Australian Steven Bowditch picked up his first win on the PGA Tour and booked a place at the Masters next week by winning the Texas Open at TPC San Antonio by one shot.
A round of 76 was enough on the final day in tough conditions as nobody in the field was able to card a score which was able to surpass the 30-year old.
Before his fourth round, Bowditch had completed scores of 69, 67 and 68 respectively to give him a three shot lead overnight going into Sunday. His bright start to the tournament made him the short priced favourite with Betfair leading into the last 18 holes.
However, that advantage was soon gone after just four holes on the final day as he bogeyed the second and then took six shots on the fourth.
Despite his shaky start, the Australian-born golfer was able to pick up crucial birdies at the fifth and at hole 14 which were enough in the end for him to claim the win to reward Betfair backers.
Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays both finished a shot behind the champion on 7-under par, while Matt Kuchar, who was popular with Betfair customers, was six under following the 72 holes, despite sharing the lead with nine to play on Sunday.
Bowditch’s appearance at Augusta National Club next week will be his debut at the prestigious event. It will only be his second start at a major tournament after playing the 2003 Open Championship where he missed the cut.
Former Masters winners Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both in a race for fitness ahead of the opening major of 2014. That leaves Rory McIlroy at the top of the market for the event later this month.
