* Overnight leader Oosthuizen finishes two shots back
* Mickelson finishes in a tie for fourth place
(Adds quotes and details)
April 1 (Reuters) – American Hunter Mahan became the first
golfer to record multiple wins on the PGA Tour this year by
claiming a one-stroke victory over Sweden’s Carl Pettersson at
the Houston Open in Humble, Texas, on Sunday.
Mahan, who won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in
February, shot a one-under-par 71 in Sunday’s final round at
Redstone for a 16-under-par total of 272.
“I feel great. I had the lead for most of the back nine and
hit some clutch shots, especially on 18. It feels great,” Mahan
said after claiming his fifth career victory on the PGA Tour.
Mahan, 29, said the victory boosted his confidence and that
he was looking forward to a chance at capturing his first major
championship at the April 5-8 Masters at Augusta National.
“I’m playing good. I’m glad I’m going to Augusta, it’s
really a special place and I’m looking forward to going there.”
Pettersson, who held the lead before a two-shot swing in the
middle of the round put Mahan back on top of the leaderboard,
also posted a 71 for 273.
Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South
Africa began the day with a two-stroke lead but double-bogeyed
the fifth and eighth holes to slide back.
Continued…
