Lucky break at Texas Open keeps Novak in hunt for Masters slot

A lucky bounce boosted Andrew Novak's hopes of a first PGA Tour win at the Texas Open on Saturday after his wayward tee shot on the par-three 16th ricocheted off a fence behind the green, rolled down a bank and came to a halt just feet from the hole.

True showman Andrew Novak with an all-time wall-ball birdie 👏 pic.twitter.com/bqQCO97Ypo

— Golfbet (@Golfbet) April 5, 2025

The American, who would earn a place at next week's Masters with victory on Sunday, slotted in the birdie putt on his way to a three-under-par 69 and second place on the leaderboard on nine under, three strokes behind leader Brian Harman in San Antonio.

"Obviously, not a great shot, but I know if it’s over there, there’s some space, it can be OK,” said the 30-year-old, who signed the spot on the fence where the ball hit.

“I didn’t expect it to kick back and go on the green. That was obviously ridiculous. Not the best swing and sometimes golf rewards you.”

Brian Harman shot an even par 72 to hold a 3-stroke lead over Andrew Novak following the 3rd round of the Valero Texas Open #SSGolf

— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) April 6, 2025