Marc Warren’s maiden Masters disappointment was eased knowing his next event will be also in the US and three weeks later in San Francisco.
It appears likely when the World Rankings are adjusted this morning (MON) Warren will move to No. 51 in the world but with the agony of ending one place shy of earning an automatic Augusta National invitation.
While Warren was looking to reschedule flights home to Scotland for his young family out of nearby Austin he could be proud of himself fighting hard over the four days in windswept San Antonio in posting a final round best of 70 for a five over par tally and a share of 35th place.
If left Warren in his first regular PGA Tour event just four shots shy of his Augusta goal of top-18 Texas finish but with a World Ranking official offering some hope of Warren making it to the Masters had he finished ahead of American Brendon Todd.
Marc Warren will return to the States next month but unfortunately not for the Masters.
However Todd, who teed-up in the Alamo City as the No. 51 ranked golfer, posted a last day 74 to finish one shot ahead of Warren.
Warren said: “I was a good last round over four tough days on a hard golf course as you can see as there’s less than 10 guys under par.
“After a couple of three putts early on I strung together three birdies in a row from my sixth and then it was nice to birdie the last two.
“Looking back it’s been a good month over here what with a strong finish in the Cadillac Championship and then the next day just missing out in the play-off to tee up in the Valspar along with playing four rounds here in Texas and on a very hard golf course.
“So rather than thoughts of making into the Masters my mind has foremost been on qualifying for the WGC – Match-Play Championship later in April and being inside the top-64 I am guaranteed that.
“Also I am thinking now of the Players Championship in May and then there’s the US Open in June to concentrate on while I am guaranteed coming back here for the PGA Championship.
“So I’ll go back home now and I’ll sit down and enjoy a couple of beers with some friends make it worthwhile watching the Masters (smiling).”
And fellow Scots Martin Laird and Russell Knox have ruled themselves out of the Masters as both did not enter this week’s Shell Houston Open and with the winner, should he not be exempt, receiving the last 2015 Master invitation.
Laird posted a final San Antonio round of 76 for a share of 50th place at eight over par.
Texan Jimmy Walker was celebrating his first Lone Star State success and a second PGA Tour triumph this season posting a last round 70 to win by four shots with an 11-under par tally.
Fellow Texan and Augusta favourite Jordan Spieth was runner up despite four birdies in succession from the 14th to card a 70 for a seven under par total.
Only 10 players in the remaining field of 75 players broke par in the $US 6.2m event.
