NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. - From President Donald Trump's putting advice to playing partner Kelly Kraft's two late bogeys, Jim Herman got the help he needed Sunday to win the Barbasol Championship for his second PGA Tour title.
He executed when he had to, too.
"Really proud of how I can step up on that 18th tee when everything's on the line and hit the fairway and hit the green and get out of there," Herman said.
Trump's regular golf partner while working as an assistant professional at Trump National Bedminster in New Jersey, Herman changed to a conventional putting grip and clubhead at the president's suggestion following a recent round.
Encouraged by Trump more than a decade ago to pursue a playing career, Herman won the 2016 Shell Houston Open for his lone tour title - a victory that also followed a friendly round with Trump.
"I think I need to see him again soon," the 41-year-old Herman said on the 18th green after his winning tap-in par. "He motivates me and puts me in a good spot."
Herman finished with a 2-under 70 at Keene Trace in the round interrupted for over three hours because of a thunderstorm with the leaders on the seventh pole. Herman's putting cooled off after sizzling in opening rounds of 65, 65 and 62.
"Today was just hanging on," Herman said. "Kelly and I couldn't find what we had on Saturday. I was just able to hang on. Kelly played great obviously all week, but I came out on top."
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 to finish a shot back and squander a chance for his first tour victory.
"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 parred the last three holes to finish at a tournament-record 26-under 262.
"Obviously, with one hole (left) and a one-shot lead, I've been in that scenario before, just had to hit a good drive," Herman said. "You have to step up and give yourself a look at birdie just in case Kelly was going to have a look as well."
Herman earned a two-year tour exemption and a spot in the PGA Championship, but not in the Masters. He played the last two weeks on past champion status and thought he was headed down to the Korn Ferry Tour.
"My future on tour was not looking too bright coming off a lot of cuts," Herman said.