Shell Houston Open winner Jim Herman is heading to Augusta National for his first Masters after earning his maiden PGA Tour win on Sunday at the the Golf Club of Houston.
For the 38-year-old, who won in his 106th PGA Tour start, it's been a long journey to reach Magnolia Lane, including through 118 more starts, with just one win, on the Web.com Tour. It also included a stop at a golf club owned by Donald Trump.
“He’s been influential in getting me to the Tour,” Herman said at last year's The Honda Classic, where he was an early leader
Earlier in his professional life, Jim Herman was the assistant head professional at Trump National in Bedminster, N.J. One day, he had a conversation with the now Republican presidential frontrunner about his career, and it turned everything around for Herman.
“Got into a nice conversation with Donald, Mr. Trump, one day,” Herman said last February. “He’s like, `Why are you folding shirts and giving lessons? Why aren't you on the Tour? I've played with Tour players, you're good enough.’
“I don't know, maybe something like that gives you more confidence. It's nice playing out here. I definitely enjoy it better than the golf shop.”
And now he'll enjoy the spoils of becoming a PGA Tour winner with an invite to the Masters and a seven-figure payday.
