Chappell finally wins on PGA Tour with victory at Texas Open
Kevin Chappell finally won on the PGA Tour, taking out the Texas Open with a one-shot victory.
After eight top-10 finishes since the start of last year, Chappell broke through on Sunday.
Chappell sunk an eight-foot birdie putt on the final hole to finish at 12 under for his first PGA Tour victory in 180 chances, edging out fellow American Brooks Koepka.
"I'm just excited I don't have to answer that question, 'What do I have do to win?' again," Chappell told CBS Sports while holding his daughter immediately following his win. "I was very calm all day. I never freaked out.
"Hopefully this is a platform to jump off of and get myself into the conversation to make Ryder Cups and help my career take off."
180 starts.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 23, 2017
1 win.
The wait is FINALLY over. pic.twitter.com/8hFSX6zDp5
Chappell, 30, entered Sunday's final round as the solo leader for the first time since joining the PGA Tour in 2011.
He then held off Koepka and Tony Finau, who shot a seven-under 65 on Friday to get into contention.
Chappell, ranked 41st in the world, missed out on an eagle on 14, instead having to two-putt for birdie.
He then bogeyed 15 to open the door for Koepka, who failed to capitalise, missing a birdie putt on 17.
Koepka, who entered the tournament ranked 24th in the world, had five straight pars before a birdie on 18 to tie Chappell for the lead at 11 under.
Chappell consistently failed to slam the door with several two-putts over the back nine. His eight-foot birdie putt on 18 finally sealed it with a final round of 68.
Euphoria! So many emotions.@Kevin_Chappell wins the @ValeroTXOpen!
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 23, 2017
His first PGA TOUR victory. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/ok9w0AwtXY
Finau blew his chance at catching Chappell when he sliced his drive on 18 into a cactus patch off the right side of the fairway.
He hit his third shot into a water hazard and bogeyed the par-five hole to finish at nine under for the tournament.
Kevin Tway matched Finau at nine under for third, followed by Aaron Baddeley a shot further back.
John Huh, who was paired with Chappell for the final round, struggled with a five-over 77 to finish in a five-way tie for 22nd place at two under.