JB Holmes Wins the 2015 Shell Houston Open

It came down to another playoff finish this week at the 2015 Shell Houston Open. This time, it consisted of JB Holmes, Johnson Wagner, and Jordan Spieth, all who finished the tournament at 16-under, with a two shot lead over Russell Henley. The playoff consisted of two extra holes, where the par 4 18th was played twice. The first time, Holmes and Wagner settled for par whereas Spieth bogeyed. The second time, Wagner bogeyed and Holmes parred, for the win. This is JB's first win of the year and his first since the 2014 Wells Fargo Championship.

Holmes started his final round today six shots off the lead. Despite this, he fired off a spectacular round of 64, which consisted of 9 birdies and a bogey and a course record 29 on the front nine. He posted that good number early and watched the rest of the field chase him. Today was the second time JB's been in a playoff at the Shell Houston Open, his first was in 2009, where he lost to Paul Casey. This is also his second playoff of 2015. Earlier this year JB lost to Jason Day at the Farmers Insurance Open. He also stunned us all at the WGC Cadillac Championship by shooting a 10-under 62 on a day where a low 70's round was good. This time around, he sealed the deal, showing us again that he's found a new high-point in his career.

The Golf Club of Houston played a bit tougher on the weekend, where the scoring averages were slightly higher. This shook up the leaderboard throughout each of the rounds.  For example, top Canadian in the field Graham DeLaet was tied for 4th going into the weekend but finished T42 after a 75 and 73. Victor Dubuisson, one of our picks this week, shot a 78 on Saturday, but rallied back today with a 66. Even Scott Piercy, who shot a 63 in the opening round, dabbled in and out of the the top of the leaderboard each round.

As for our picks, here is how they finished:

1) Victor Dubuisson: T17 at 9-under (-9)
2) Patrick Reed: T17 at 9-under (-9)

I mentioned in the Weekend Update that Dubuisson had the best chance of winning out of my picks but not to count Reed out yet. In the end, they finished tied for 17th, partially due to Dubuisson's bad Saturday round (78), then excellent Sunday round (66), and due to Reed's good Saturday round (67) and okay Sunday round (73). It just goes to show you how funny this game of golf can be sometimes.

Next week is of course The Masters, but unfortunately we will not be able to cover it. We may be tweeting some news though so be sure to check our Twitter page (@TOGolfReviews) constantly next week.


-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews

JB Holmes's excellent golf finally pays off this week

(Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports)