After First PGA Tour Title, Australian Bowditch Makes Leap in Golf Rankings
Australian Steven Bowditch won the 2014 Valero Texas Open beating the likes of American Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays for his first PGA Tour title of his career.
With the breakthrough victory, the 30-year-old Australian has jumped 205 spots in the PGA Tour rankings from No. 339 to No. 134 after Sunday’s win in San Antonio, Texas.
Bowditch earned $1,116,000 for his efforts and will enjoy the highest PGA Tour ranking in his career.
Before the Texas win, the Australian had only two top 10 finishes in the last eight years in the PGA Tour. More infamously, he is known as the golfer, who has had struggles with depression and even tried to committed suicide in April of 2006.
"I'm over the moon," Bowditch said in an interview in the event’s official website. "I really can't believe it."
When asked about his previous bouts with depression, Bowditch was honest about the situation.
"I guess I just matured," said Bowditch. "It is what it is. Everyone's dealt with something. You just move on and keep going and going.”
The win in Texas also meant that the Aussie has qualified to play in the 2014 Masters Tournament set from April 7-13, 2014.
“I'm going to try and prepare for next week and Houston. I haven't thought about Augusta; the only time I played it has been on the Play Station!” shared Bowditch.
“So I think I know a few of the breaks. I'm excited. I haven't thought about it. No idea, preparation I don't even know how to get there. I mean, I don't know. I'm just going to enjoy this for the next couple of days and get my mind back on track and get ready for Houston next week.”