Texas Open Preview: Key Picks Ahead of the Masters

San Antonio, Texas — The Valero Texas Open is set to kick off Thursday, April 3, at TPC San Antonio‘s Oaks Course, serving as a critical tune-up for many players ahead of next week’s Masters. With 13 of the top 40 players in the Official World Golf Rankings participating, the tournament promises to be a showcase of talent.

This year’s event marks its 10th consecutive year as the final competition before the Masters. Last year’s champion, Akshay Bhatia, who narrowly defeated Denny McCarthy in a playoff, is returning, along with several other prominent golfers looking to build momentum.

“The course presents a unique challenge with its narrow fairways and demanding design,” said Will Gray, Golf.com’s lead analyst. “It typically sees winning scores ranging from 12 to 20 under par, depending on weather conditions.”

The Oaks Course, known for its emphasis on accuracy over distance, is a par 72 layout stretching over 7,400 yards. The overseeded Bermudagrass greens are slower, designed to withstand Texas winds that can kick up during the tournament. Weather forecasts suggest temperatures will fluctuate between the high 60s and low 90s, with potential thunderstorms predicted for Friday and Saturday.

McCarthy has established himself as a strong contender, currently ranking No. 40 in the world and seeking his first PGA Tour victory. He has finished in the top 20 three times previously in this tournament and boasts a solid short game and approach skills.

Another player to watch is Corey Conners, a past champion of the Valero Texas Open who aims to continue his strong showing with two recent wins in the past five editions. “I feel good about my game and the course suits my style well,” Conners stated. “I’m excited to compete and hopefully qualify for another Masters.”

Jordan Spieth, a Dallas native and 2021 Valero champion, is also in the field. As the only previous Masters champion participating, Spieth is looking to leverage his experience at the Oaks Course, where he has four top-10 finishes.

The tournament presents a unique opportunity for players outside the current Masters invitation list to qualify by winning in Texas. This week, over 20 golfers will be vying not only for the Valero title but also for a coveted spot at Augusta National.

“It’s exciting to see so many top players preparing for the Masters,” said Gray. “The competition will definitely be fierce with so much at stake.”

As the final tournament before the Masters, expect intense performances and strategic plays from these golfers as they fine-tune their games for the season’s first major.