PGA TOUR
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Houston Open
Kokrak Stars In Texas
Jason Kokrak continued his recent run of success with victory at the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Houston Open. It was his third PGA Tour title in 13 months. The 36-year-old American, who scored two PGA Tour titles last season, took control of the event in Texas over the back nine to win by two shots. The win at Memorial Park Golf Course broke a run of five consecutive PGA Tour events earned by international golfers.
Kokrak erased a ten-shot deficit entering the weekend with a 4-under 66 on Saturday and a stunning final round 5-under 65 to reach 10-under. The world No. 29 won by two shots over compatriots Scottie Scheffler and Kevin Tway. Fellow American Kramer Hickok took solo fourth place another shot further back. Martin Trainer, who held a two-shot lead early on the back nine ended in a tie for fifth place with Joel Dahmen.
Kokrak began the final round in a tie for seventh place and two shots behind overnight leader Scheffler. After carding a 1-under 34 on the outward nine, Kokrak poured in four birdies in a row from the 13th hole to launch himself to the top of the leaderboard. The Ohio resident made two solid pars to complete his tournament at 10-under.
Scheffler, aged 25, was searching for his maiden PGA Tour title. The world No. 21 set the course record at Memorial Park Golf Course in round two with an impressive 8-under 62. It was his fourth round of 62 or better since the start of the 2019-20 season, which is the most on Tour during that span. Scheffler, who was a key figure at his debut Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits beating Jon Rahm on Sunday in singles, held the solo 54-hole lead this week on the PGA Tour for the first time in his career. The 2020 PGA Tour Rookie of The Year fell away from the top of the leaderboard early on the back nine dropping three shots in five holes from the 10th to the 14th holes. Two closing birdies at the 16th and 18th holes gave him a final round 1-under 69. Scheffler finished at 8-under and joint second with 33-year-old Tway. Tway, who was hoping for his second PGA Tour title, signed for a 2-under 68 which included making a birdie at the 72nd hole.
Cameron Smith was the best placed Australian. The 28-year-old Queenslander fired a final round 1-under 69 to reach 3-under and in a tie for 15th place. Marc Leishman took a share of 19th place at 2-under. The Victorian once led the field during Round One with a 5-under 65.
Matthew Wolff scored a dramatic hole-in-one during the final round with a 9-iron from 186 yards on the par-3, 9th hole. Wolff finished T11 at 4-under.
The PGA Tour moves to Georgia for next week’s RSM Classic staged at Sea Island Resort. America’s Robert Streb is the defending champion.
Final Scores
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Houston Open
1. Jason Kokrak -10
T2. Kevin Tway -8
T2. Scottie Scheffler -8
4. Kramer Hickok -7
T5. Martin Trainer -6
T5. Joel Dahmen -6
Australians
T15. Cameron Smith -3
T19. Marc Leishman -2
T54. Adam Scott +5
T54. Jason Day +5
MC. Cam Davis
Photo credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
