The Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio is the fourteenth event of the 2025 PGA TOUR season and the second tournament of the “Texas Swing.”

Let’s get into this week’s storylines…

Pre-Tournament Storylines:

LET HIM COOK – Min Woo Lee Serves Up a Win in Texas

Min Woo Lee (+3500), the 26-year-old Australian, claimed his first TOUR victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open with a 20-under 260 at Memorial Park Golf Course, giving us our first outright winner of the 2025 season. While he made things interesting by pulling his drive on the 16th with a three-shot lead over World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Lee weathered the storm. Scheffler birdied 16, while Lee made bogey, narrowing the lead to just one shot. However, Lee regained his composure, carding pars on the final two holes to secure the victory.

Gary Woodland’s Inspiring Comeback Continues

Gary Woodland’s emotional runner-up finish at the Texas Children’s Houston Open marked a major step in his comeback from brain surgery less than two years ago. He fired a course-record-tying 8-under 62 in the final round at Memorial Park, nearly catching winner Min Woo Lee.

After experiencing unexplained symptoms in May 2023, Woodland was diagnosed with a brain lesion and underwent a craniotomy on Sept. 19, 2023. Doctors removed most of the tumor, confirmed it was benign, and cut off its blood supply.

Since returning at the 2024 Sony Open, Woodland has battled physical and mental challenges, with just one top 10 finish in 2024. His performance in Houston, however, marked his first top five finish since March 2022 and his first serious contention post-surgery.

Burnt Texas Tosti

Beyond the excitement of the final stretch at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, there was some unexpected drama within the final group. Alejandro Tosti, playing alongside Ryan Fox and eventual winner Min Woo Lee, voiced his frustration to a PGA TOUR rules official about Lee’s slow play. However, when Tosti didn’t get the response he was hoping for, he took matters into his own hands — intentionally slowing down his play, making himself the reason for the group’s delay. However, Tosti later addressed the criticism, explaining that his slower pace was due to a bathroom break and grabbing something to drink, not an intentional effort to disrupt the group’s rhythm.

Bhatia’s Quest to Defend the Valero Texas Open

Akshay Bhatia claimed his second career PGA TOUR victory at TPC San Antonio, winning the Valero Texas Open in a playoff against Denny McCarthy. He’ll look to defend his title this week against some of the world’s best. Bhatia had a slow start to the season but has been in top form recently, notching three top 10 finishes in his last four outings. He’s also coming off his best finish of the season, a T3 at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Augusta Calls: The Countdown to The Masters Begins

Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1, and Rory McIlroy, World No. 2, both competed in last week’s event, finishing T2 and T5, respectively, as they fine-tune their games ahead of the season’s first Major, The Masters. Scheffler, the defending champion and two-time winner at Augusta, is still looking for his first PGA TOUR victory of the season. On the other hand, McIlroy, who has yet to claim a win at Augusta National, could complete his career Grand Slam with a victory next week. With two wins this season, McIlroy enters the Masters in some of the best form of his career. McIlroy mentioned in his post-round press conference that he has been dealing with some elbow soreness, which is something to keep an eye on moving forward.

The Valero Texas Open presents one final chance for players to punch their ticket to Augusta, as the winner receives a coveted invitation to the Masters if they haven’t already qualified. As of now, 27 players in the field have already secured their spots at Augusta.

Final Four Fever Hits San Antonio

San Antonio is buzzing this week as it plays host to not one but two major sporting events. While the Valero Texas Open tees off at TPC San Antonio, the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will unfold at the iconic Alamodome.

Tournament Information:

• Dates: April 3rd – April 6th, 2025
• Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States
• Course: TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)
• Course Type: Texas/Southwest
• Par: 72 (4x 3’s / 10x 4’s / 4x 5’s)
• Length: 7,438 Yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: Champion Bermudagrass with Poa trivialis overseed .110”
• Fairways: Perennial ryegrass / fescue .400”
• Rough: Perennial ryegrass / fescue 2.25”
• Bunkers: 64
• Water Hazard(s): 3 (In-Play on 3 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 6,400 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 11.0 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $9,500,000 /$1,710,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 500
• Field: 153 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Sudden-Death (18 repeat)
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2024: 72.51 (+0.51), Rank 7 of 51
  • 2023: 72.09 (+0.09), Rank 15 of 49
  • 2022: 71.76 (-0.24), Rank 18 of 50
• Historic Cut Line:
• 2024: +1
• 2023: E
• 2022: -1

