NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — Jim Herman got the help he needed to win his second PGA Tour title.
Taking advantage of Kelly Kraft’s two late bogeys, Herman edged Kraft by a stroke on Sunday in the Barbasol Championship.
Herman changed to a conventional putting grip and clubhead following a recent round. Encouraged to pursue a playing career, the 41-year-old Herman won the 2016 Shell Houston Open for his lone tour title.
Herman finished with a 2-under 70 at Keene Trace in the round interrupted for over three hours because of rain. The putter cooled off a bit after Herman opened with rounds of 65, 65 and 62, but he did just enough to beat Kraft.
A shot ahead with three to play, Kraft bogeyed the par-3 16th and par-4 17th. He followed a third-round 61 with a 70.
“I just didn’t have my best stuff today, but I had it going there — made a couple birdies, 14, 15,” Kraft said. “I just gave it to him coming down the stretch, that’s basically all there is to it.”
Herman finished at 26-under 262. He received a spot in the PGA Championship, but not in the Masters.
Sepp Straka was a career-best third at 23 under after a 66.
Matt Jones (63) and Austin Cook (70) followed at 22 under. Cook had a tour-record five birdies in the event.