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Wagner claims Houston Open for first U.S. Tour win
HOUSTON, Texas (Reuters) - American Johnson Wagner won the Houston Open by two strokes after a final-round 71 on Sunday to earn a place in next week's U.S. Masters.
Wagner, who fired a course record-tying nine-under-par 63 in the opening round, led wire-to-wire and finished with a 16-under total of 272 at Redstone Golf Club.
Australian Geoff Ogilvy, who fired a 68, and American Chad Campbell (72) were tied for second on 274 with American pair Fred Couples and Billy Mayfair one stroke further back.
"This is unbelievable," 28-year-old Wagner said in a televised interview after clinching his first U.S. Tour title. "I can't believe I'm going to Augusta next week.
"This was a long time coming and a dream come true."
Wagner, who had missed six of nine cuts this season, began the day with a one-shot lead over Campbell, who slumped on the front nine and was six strokes behind after a double bogey at the par-five eighth.
Campbell however made a charge after the turn with his birdie at the 15th, his fourth on the back nine, bringing him within a stroke of Wagner, who had begun hooking his drives and also bogeyed the 10th and 14th hole.
Campbell's charge was derailed at the par-three 16th where his tee shot found the left bunker with the pin tight and the green sloping away. He took two putts for a bogey that dropped him back to 14 under par.
Wagner saved par with an 11-foot putt at 17 and then played safe at the par-four 18, making par and claiming the win.
Wagner, twice a winner on the Nationwide Tour in 2006, admitted he was battling his nerves.
"I was freaked out all day today and yesterday," he said.
"But, you know, I've been doing a lot of deep breathing out on the golf course. It kind of settles me down.
"I managed to prepare for every shot out there, and there's probably not too many shots that I hit that I would like the play over."
Davis Love III, who had a streak of playing in 70 successive majors, closed with a 73 for five-under 283 and did not qualify for next week's Masters.
(Writing by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
