Brian Harman claimed a first title since the 2023 Open Championship with a three-shot victory at the windy Valero Texas Open.
The 38-year-old American, who lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool two years ago, came into the final round at TPC San Antonio with a three-shot lead. But that lead was soon cut down to just a single shot following a bogey and a double-bogey at the 6th and the 9th with fellow American Andrew Novak lurking behind in search for a maiden PGA TOUR victory and a place at the upcoming Masters.
Harman looked to be back on track with birdies at the 12th and 14th to regain his three-shot advantage at the top but he once again suffered a wobble with a bogey at the 16th which opened the door slightly ajar for Novak once more. But Novak failed to take advantage as Harman never lost the lead in the final round and went onto card a three-over 75 to end on 9 under which was enough for him to secure his four career PGA TOUR triumph.
The last two days felt like they took an eternity, with the wind it felt like a nightmare out there,” Harman said speaking to Sky Sports referencing the difficult conditions on the course.
He went onto also speak about the emotions he was going through after revealing a close family friend of his named Cathy Dowdy was in a coma after attempting to rescue his son, Walter, following an incident on vacation in China where he was caught out on sea on a rip tide.
“I’m playing with a heavy heart today,” Harman said. “Miss Cathy went after my boy in the water, she’s not doing so good, and just thinking about her all day.”
American Ryan Gerard recorded a final-round 69 to end on 6 under and finish ahead of Novak who could only settle for a T3 finish alongside Maverick McNealy a shot further back.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule, following the Masters, is the RBC Heritage taking place between 17-20 April at Harbour Tow Golf Links in South Carolina.