An eagle on the 71st hole helped JJ Spaun snatch victory by a single stroke at the Valero Texas Open.
The reigning US Open champion started the day two strokes adrift of leader Bob MacIntyre but mounted a late surge, with birdies at the 14th and 16th holes - somewhat offset by a dropped stroke on 15 - and then a spectacular eagle at the short par-4 17th.
2022 winner J.J. Spaun has taken the solo lead @ValeroTXOpen with an eagle at the par-4 17th!
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 5, 2026
📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/NhpRNleeR7
54-hole leader MacIntyre fell just short on Sunday as the Scot failed to get the birdie he required at the last to force a play-off with JJ Spaun, who secured a one-shot victory to head into the Masters on a high.
MacIntyre had to return to the course on day four to complete the weather-affected third round and signed for a 72 to head into the final round with a slender one-shot lead.
But after starting round four with nine successive pars, he found himself playing catch-up and trailed US Open champion Spaun by three shots with two holes to play.
MacIntyre kept his hopes alive with a stunning eagle on the 17th, but was unable to find the birdie he needed on the last as Spaun won the title for the second time.
Joining Ryder Cup star MacIntyre in a tie for second on 16 under were Englishman Matt Wallace, who carded a final-round 68, and Michael Kim.
