J.J. Spaun delivered when it mattered most, producing two clutch shots on the back nine to claim a one-shot victory at the Valero Texas Open on Sunday at TPC San Antonio.
The 35-year-old Californian fired a 5-under 67 in challenging wet conditions to finish at 17-under 271, capturing his first title since his breakthrough U.S. Open triumph last summer.
"It's just — this game is so crazy," Spaun said. "I haven't been feeling at the form I wanted to be based on last season, and just trying to take each day as it comes, and accepting what I have."
Spaun's victory marked his second win at TPC San Antonio, though the circumstances were vastly different from his previous triumph four years ago. That victory earned him a Masters invitation, while this time he already had his Augusta National spot secured as the defending U.S. Open champion.
The win provided crucial validation for Spaun, who had struggled early in the 2026 season with no top-20 finishes through seven starts. His best result was a tie for 24th at The Players Championship.
"There's just so much that comes with winning big events like that, a U.S. Open or any other major," he said. "I put a lot of pressure on me to start the year, a lot of expectations. I went into the last few weeks starting at the Players trying to be freed up, and put less pressure on myself, and it's been trying. But sticking to that mantra has really helped me."
Robert MacIntyre entered the final round with a one-shot advantage after completing his storm-delayed third round Sunday morning with an even-par 72. The tournament format was adjusted to complete play amid continued rain, though lightning delays were avoided.
Spaun made his decisive move late in the round, striking his tee shot to three feet on the par-3 16th hole for birdie. He followed that with an even more spectacular shot on the drivable par-4 17th, reaching the 306-yard green and setting up a 10-foot eagle putt.
After converting the eagle, Spaun parred the 18th to post his winning total and headed to the range while the final groups completed their rounds.
MacIntyre mounted a valiant late charge, driving the 17th green and holing an eagle putt from just outside 15 feet to pull within one shot. However, his hopes ended on the 609-yard closing hole when he hooked his second shot from the wet fairway.
Despite receiving relief from temporary immovable obstructions, MacIntyre could only manage a wedge to 30 feet on the par-5 finishing hole. His birdie attempt to force a playoff fell short, and he settled for a closing 70 to share second place.
Ludvig Aberg continued his strong form heading into the Masters, recording his third consecutive top-10 finish with a closing 70. He tied for fifth alongside Andrew Putnam, who needed birdie on 18 to reach a playoff but hit his wedge into the back bunker and made bogey.
The par-5 18th proved challenging for the field, yielding only 10 birdies in the final round as wet conditions made scoring difficult.
Spaun's victory marks his third PGA Tour title, with two of those wins coming at the Texas Open. The triumph provides momentum as he prepares for the Masters, where he'll look to build on his major championship success from last season.