Texas Open: Robert McIntyre misses title ahead of Masters as JJ Spawn takes third win

Scot Robert McIntyre missed out on his chance to win a third PGA Tour title after being edged by American JJ Spaun at the Texas Open due to weather.

McIntyre led by 14 under par when the third round ended late on Sunday, after storms significantly curtailed play on Saturday.

The world number 11 then shot a two-under 70 in his fourth round, helped greatly by an eagle on the par-4 17th.

But he was unable to match US Open champion Spawn’s lead on the final day and was forced to take a share of second place ahead of Masters week at Augusta.

Spaun’s closing 67 moved him under 17 for a one-shot victory, with MacIntyre – who had to play 30 holes on Sunday – unable to make the birdie he needed at 18 to force a playoff.

The win was the 35-year-old Spahn’s second at the San Antonio event, which is where he will claim his first PGA Tour title in 2022.

England’s Matt Wallace also finished 16-under-placed 64 to follow the third round with a 64 that gave him the club’s lead for a long time, while American Michael Kim was tied three-way for second.

“This game is absolutely crazy,” Spawn told Sky Sports. “I wasn’t at the level I wanted to play last season. To come back and win here means a lot to me.

“There are a lot of things that come with winning such big events like the US Open or any other major tournament. I put a lot of pressure on myself this year, which is the opposite of last year’s mantra which really helped me, so I tried to get back to that.

“I put less pressure on myself. I’ve been trying, but sticking to that motto has really helped me.”

McIntyre’s second-round lead of four shots was cut to two by Swedish playing partner Ludwig Aberg through six holes when storms caused the third round to be suspended on Saturday.

The 29-year-old Scot faced a packed schedule on Sunday but still looked set to build a two-shot lead into the final round, but he birdied the 18th for a 72, a disappointing note on which he ended his third round.

McIntyre then made birdie twice before promptly dropping a putt on his final round, and Spawn surged to the top of the clubhouse with three birdies on the back nine plus an eagle on the driveable 17th.

McIntyre matched that eagle admirably to rally his hopes of winning, but hit a wayward second shot on 18 and couldn’t get close enough for the pin on his third shot.

His shot from 30 feet went wide, ensuring Spaun would win the PGA Tour title for the third time in his career.

There will be little time to celebrate Spawn’s win, or dwell on what might have been for McIntyre, who started the tournament with rounds of 66 and 64, as he begins the Masters, his first major tournament of the year, on Thursday.