Valero Texas Open: Power Rankings and Course Insights
As the final lead-up event before the season’s first major, the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio promises an exciting competition. Following Houston’s hosting of the PGA TOUR alongside Major League Baseball’s season opener, San Antonio now takes center stage.
Local sports fans are eagerly watching the Spurs' playoff prospects, but attention shifts to golf as the tournament unfolds at the Oaks Course for the 15th consecutive year. With a competitive field and a challenging course, the event will test players' skills ahead of the Masters.
Top Players to Watch
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Corey Conners (CAN) – A two-time winner at TPC San Antonio (2019, 2023), Conners enters with strong form, securing T6 and T8 finishes in recent starts.
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Akshay Bhatia (USA) – Last year’s champion thrives on this course. A recent T3 finish at THE PLAYERS solidifies his position as a strong contender.
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Keegan Bradley (USA) – With five top-20 finishes this season, Bradley looks to continue his impressive streak in his first TPC San Antonio appearance since 2022.
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Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) – Coming off a close battle at TPC Sawgrass, Matsuyama has performed well at this course, recording a T15 and T7 in past editions.
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Denny McCarthy (USA) – Nearly claimed victory last year before losing in a playoff. McCarthy has already posted five top-20 finishes this season.
Other notable players include Tommy Fleetwood (T7 in his debut last year), Jordan Spieth (winner in 2021, second in 2015), and Patrick Cantlay, who makes his tournament debut.
Course Challenges and Conditions
TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course is known for its demanding layout. The 7,438-yard, par-72 course requires precise tee shots, with ryegrass rough growing up to two inches and native grasses reaching six inches in some areas. The Bermudagrass greens, overseeded with Poa, are prepared to run at 11.5 feet on the Stimpmeter.
Last year, the field averaged just 6.8 fairways hit and 10.17 greens in regulation per round, ranking among the toughest PGA TOUR courses in these metrics. Despite these challenges, Akshay Bhatia won with an impressive 20-under 268 score, relying on stellar approach play (75% greens in regulation).
Tournament Significance
The Valero Texas Open is the final chance for players to qualify for the Masters. Only the winner, if not already exempt, will earn an invitation to Augusta. Out of 150 entrants, 27 have already secured their Masters spots.
This year’s field has been expanded to accommodate as many fully exempt players as possible, maximizing opportunities for DP World Tour qualifiers, Korn Ferry Tour graduates, and Q-School entrants.
Weather Forecast and Final Thoughts
The Texas winds are always a factor at TPC San Antonio. Forecasts predict light breezes early in the tournament, intensifying by Sunday, potentially impacting the final round. A mid-event storm and a cooling trend could further challenge players.
With elite talent, tough course conditions, and Masters implications on the line, the Valero Texas Open is set to deliver an exciting week of golf.
