Texas Open: Robert MacIntyre misses out on title before Masters as JJ Spaun gets third win
Scotsman Robert MacIntyre missed his chance to win his third PGA Tour title by falling behind to American JJ Spaun at the weather-hit Texas Open.
MacIntyre was one shot ahead at 14-under-par when the third round ended in a delayed fashion on Sunday after storms greatly limited Saturday’s play.
The world number 11 shot a two-under 70 in his fourth round, helped by the eagle on the par-four 17th.
However, the US Open champion was unable to match Spaun’s surge on the final day and had to settle for second place ahead of Masters week in Augusta.
Spaun’s closing 67 dropped him to 17 under for a one-shot victory; MacIntyre, who had to play 30 holes on Sunday, could not make the birdie he needed to force the play-offs at the age of 18.
The victory was the 35-year-old Spaun’s second at the San Antonio event, which sets the stage for his first PGA Tour title in 2022.
England’s Matt Wallace also took the clubhouse lead for a long time, finishing 16 points behind with a third-round score of 64 and 68, while American Michael Kim moved into a three-over tie for second place.
“This game is crazy,” Spaun told Sky Sports. “I wasn’t in the form I wanted last season. It means a lot to come back and win in a place that’s been so good to me.
“There’s a lot that comes with winning big events like the US Open or other big tournaments. I put a lot of pressure on myself this year, which was the opposite of the mantra that really helped me last year, so I tried to get back to that.”
“I’m putting less pressure on myself. I’m trying, but sticking to that mantra has really helped me.”
MacIntyre’s lead in the second round was reduced from four shots to two through six holes by Swedish playing partner Ludvig Aberg when storms forced the postponement of the third round on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Scot was facing a busy schedule on Sunday but still looked set to take a two-shot lead heading into the final round, but he fell short in the 18th with a 72, a frustrating note to end his third round on.
MacIntyre then made birdie twice and then immediately made a shot on his final round, and Spaun raced to the clubhouse lead with three birdies on the back nine and an eagle on the drivable 17th.
MacIntyre matched that eagle in impressive fashion to revive his hopes of victory, but he hit a wayward shot in the second shot at 18 and couldn’t get close enough to the pin in the third.
His shot from 30 meters out allowed Spaun to win the third PGA Tour championship of his career.
As the first major of the year begins Thursday, we will have little time to celebrate Spaun’s victory or dwell on what might have been for MacIntyre, who started the tournament with rounds of 66 and 64.
