Texas Open to finish fourth.
Golfers were sent off in threesomes early Sunday morning for the second day in a row because of the threat of strong storms in the Houston area. The rain was heavy at times, but the tournament finished without any delays. Many golfers used the Shell Houston Open as a tune up for this week’s Masters Tournament, the season’s first Major championship.
Sergio Garcia finished third at 13-under and Rory McIlroy matched the low round of the tournament with a 7-under 65 on Sunday, finishing T7 at 8-under par overall. He is considered the favourite to win this coming week at Augusta. Phil Mickelson, who won the tournament in 2011, was also in the field and was 1-under on Sunday and finished 7-under par overall finishing T12.
Source: Shell Houston Open
