Conquer the yips and victory would be Bowditch's, thought Grady. And the Australian did just that, hanging on by one shot after a shaky four-over-par round of 76.

So many professional golfers have succumbed to a bout of the yips on the final day of a tournament. And so often the strength of mind needed to beat the curse has been underestimated.

Which makes Bowditch's win all the more remarkable. The 30-year-old has battled depression so severe that he once tried to take his own life in his swimming pool.

He has spoken of his struggle in his role as an ambassador for the Australian non-profit group beyondblue, which works on creating awareness about depression.

Grady said Bowditch's story transcended golf and sport.

"It's got more about life and all the different things that can happen to people and the stuff they go through just to try and achieve one of their goals, which [in Bowditch's case] is to win on the PGA tour," Grady said.

"These sorts of stories are better than Tiger [Woods] winning 10 times in one year as far as I am concerned."

When it comes to golfing ability, says Grady, it is no surprise that Bowditch won in the Texas Open on Monday morning (AEDT) to also earn entry into next week's US Masters at Augusta, a $US1.1 million ($1.2 million) prize purse and a two-year exemption to continue playing on the US tour.

"[It was] absolutely not a surprise. When you play with him and see what he can do and how he plays – the length, the strength, his touch – he has got everything there," Grady said.

"He just has that bit of anxiety which popped up its head [on the final day] and he battled through that, so he is on the way.

"That [win] is the first step towards what might be a very, very good career."

Bowditch, whose win is the third by an Australian on the tour in five weeks, was understandably elated by his victory.

"I'm over the moon, I really can't believe it," he said. "I've got no idea (how I got through it) to be honest.

"I just drew back on some experience and got some advice from different people. It just happened to be my week, I guess."

However, he admitted the pressure almost got to him. Starting the final round with a three-shot lead, he made a double bogey on the fourth hole and four bogeys, of which one was on the last hole with a missed one metre putt.

But that was enough to beat the two Americans who tied for second place - Will MacKenzie who shot 70 and Daniel Summerhays (71).

"Every time I got out of check - looking ahead to the Masters and winning golf events and making my speeches before I was finished - I had to pull myself in check every time," Bowditch said.

"And it happened a lot today."

Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett said the victory was an inspiration for sufferers of depression.

"He has triumphed on the toughest golf circuit in the world and it shows that with the appropriate support, people with depression or anxiety are capable of achieving the extraordinary," said Mr Kennett.

And as Grady was pleased to hear, Bowditch was still the "the knockabout bloke" when the laurels of victory came his way.

"I was told that when he was interviewed, they mentioned something about his green shirt [that he wore playing] in relation to Augusta, and he said, 'No ... it was the only clean one I had,'" Grady said.

"That just about sums him up.

"He is very laid back and casual. Although, [while] it looks like it on the outside, on the inside there is a lot going on."

If you are feeling distressed and need support call Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 46 36 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.