2THUMB Ambassador Matt Wallace Finishes Runner-Up at Valero Texas Open

Wallace's strong performance comes up just short of victory as J.J. Spaun claims the title.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:34pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that convey the dynamic motion and energy of a professional golfer's putting stroke, with the putter and golf ball dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.An expressive painting captures the dynamic energy of a professional golfer's putting stroke, reflecting the intense focus and determination of a runner-up finish.Novi Today

2THUMB putting grip ambassador Matt Wallace fired a final round 68 to finish tied for second place at the Valero Texas Open. Despite leading for much of the day, Wallace had to settle for a T2 finish as U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun birdied the 16th and eagled the 17th to clinch a one-shot victory. The wet, cold, and windy conditions at TPC San Antonio made for a challenging final round.

Why it matters

This result continues Wallace's strong play of late, even though he was unable to secure the victory. As a 2THUMB ambassador, his performance highlights the brand's growing presence on the PGA Tour. A win would have earned Wallace a spot in this week's Masters tournament.

The details

Wallace, from Watford, England, turned pro in 2012 and has six career titles across the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR. He used 2THUMB's Snug Tour 33 putting grip, employing the 'prayer grip' which allows for a pendulum putting motion. Despite not winning, Wallace was pleased with his mental approach, saying 'Patience is the worst word in golf, but you need a lot of it. I had patience this week and it paid dividends.'

  • Wallace fired a final round 68 on Sunday to take the lead at 16-under-par.
  • The third round was suspended on Saturday due to storms and completed early Sunday morning.
  • Spaun birdied the 16th and eagled the 17th to secure the one-shot victory over Wallace.

The players

Matt Wallace

A 2THUMB putting grip ambassador from Watford, England who turned pro in 2012 and has six career titles across the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR.

J.J. Spaun

The reigning U.S. Open champion who secured his second career Valero Texas Open title with a final round 67.

Michael Kim

A PGA TOUR player who finished tied for second with Wallace and Robert MacIntyre.

Robert MacIntyre

A Scottish PGA TOUR player who also finished tied for second with Wallace and Kim.

Ludvig Aberg

A 2THUMB player who finished tied for fifth at the Valero Texas Open.

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What they’re saying

“I've played better the last few weeks than the results have shown. Mentally, I was very good this week.”

— Matt Wallace, 2THUMB Putting Grip Ambassador

“Patience is the worst word in golf, but you need a lot of it. I had patience this week and it paid dividends.”

— Matt Wallace, 2THUMB Putting Grip Ambassador

What’s next

Wallace will look to build on this strong performance as he aims to qualify for the 2026 Masters tournament.

The takeaway

This result highlights the growing presence of 2THUMB putting grips on the PGA Tour, with two of their ambassadors finishing in the top five at the Valero Texas Open. Wallace's use of the 'prayer grip' with the Snug Tour 33 model demonstrates the versatility of 2THUMB's products.