Chappell bags win at 180th attempt
Kevin Chappell sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the final green on Sunday to seal his first PGA Tour title at the Valero Texas Open.
Chappell needed to birdie the par-5 18th to avoid a playoff with Brooks Koepka, who had surged up the leaderboard to grab the clubhouse lead with a final-round 65, and he duly held his nerve to hole out.
The birdie meant that Chappell, 30, finished on 12-under par, one stroke ahead of Koepka, and scored a first tour victory in his 180th start – a win that was a mighty relief judging by his celebration.
The putt.
The win.
The emotions.Congrats @Kevin_Chappell on your first win! %uD83C%uDFC6 pic.twitter.com/K4I4LTHm7r
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) 24 April 2017
“I’m just excited that I don’t have to answer that question of, ‘What do I have to do to win?’ again,” said Chappell afterwards.
The win was a long time coming for Chappell, who had previously recorded three third places and six runners-up finishes, including four in 2015-2016.
Tony Finau and Kevin Tway each shot 69s to finish in a tie for third place on nine-under par, while Chappell’s playing partner Branden Grace of South Africa, dropped down the leaderboard to finish tied for 10th spot on six-under par after a disappointing round of 73.
We won't forget this finish anytime soon. pic.twitter.com/C5eRZhYDO3
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) 24 April 2017
Next week, the PGA Tour moves on to TPC Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
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