Scottie Scheffler once again found himself in contention, aiming for a third consecutive week of success at the Houston Open. However, his aspirations fell just short as Stephan Jaeger demonstrated remarkable perseverance to secure his inaugural PGA Tour victory after 135 attempts. Jaeger, aged 34, showcased resilience by posting a 3-under 67, emerging as the first player to overcome Scheffler in his last three events.
Reflecting on his triumph against Scheffler, Jaeger acknowledged the caliber of golf his competitor had displayed, describing the experience of contending with him as exhilarating. Holding firm against Scheffler and a field of contenders, Jaeger secured victory by maintaining consistency, stringing together nine consecutive pars on the back nine.
Jaeger credited the demanding layout of the golf course, especially under pressure, for the scarcity of birdie chances during the latter part of his round. Despite the limited opportunities for birdies, Jaeger conveyed satisfaction with his play, acknowledging the inherent challenges of maneuvering through a course marked by substantial hazards.
Scottie Scheffler to send the Houston Open to a playoff, hasn’t missed a putt inside 7 feet all weekend aaaannnddd he missed it pic.twitter.com/vtQUzYuPBB
— PropSwap (@PropSwap) March 31, 2024
The climax of the tournament unfolded on the final hole, with Scheffler requiring a birdie to force a playoff. However, despite evident improvement in his putting throughout the weekend, Scheffler’s putt fell short of the mark, sealing Jaeger’s victory by a single stroke.
Scheffler lamented the misread on the crucial putt, acknowledging the disappointment of failing to capitalize on a chance to extend the tournament. Despite the setback, Scheffler remained optimistic, acknowledging the positive aspects of his performance throughout the week.
Having battled putting woes over the past year, Scheffler had made adjustments to his putting technique, which yielded positive results until the final moments of the tournament. Despite the outcome, Scheffler maintained a positive outlook, highlighting the opportunity he had given himself to contend for victory.
Looking ahead, Scheffler intends to take a brief hiatus in preparation for the upcoming Masters tournament, aiming to carry forward the momentum and lessons learned from his performance at the Houston Open.
