Bowditch’s Final Round 76 Wins Texas Open

Another First-Time Winner on the PGA Tour

Chris Duthie

Last Weekend's Valero Texas Open

Was it me, or did it seem like the $1.116 million first-prize purse wasn’t enough of a carrot at this weekend’s Valero Texas Open?

First-time winner Steven Bowditch, ranked 339^th in the world prior to the event, battled wind and personal demons during a closing round 76 but still won by one stroke over Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays.

Playing with Bowditch in the final group, Matt Kuchar and Andrew Loupe also had a shot at the title, but tied for fourth place after both ballooned with 75s and finished two strokes back at the Greg Norman-designed TPC San Antonio.

It was the highest final-round total by a winner since Fred Couples’ 77 in the 1983 Kemper Open.

Still, there was no denying the heartfelt drama that unfolded when Bowditch, who attempted suicide in 2006 and has fought depression for much of his career, added his name to a trophy that includes those of Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead.

“I’m over the moon… I really can’t believe it,” said the 30-year-old Australian who makes his home in Dallas. “Every time I got out of check, looking ahead to the Masters and winning golf events and making my speeches before I was finished, I had to pull myself in check every time. And it happened a lot today.”

Bowditch, green shirted during Sunday’s final round, qualifies to play in the Masters Tournament, scheduled to start next week at Augusta National.

“He’s been a battler. He’s gone through a lot in his life,” said fellow countryman and friend John Senden, who waited an hour after his round to shake Bowditch’s hand. “I’m proud to be his mate.”

AUSSIE DOMINATION?

It was the sixth professional tour event to go to an Australian this season. Adam Scott won the PGA Grand Slam in October, Jason Day was the Match Play Championship titlist in February, two weeks ago Sender claimed the Valspar Championship, and Karrie Webb has won twice on the LPGA Tour (Australian Open and JTBC Founders Cup). Australia also won the World Cup of Golf last November at Royal Melbourne. 

NEXT UP

PGA Tour: Shell Houston Open; April 3-6; GC of Houston; Humble, TX

LPGA Tour: Kraft Nabisco Championship; April 3-6; Mission Hills CC; Rancho Mirage, CA

Champions Tour: Greater Gwinnett Championship; April 18-20; TPC Sugarloaf; Duluth GA

RELATED LINKS

Tale of Inspiration: What You Should Know About Steven Bowditch

Clinical Depression: Classic Symptoms, Getting Help

Since 1922: Past Winners of the Texas Open

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.