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.