Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia showed some promising form ahead of the Masters Tournament as Matt Jones chipped in from 42 yards in a play-off to earn a ticket to Augusta National with a play-off victory over Matt Kuchar at the Shell Houston Open on Sunday.
Jones' remarkable shot on the first play-off hole came after Kuchar bogeyed two of the final three holes on his final round to throw away the lead he had held overnight.
In contrast Jones carded a final round 66, highlighted by a 46 foot putt on the final hole, to claim his first US PGA Tour title and a place in the year’s first Major.
Overnight leader Kuchar had made steady if unspectacular progress throughout his final round - recovering from early bogeys with three birdies on the back nine - and appeared like he might be able to do enough to hold off the Australian's challenge.
But the pressure exerted by Jones' clubhouse lead told and it all fell apart for Kuchar late in the day as he bogeyed the 16th and 18th holes to slip into a play-off.
It is a second straight tournament in which Kuchar has lost a lead late on.
He was tied with Steven Bowditch on the back nine in last week's Valero Texas Open but the Australian came through to win.
McIlroy gave himself something to build on heading into the Masters with a final round 65.
Although he started and finished the day well out of contention after a 74 on Saturday, McIlroy could afford a smile after a bogey-free round which matched the low score of the week so far.
"It was a good way to end the week, obviously," McIlroy said.
"I wanted to shoot something in the 60s at least today to give me some positive vibes going into Augusta. I played really well, played really solid from tee-to-green again.
"I holed the putts that I felt I should hole and just kept the ball in play all day. Every time I hit it pretty close, within ten feet, I holed the putt. It was great to see a few putts like that drop. It's a nice bit of confidence going into next week.
“I'm happy with how this week went, even though I didn't quite do what I wanted to do in terms of getting in contention.
“I couldn't be in a better mood getting on the plane and heading over (to Augusta) tonight."
A closing 70 saw Garcia finish third, two shots behind Jones and Kuchar.
