Wagner wins Houston Open

2008-04-07 07:52

Texas - Johnson Wagner, a 28-year-old Texan who missed the cut in six of his eight prior PGA starts this year, booked a trip to the Masters with a two-stroke victory on Sunday at the Houston Open.

Wagner, ranked 313th in the world and 193rd on the PGA money list, fired a final-round one-under par 71 to finish on 16-under par 272 to hold off Geoff Ogilvy of Australia and American Chad Campbell, who shared second on 274.

The wire-to-wire triumph, which began when Wagner matched a course record with a 63 on Thursday, was not secured until Wagner knocked home a testy six-foot par putt at 18 to conclude a round with four birdies and three bogeys.

"This is unbelievable. I can't even put it into words. I can't believe I'm going to Augusta next week," Wagner said. "This has been a long time coming and a dream come true."

Wagner is going to Augusta National Golf Club to start the year's first major championship on Thursday because officials changed the invitation rules last year to reinstate winners of most PGA events, including this final Masters tune-up.

Wagner rewarded the change by being just the compelling Cinderella story they sought.

"I couldn't be happier right now," Wagner said. "I expect good things. I just have to keep doing good things. I can't believe I'm going to Augusta. It's a dream come true."

- AFP