Social Media:

• Course X: @TPCSanAntonio
• Tournament X: @valertotxopen

Course Information:

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Greg Norman (2010)
• Renovations: Bunker update in 2021

Comparable Courses:

• PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches – RESULTS
• Memorial Park Golf Course – Texas Children’s Houston Open – RESULTS
• Colonial Country Club – Charles Schwab Challenge – RESULTS

Comparable Location (San Antonio, Texas):

• Memorial Park Golf Course – Houston, Texas – Texas Children’s Houston Open
• TPC Craig Ranch – McKinney, Texas – THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
• Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth, Texas – Charles Schwab Challenge

Designer Link (Greg Norman):

• Vidanta World (Vidanta Vallarta Course) – Greg Norman (2015) – Mexico Open at Vidanta
• El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba – Greg Norman (2006) – World Wide Technology Championship

Comparable Yardage (7,438 Yards):

• TPC Louisiana – 7,425 Yards – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• TPC Twin Cities – 7,431 Yards – 3M Open
• Vidanta World (Vidanta Vallarta Course) – 7,436 Yards – Mexico Open at Vidanta

Comparable Greens (Champion Bermudagrass with Poa trivialis overseed .110”):

• Memorial Park Golf Course – TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .110” – Texas Children’s Houston Open
• TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) – TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100” – THE PLAYERS Championship
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .120” – Valspar Championship
• TPC Louisiana – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .100” – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• Quail Hollow Club – Champion G12 bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis .125” – Wells Fargo Championship

Comparable Average Green Size (6,400 sq. ft.):

• Augusta National Golf Club – 6,486 sq. ft. – Masters Tournament
• TPC Twin Cities – 6,500 sq. ft. – 3M Open
• Grand Reserve Golf Club – 6,500 sq. ft. – Puerto Rico Open

TV Information (all times ET):

• Round 1: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 2: Friday, April 4th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, April 5th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
  • NBC – 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, April 6th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  • NBC – 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

The Valero Texas Open, the third oldest event on the PGA TOUR, has a rich history dating back to 1922. Originally known as the Texas Open, it has been played at various courses in the San Antonio area, with TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course serving as the host since 2010. The tournament has been known for producing dramatic finishes and has seen notable champions such as Arnold Palmer, who won three consecutive titles from 1960 to 1962, and recent winners like Jordan Spieth and Corey Conners. As a staple on the PGA TOUR schedule, the Valero Texas Open often serves as the final opportunity for players to secure a spot in The Masters, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the competition.

The TPC San Antonio Oaks Course, designed by Greg Norman with consultation from Sergio Garcia, opened in 2010 and has been the host course of the Valero Texas Open since that same year. Known for its challenging layout, the Oaks Course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that test even the best players on the PGA TOUR. Measuring over 7,400 yards from the championship tees, the course requires precision off the tee and solid approach play to navigate its demanding setup. Its signature par-3 16th hole, with a natural limestone quarry guarding the green, is a standout feature that often plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the tournament.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Previous Tournament Names:

Tournament Records:

• Most Wins at Event:
  • 3 – Arnold Palmer (1960, 1961, 1962), Justin Leonard (2000, 2001, 2007)

• 72-Hole Record:
  • 254, Tommy Armour III (2003 at La Cantera)

• 18-Hole Record:
  • 60, Bart Bryant (Round 3, 2004 at La Cantera), Zach Johnson (Round 3, 2009 at La Cantera)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)):
  • 268, Corey Conners (2019), Akshay Bhatia (2024), Denny McCarthy (2024).

• 18-Hole Record (TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)):
  • 62, Trey Mullinax (Round 3, 2018)

• Largest Margin of Victory (TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)):
  • 4 Strokes – Jimmy Walker (2015)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Originally crafted by Greg Norman in 2010, the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio features a traditional Par 72 layout, comprising four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s. Stretching over 7,400 yards from the championship tees, the course demands precision and strategic play, especially off the tee. The narrow fairways are framed by dense native oak trees and penalizing bunkers, leaving little room for error for errant drives.

The course’s primary defense lies in its length and tight fairways, but the challenges don’t stop there. Approach shots require accuracy, as the greens are firm, undulating, and well-guarded by deep bunkers and collection areas. The putting surfaces, designed to mimic Augusta National’s slick and undulating greens, add another layer of complexity, making lag putting crucial.

