Walker wins Texas Open
Jimmy Walker won the Valero Texas Open by four strokes on Sunday, holding off a challenge from Jordan Spieth.
Walker, who started the final round with a four shot lead, closed with a two under par 70 to finish on 11 under at the TPC San Antonio event.
The Texan’s lead looked in jeopardy after his second bogey of the day on the par three seventh, but he bounced back with two birdies on the eighth and tenth.
Sinking two birdie putts of over 15 feet at the 16th and 17th put the result beyond doubt for Walker, whose nine shot win at the Sony Open in January was still fresh in his mind.
“Spieth really made me fight hard,” said the 36-year-old, who lives just 35 minutes away from the course, on ESPN.
“He kept hitting it close, and I had to keep making putts. Everybody says it’s hard to win at home, but it’s hard to win any week. Home, away, out of the country, it’s hard. So I feel good.”
Meanwhile, Spieth never gave up despite being seven strokes behind his fellow American at one point.
“It actually looked like I had a chance,” said the 21-year-old.
“I didn’t think that would be possible. You’re never out of it in this game, but Jimmy shut that down pretty quickly with his made putts.”
Speith would also finish with a 70, leaving him on seven under for the event. Billy Horschel was by himself in third on four under, while Daniel Summerhays and Chesson Hadley tied for fourth on three under. Spieth, in particular, is a decent punt at 27/1 with BetBright’s 2015 British Open markets.
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