Charley Hoffman has been close before at the Valero Texas Open, but now he has his coveted win (and champion boots). Here’s how things ended up at TPC San Antonio, where Hoffman took home the title in dramatic fashion:
Leaderboard: Charley Hoffman (-12), Patrick Reed (-11), Chad Collins (-10), Martin Piller (-9), Kevin Chappell (-9), Ryan Palmer (-9), Billy Horschel (-9), Ricky Barnes (-9)
What it means: Hoffman started the day one shot off the pace, but he took the lead after a birdie on No. 11. He was briefly caught when Reed birdied the final hole, but Hoffman made a clutch up-and-down from the bunker on No. 18, holing a 10-footer for birdie and the win to capture the title at an event where he has come close several times in the last few years.
Round of the day: Tom Hoge opened the week with a 76, and he didn’t even begin the final round on the front nine because of the split-tee start. But Hoge made a serious run up the leaderboard with a 7-under 65, a round that included seven birdies along with two bogeys and an eagle. Hoge began the day nine shots back, but after going out in 31 he added three birdies over his final five holes to finish the week at 8 under and tied for ninth.
Best of the rest: Branden Grace won last week at the RBC Heritage, and he gave himself an outside shot at back-to-back victories with a closing 67. Grace birdied three of his first five holes, and was 5 under on his final round through 11 holes with a chance to post an early number for the leaders to chase. While he played the closing seven holes in even par, he still earned a top-10 finish that served as a strong follow to his breakthrough victory.
Biggest disappointment: Barnes started the day with a one-shot lead, but after 222 starts his search for his first PGA Tour victory continues. Barnes bogeyed the opening hole, made the turn in 2-over 38 and never really factored down the stretch. He signed for a 2-over 74 that left him at 9 under, tied for fourth and three shots behind Hoffman.
Shot of the day: Hoffman appeared headed for a playoff before his 10-foot putt on the final green found the center of the cup, eliciting a fist pump and a celebration from the Tour’s latest winner.
Quote of the day: “This last month was hard. Being in contention every Sunday and not closing the door is not me. It was nice to make that putt, that’s for sure.” - Hoffman
