default-cbs-image

It took 180 PGA Tour events, but Kevin Chappell finally got his first win on Sunday at the Valero Texas Open by a stroke over Brooks Koepka. Chappell made birdie at the final hole to touch off a final round 4-under 68 to get win No. 1.

It looked as if Chappell, age 30, would be able to cruise home after he made birdie at the par-5 14th. However, he bogeyed the next and Koepka came charging with a 65 up ahead of him. Chappell walked to the 18th tee, a long par-5, tied with Koepka. He knew he needed a birdie for his first PGA Tour win after six runners up (including four last season).

Three shots later, Chappell had an eight-foot putt for the win. He put it right in the heart.

"You got to respect him, too," Koepka said. "It's eight feet. Everybody out here can do that, everybody out here is good. I'm not surprised. But I'm happy for him."

What ensued was seven years worth of elation as Chappell chest slammed his caddie and screamed (probably unspeakable things) into his ear as the thick crowd in San Antonio roared in delight. Koepka heard it and stopped warming up on the range.

Chappell came into the day promising that he would be relaxed and enjoy the walk. He was, and he did. This one maybe more so than any of the other walks he's ever taken in an underrated career.

"I'm just excited I don't have to answer that question again, what do I have to do to win," Chappell said when asked what it means to get his first win after so many close calls. 

After the victory, Chappell mentioned this potentially opening the floodgates when it comes to future Presidents Cups and Ryder Cups. That might sound like hyperbole to folks who have never seen him before, but Chappell is a terrific player. His four runners up last season came at the RSM Classic, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Players Championship and Tour Championship. Those are not exactly small-time tournaments.

"You appreciate it every time you win because it's so hard," added Koepka. "He's an unbelievable player. He was in contention for Ryder Cup last year. I mean you look at all the stuff he's done, it's pretty impressive, and it's kind of amazing that he hasn't won how good he's played. I'm happy for him, get the first win out of the way and, you know, hopefully for the next few years we'll be battling it out."

So good on Chappell for finally snagging a trophy, and add him to a list of impressive 2017 winners as this season rolls on towards the Players Championship and three subsequent majors. Also, don't be surprised if and when Chappell contends at any of them. Grade: A+

Patrick Reed (MC): After opening with a 69 in Round 1 and an equipment fix he seemed pleased with, Reed shot a 77 in Round 2 with six bogeys. Reed's issue on Friday was with his putter (he lost nearly five strokes in that round to the field average). Reed still has just one top 10 on the season, and it came back in January. One tournament in and of itself does not warrant questioning a golfer's form, but when you pair that Round 2 with his entire season, it seems like it's time to start wondering what's up with Patrick Reed. Grade: D-

Charley Hoffman (T44): Last year's winner got to the weekend after battling hard at the Masters and RBC Heritage over the last two weeks. Hoffman shot increasing scores of 71-72-73-74 this week in San Antonio, and lost some of the grip on his clubs to a stray Easter goodie. 

He couldn't successfully defend this week, but he's now had a really strong last month with four made cuts and three top 25s (including a top 10) in that timespan. Grade: B-

Brooks Koepka (2nd): What a final round for Koepka! He shot 32-33 for a final round of 65 (with a bogey!) The 65 on Sunday was two strokes better than the second best round of the day and three better than the third best. It also tied the round of the tournament and came when Koepka needed it most. 

After a tough stretch in which he missed three of four cuts, Koepka has now finished in the top 15 in each of his last three starts (including the Masters and the WGC-Dell Match Play). Grade: A