Unheralded Herman trumps Stenson to win first PGA title in Houston

AFP: Journeyman Jim Herman held off top 10 players Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson to win his first US PGA Tour title at the Houston Open on Sunday and book a Masters berth.

Herman -- a 38-year-old who was encouraged by Donald Trump to pursue his PGA Tour dream -- had five birdies in a four-under 68 -- including a spectacular chip-in from thick hillside rough at 16 that gave him a one-stroke lead he wouldn’t relinquish.

“Sorry for the tears, but I’m really happy,” said Herman, who was working at one of Trump’s golf courses when the tycoon-turned-Presidential contender urged him to keep pushing his professional career.

“He’s even helped me financially -- he’s written me a check,” Herman said of Trump. Herman parred the last for the win after an agonizing wait on the 18th tee.

His 15-under total of 273 gave him the narrow triumph over Stenson, the world number seven from Sweden who endured another in a long line of near-misses worldwide since he won the European Tour’s season-ending World Tour Championship in 2014.

Herman’s victory was his first in 106 starts on the PGA Tour.

Now Herman is headed to the first major of the year at Augusta National.

“Never thought it was possible,” said Herman, whose only prior major appearances were three US Open starts.

Spieth signed for a two-under 70 that left him tied for 13th on 280 in a group that also included five-time major winner Phil Mickelson.