Aussie Bowditch books Masters ticket

SAN ANTONIO — Steven Bowditch held on to win the Texas Open in windy conditions Sunday for his first PGA Tour victory and a spot in the Masters.

The 30-year-old Australian bogeyed the par-5 18th for a 4-over 76 for a one-stroke victory.

“I’m over the moon. I really can’t believe it,” said Bowditch, who attempted suicide in 2006 and has fought depression throughout his career.

It was the highest closing score by a winner since Vijay Singh finished with a 4-over 76 in the 2004 PGA Championship.

Bowditch finished at 8-under 280 at TPC San Antonio and earned $1,116,000.

“Every time I got out of check, looking ahead to the Masters and winning golf events and making my speeches before I was finished, I had to pull myself in check,” said Bowditch. “And it happened a lot today.”

Bowditch, based in Dallas, entered the week 339th in the world and had only two top-10 finishes in eight years on the tour. He won once on the Australasian circuit and twice on the Web.Com Tour.

“He’s been a battler. He’s gone through a lot in his life,” said John Senden, a fellow Australian who won the Valspar Championship two weeks ago.

Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays tied for second. MacKenzie shot 70, and Summerhays had a 71.

Calgary’s Stephen Ames was the top Canadian. Ames shot a 74 to finish in a tie for 16th place.