This weekend, the Honda Classic crowned a first-time champion in Sepp Straka. The former Georgia Bulldog is the first Austrian to win on the PGA Tour. His efforts resulted in a 1.4 million dollar payout on Sunday afternoon. 

Sunday began with American Daniel Berger leading by five strokes. However, Berger fell behind Straka and Irishman Shane Lowry early in the round after taking a double-bogey on the third hole. Lowry led by two shots heading into the infamous “bear trap” at the PGA National Champion course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The bear trap consists of the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes, including two par threes. It is known for being one of the most treacherous stretches of holes in professional golf. 

The bear trap did not phase the Austrian on Sunday, though, as Straka birdied three of his last five holes, including the eighteenth hole, to win by one stroke over Lowry. The final hole at PGA National is surrounded on both sides by water forcing the player to hit it straight or be penalized. In the pouring rain, Straka hit it right down the middle of the par-five and proceeded to make a four. 

This victory at the Honda Classic guarantees Sepp Straka a spot in The Masters field set to begin in early April. It will be his first appearance at the prestigious event. 

Next week, the Tour will head to Palm Valley, Florida, where it will host The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Again, Straka will look to continue his excellent play with a 12.5 million dollar purse on the line.