SAN ANTONIO – Jim Furyk couldn’t think of a better way to head into the Masters.
On his final hole of the day, Furyk jarred a sand-wedge shot from 104 yards for a closing eagle to tie for third at the Valero Texas Open, three shots behind winner Martin Laird.
“I actually scrapped it out pretty good, and it was a good way to finish the day,” said Furyk, who shot 69. “I just would have liked to have had a little momentum earlier today.”
Playing TPC San Antonio for the first time, Furyk entered the final round two shots behind Billy Horschel but never truly mounted a charge, going out in 36 in optimal scoring conditions. He salvaged a 33 on the back nine, thanks in large part to the closing eagle.
Now Furyk turns his attention to the Masters, where he likely will use two drivers – 9.5 and 10.5 degrees – in hopes of improving on his back-to-back top 25s in the event.
“To come in here and finish third and hit a lot of good shots and play well and end on a high note, I feel much, much better,” he said of his Masters chances. “To sit at home – I can learn more in two rounds out here than I can in seven days at home, without a doubt.”