Charley Hoffman hit one of the worst drives ever, but still won the Texas Open

"Let's never speak of that drive again"

As the old saying goes, “there are no pictures on the scorecard”. (For argument’s sake, let’s ignore the fact that there is normally a picture on the front.)

Unfortunately for Charley Hoffman, whilst there are no pictures on the scorecard, there are video cameras everywhere when you’re playing a PGA Tour event. Those cameras captured the woeful drive Hoffman hit on the sixth hole during the third round of the Valero Texas Open. 

Make no mistake, that was no intentional stinger. 

At least Hoffman was able to force a smile. And, in a lesson for anyone who tends to let a bad drive turn into a disaster hole, Hoffman not only bounced back to make par, he went on to win the tournament. 

Hoffman’s rounds of 66, 71, 70, 69 were enough for a 12-under total, giving him a one-shot victory over Patrick Reed. 

39-year-old Hoffman, who birdied the final hole to secure victory, had developed an unwanted habit of being in final-round contention before fading away. Entering the Valero Texas Open, Hoffman ranked 200th in final-round scoring with an average score of 74.75. 

“Being in contention every Sunday and not closing the door is not me,” said Hoffman, having secured his fourth career PGA Tour victory. “It’s nice to make that putt, that’s for sure.”