Steven Bowditch wins Valero Texas Open

Steven Bowditch came through a tough final day at the TPC San Antonio to win the Valero Texas Open and earn a spot in the 2014 Masters

Steven Bowditch of Australia held on to win the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio in Texas by a single shot from Americans Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays.

Bowditch's final round of 76 was the highest by a winner on the regular PGA Tour since Fred Couples posted a 77 to win the 1983 Kemper Open.

In windy conditions at TPC San Antonio, many of the leading players struggled, but Bowditch did just enough to claim his first PGA Tour title and to earn a start at the U.S. Masters.

"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," said Bowditch. "And it happened a lot today."

Prior to this event, the Australian had recorded only two top-10 finishes in eight years on the PGA Tour. In recent years he has suffered from depression and attempted suicide back in 2006.

"He's a battler and has gone through a lot," said fellow Australian John Senden. "I'm proud to be his mate."

Bowditch struggled to the turn in three over par 39 but then held it steady through the back nine as other contenders fell away. He was able to bogey the last and still take the title by a stroke.

Will MacKenzie produced a fine final round of 70 and Daniel Summerhays a 71 to push themselves up the field into a tie for second plae.

Matt Kuchar and Andrew Loupe closed with rounds of 75 to end the week in a tie for fourth.

Russell Knox of Scotland was the top British finisher, in a tie for 26th place.

Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas Mar 27-30, purse $6,200,000, par 72

1    Steven Bowditch (Aus)    69    67    68    76    280    $1,116,000 T2    Will MacKenzie (USA)    69    72    70    70    281    $545,600 T2    Daniel Summerhays (USA) 72 68    70    71    281    $545,600 T4    Matt Kuchar (USA)    70    72    65    75    282    $272,800 T4    Andrew Loupe (USA)    67    70    70    75    282    $272,800 T6    Jim Furyk (USA)        70    74    68    71    283    $200,725 T6    Zach Johnson (USA)    70    71    70    72    283    $200,725 T6    Jerry Kelly (USA)        71    71    70    71    283    $200,725 T6    Brendon Todd (USA)    71    76    68    68    283    $200,725 10    Jordan Spieth (USA)    75    70    68    71    284    $167,400

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage