Scottie Scheffler put himself into rivalry for a 3rd straight week however got here up simply quick on the Houston Open.
Stephan Jaeger persevered and carded a 3-under 67 to earn his first PGA Tour win after 135 begins. The 34-year-old held robust in opposition to the World No. 1 and have become the primary participant to beat Scheffler in his final three occasions.
“He’s [Scheffler] been enjoying some unbelievable golf,” Jaeger informed Golf Channel about taking down Scheffler. “It was such a blast the final couple of days to struggle with him. He’s going to have some great things, and I simply tried to stick with him myself.”
The German settled for 9 straight pars on the again 9, holding off Scheffler and 4 others in second place to win by one stroke.
“Birdies type of alluded me on the again 9, however this golf course performs a bit of tough, particularly for those who’re proper across the lead,” he defined. “There’s simply a lot bother, and I’m tremendous pleased with the day.”
It finally got here all the way down to the ultimate gap as Scheffler confronted a birdie putt from simply over 5 ft on 18 to drive a playoff.
Regardless of his improved placing, when it mattered most, the putter failed Scheffler as soon as once more, lacking beneath the outlet.
Scottie Scheffler misses a 5’ 4” birdie putt on 18 to lose by 1 stroke.
He had not missed a putt inside 7 ft all the weekend earlier than that putt.
Congrats to Stephan Jaeger, your Texas Kids’s Houston Open champion.pic.twitter.com/lmzTGNuaC7
— Pool Celebration (@PoolPartyGaming) March 31, 2024
“I didn’t suppose it was going to maneuver very a lot, and I attempted to hit it straight, and I really feel like I began proper within the center and appeared prefer it broke off fairly arduous, so only a misinterpret,” he stated.
Scheffler had battled atrocious placing woes during the last 12 months. That prompted a change within the flat stick, which paid dividends till the ultimate gap Sunday.
Regardless, Scheffler’s ideas on the week appeared optimistic.
“One other good week — I gave myself an opportunity to win the match,” Scheffler stated. “That’s the place I need to be firstly of the week. At present was enjoyable. I want it might have ended a bit of in a different way, however I hit what I felt have been lots of good putts there towards the tip — I couldn’t get one to go in.”
The world’s top-ranked participant plans to take subsequent week off in preparation of the Masters, beginning Thursday, April eleventh.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. For extra golf protection, be sure you comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. It’s also possible to comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
