Ben Curtis is so happy as it all ends in tears

 
Marco Giacomelli23 April 2012

Ben Curtis, the 2003 Open champion, celebrated his first PGA Tour title in six years after an emotional two-stroke victory in the Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.

The American made a 22-foot par‑saving putt at the 17th hole and then sank a birdie putt at the last to finish with a level-par 72 and nine‑under 279 total.

Choking back tears, Curtis said: “I don’t know how I did it. Somehow these last couple of years, I’ve just fought through it, and stayed positive. That’s all you can do.”

Compatriots Matt Every (71) and John Huh (69) tied for second at 281 although the outcome was in doubt to the end as they trailed by one stroke heading to the 18th.

For Curtis, it was his fourth PGA victory but first since the 2006 Booz Allen Classic and saw him rise 129 places up the rankings to 156th.

The 34-year-old, who failed to finish in the top-10 last year, said: “The last couple of years I felt like I was so close to playing so many good tournaments and just ended up missing the cut by one or having a bad round here or there. Finally, everything has come together.”

Meanwhile, spectators will be able to use mobile phones at this summer’s Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, ending a ban dating back to 2006.

R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said: “Allowing their use at the championship will enrich the Open experience for people.”

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