Kevin Chappell has ended a frustrating run of near misses when he clinched his first PGA tour title with a one-stroke triumph over fellow American Brooks Koepka at the Texas Open on Sunday.
Chappell let out a scream of ecstasy after sinking his winning putt, an eight-foot birdie at the final hole at TPC San Antonio, to card a closing 68 to finish at 12-under-par 276.
The 30-year-old's elation was understandable after six previous runner-up finishes in 179 starts on tour, including four second places last season.
"I'm just excited I don't have to answer that question (again) of what do I have to do to win," Chappell said, in a greenside interview.
"I was really calm all day. I know it's very cliche, we all say that when we get it done, but I was calm. I never freaked out.
"Playing the last, it was simple, make four and you win."
Koepka made a bold challenge on another windy day, notching eight birdies in a 65 before waiting in the clubhouse to see if he would get in to a playoff.
Australia's Aaron Baddeley shot a four under 68 to finish in outright fifth at eight under, a shot behind American pair Kevin Tway and Tony Finau.
Cameron Smith's one-under round of 71 was good enough for him to tie for sixth, to be the second Australian in the top 10.
Matt Jones (70) was the next-best of the Aussies in a tie for 13th at five under, Geoff Ogilvy fired a 71 to be tied-27th at one under while Cameron Percy's 80 proved costly as he slid 31 places to finish tied 62nd.
Chappell, equal seventh at the Masters two weeks ago, will jump in to the top 25 in the world rankings, after starting the Texas Open ranked 41st.
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