Additionally, TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) is highly susceptible to winds, which often sweep through the Texas Hill Country, making club selection tricky and significantly impacting approach shots. Holes like the 591-yard Par 5 18th, which plays directly into the prevailing wind, and the 241-yard Par 3 13th, which demands a long iron or hybrid over a cavernous bunker, can quickly turn into scorecard wreckers if not navigated properly.

Water hazards are limited but strategically placed to come into play on key holes, while the natural limestone outcroppings and native grasses provide both a scenic backdrop and an additional layer of difficulty.

The four Par 3’s range between 171 yards and 241 yards. In 2024, all of the Par 3’s had a scoring average over par except for No. 16.

No. 3, 171 yards, Par 3: “Welcome to the first par 3 on The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio. This 213 yard beauty is one of only two holes on the course which require carry over water. This hole is not for the faint of heart. A confident swing is required with a medium or long iron to carry the water and reach the green. The only miss for the player on this hole is long. It is a must for players to land their tee shot on the appropriate level of the green. Players who find themselves on the opposite side of the pin, will have to summon their best touch to avoid a three putt. Once again, par is a good score here.”

No. 16, 183 yards, Par 3: “Arguably and soon to be known as one of the most unique par 3’s in golf, the short 16th hole features a creative green defined by beautiful bunkers on both sides and the unique feature of a bunker in the center which divides the green into 3 smaller targets. An assortment of teeing areas offer the player, not only different yardages, but different angles into the green. Put it on the right spot of green and birdie or par is almost a certainty. Put it on the wrong side of the bunker and anything goes.”

There are ten Par 4’s on the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio with the majority of those holes ranging between 400 and 450 yards. No. 17 is the shortest listed at 347 yards with the longest being No. 4, playing 481 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest holes on the course last year were No. 4 (+0.359) and No. 1 (+0.353).

No. 4, 481 yards, Par 4: “Hole #4 on the The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio is possibly the most difficult par 4 on the front 9. This hole was the first hole to be grassed during construction and has a stately and majestic feel about it. The tee shot requires power and precision as the fairway is one of the narrowest on the course. Finding the fairway is a must. A well struck tee shot leaves the player with a long iron or fairway wood second shot to a beautiful but devilish green. This green site is one of the most picturesque on The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio with old gnarly oak trees clearly evident around it, along with the artistic bunkers featuring a rock out cropping along the back edge. This green has significant movement in it and two putts for the player will be considered a success. Par on this hole is like a birdie.”

No. 11, 405 yards, Par 4: “The eleventh is one of the most striking holes on the The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio. Players face a decision off the tee, to challenge the cross bunker which requires a 220 yard carry from the back tee or play safely laying up short of the bunker. This hole rewards heroism because a great tee shot leaves only a short pitch to the green. A short drive on the right side means carrying a deep greenside bunker on the approach. Once on the green, the player’s work is not done. The green features some interesting pitch and roll to catch your attention. The player may be rewarded with a birdie for playing aggressively.”

No. 12, 410 yards, Par 4: “The 12th hole is short, but dangerous. The player may choose any club off the tee. The key is being straight and in the fairway. Playing from the rough will almost assure the player a bogey. The second shot will only be a short iron but is played uphill and downwind to an elevated green protected by a set of enormous twin bunkers which are the deepest on the golf course. The green, while quite large is segregated into several levels which forces the player to have precise control with the second shot. Believe it or not the best miss on this hole is long, leaving the player a simple chip back. Miss it short, right or left, and you will be busy. It’s only 410 from the back tee, but 4 is a great score.”

There are four Par 5s on the course: No. 2, No. 8, No. 14, and No. 18. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2024. The easiest hole on the course last year was No. 14, with a scoring average of 4.668.

No. 8, 604 yards, Par 5: “The second Par 5 on the front nine is the exact opposite of its neighboring Par 5 Hole #2. This hole plays uphill and downwind, stretching more than 600 yards in length from the back tees. Try to avoid the left side off the tee and the beautiful specimen Oak that was transplanted to this hole from the 14th. A good tee shot will find the player at the crest of the hill. The second shot can be anything from a mid-iron to a fairway wood, depending on your preferred approach shot. It is vital the player’s second shot ends up in the fairway, allowing for a controlled approach to this split level, heavily contoured and well protected green. Finding the right level on the green is important to ensure you don’t spend too much time putting around.”

