Matt Jones secures Masters berth with win at Honda Classic

Australia’s Matt Jones will play in just his second Masters Tournament after cruising to a five-stroke victory at the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic.

Matt Jones has displayed immense poise and control, strolling to a five-stroke victory at the Honda Classic at PGA National in Florida.

Jones’ victory was just his second on the PGA Tour, his first coming nearly seven years ago at the Shell Houston Open in 2014. The win means the two-time Australian Open champion will play in just his second Masters Tournament in three weeks time.

“Seven years between wins, it’s been a battle,” Jones said after his round. “I’ve had ups, I’ve had downs, but to win a second time on this golf course in these conditions that we faced all week is, it’s phenomenal and hopefully it’s something I can build on for the rest of the year. I mean, I really played amazing golf all four days.”

Jones shot a course-record tying 9-under par 61 on Thursday to take hold at the top of the leaderboard. A cooler round, even-par 70 on Friday had Jones still very much in contention but after a number of golfers stumbled at “The Bear Trap” on Saturday, Jones went into the final round holding the lead once again.

Jones jumped out of the blocks making birdies at the first and second holes and was never really headed despite a number of bogeys on the back nine.

The victory and near-flawless ball-striking display have golf experts wondering why we haven’t seen more wins by Jones, but perhaps more success is ahead of the 40-year-old.

“I’ve probably underachieved, in my opinion, for what I could have done. But I’ve got some time left. I feel like my game’s getting better as I get older. I’m hitting it better, I’m hitting it longer, so there’s nothing to say that that won’t happen.”