In his 135th attempt, Stephan Jaeger secured his first-ever PGA Tour triumph at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, displaying steely resolve with nine consecutive pars to card a 3-under 67. His victory was sealed when Scottie Scheffler narrowly missed a crucial 5-foot birdie putt on the final hole, preventing a playoff scenario on Sunday.
Scheffler, aiming to become the first player in seven years to clinch three consecutive PGA Tour victories, was in contention until the end. Despite a birdie two-putt on the 16th and a missed birdie opportunity on the 17th, his 5-foot putt on the 18th veered left, leaving him with a 68 and a shared runner-up position.
Expressing disappointment, Scheffler reflected on his missed opportunity, attributing it to a misread rather than a technical flaw. Jaeger, a 34-year-old German who relocated to Tennessee during high school, earned not only his maiden Masters invitation but also secured a spot in the remaining four $20 million signature events of the season.
The tournament saw a thrilling five-way tie at the start, reminiscent of 2009, with eight players holding at least a share of the lead during the round. Jaeger maintained his composure throughout, seizing the lead with a crucial 8-foot birdie putt on the ninth hole.
Despite challenges from contenders like Alejandro Tosti, who narrowly missed a chance to join the exclusive club of PGA Tour rookie winners, Jaeger’s consistency proved insurmountable. Thomas Detry, David Skinns, and Taylor Moore faltered down the stretch, while Scheffler’s missed opportunities cost him dearly.
Jaeger’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also propels him into the top 50 of the world rankings for the first time. Defending champion Tony Finau closed with a flourish, securing two consecutive birdies to finish tied for second with Scheffler, Tosti, Detry, and Moore.
The Texas Children’s Houston Open served as the final opportunity for players to secure a coveted Masters invitation by breaking into the top 50. However, none of the contenders outside the top 50, such as Mackenzie Hughes and Tom Hoge, managed to make the cut for the prestigious event.