No. 18, 591 yards, Par 5: “A fantastic final hole for our fantastic finish. The 18th hole is a long, uphill par 5. The tee shot should be shaped left to right in order to remain in a fairway sloping from right to left. After the tee shot, players should play up the right side, being cautious to avoid the creek which bisects the fairway and the spectacular bunkers on the right. The third shot will be played with a short iron uphill to a green which is segregated into 3 levels and is well protected by a hill country creek and three bunkers. Players may have visions of making a final birdie to win the Valero Texas Open on this one.”

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 16

Key Statistics:

The Valero Texas Open takes place at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course). Here are the key statistics to keep an eye on for this week’s event.

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course).

At the Valero Texas Open, there’s often debate about which stat is more crucial — Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (SG: OTT) or Good Drives Gained. Let’s break down the differences between the two and how they apply to the challenges of TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course).

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (SG: OTT): This stat measures a player’s overall performance off the tee, factoring in both distance and accuracy. Longer, accurate drives are beneficial, while poor drives — whether off-line or too short — can hurt the number. While it’s a comprehensive metric, SG: OTT sometimes gives too much weight to distance over precision.

Good Drives Gained: This stat is more focused on accuracy and positioning. A “good drive” is typically defined as a tee shot that finds the fairway or leaves the player in a position to still hit the green in regulation, even if it misses. It rewards players who prioritize keeping the ball in play, ensuring they’re in a favorable position for their next shot.

At TPC San Antonio, Good Drives Gained can often be more important than SG: OTT. While distance off the tee can still provide an advantage, the course demands precision and strategic shot placement. With tight fairways, water hazards, and strategic bunkering, accuracy off the tee is paramount. Players who consistently hit fairways or position themselves well, even if they don’t have the longest drives, are better positioned for success.

Good Drives Gained highlights players who excel at staying in play, a critical factor at a course like TPC San Antonio.

• Good Drives Gained
  • Good Drives Gained is a key stat at the Valero Texas Open due to the layout of TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course). The course features tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and several water hazards, meaning accuracy off the tee is crucial for setting up approach shots. While distance is important, keeping the ball in play and avoiding trouble is even more critical. Players who can consistently find the fairway or position themselves well for their next shot are at a distinct advantage, as it allows them to attack the greens and avoid the penalty of wayward tee shots. In each of the last three editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 12th or better in Good Drives Gained.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Ben Griffin
    • Steven Fisk
    • Ryan Gerard
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Daniel Berger
    • Brice Garnett
    • Victor Perez
    • Ryo Hisatsune
    • John Pak

• Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
  • Success at Memorial Park Golf Course this week will largely depend on a player’s ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s length highlights the importance of distance, accuracy is equally crucial. In three of the last four editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 10th or better in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The lone exception was Jordan Spieth in 2021, who ranked 38th in this category during his victory.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Rico Hoey
    • Ludvig Åberg
    • Isaiah Salinda
    • Alex Smalley
    • Keith Mitchell
    • Corey Conners
    • Taylor Moore
    • Luke List
    • Sam Stevens
    • Carson Young

• Strokes Gained: Approach
  • Strong approach play has been a critical factor for success at the Valero Texas Open in recent years. In three of the last four editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 4th or better in Strokes Gained: Approach. The lone exception was J.J. Spaun in 2022, who ranked 23rd in this category during his victory.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Tom Kim
    • Antoine Rozner
    • Henrik Norlander
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Matteo Manassero
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Rico Hoey
    • J.T. Poston
    • Akshay Bhatia
    • Michael Kim

• Strokes Gained: Around the Green
  • Strokes Gained: Around the Green is crucial at the Valero Texas Open due to the challenging nature of TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course). With firm greens, tight lies, and tricky runoff areas, players frequently face difficult chip and pitch shots after missing greens in regulation. Strong performance around the green allows players to save par and stay in contention, especially in windy conditions that often make approach shots harder to control. In three of the last four editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 13th or better in Strokes Gained: Around the Green. The lone exception was Corey Conners in 2023, who ranked 29th in this category during his victory.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Webb Simpson
    • Aaron Baddeley
    • Peter Malnati
    • Michael Kim
    • C.T. Pan
    • Alex Smalley
    • Si Woo Kim
    • Harry Hall
    • Beau Hossler

• Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
  • The green complexes at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) are Champion Bermudagrass with Poa trivialis overseed .110”. In three of the last four editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 24th or better in Strokes Gained: Putting. The lone exception was Corey Conners in 2023, who ranked 41st in this category during his victory.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 36 Rounds:
    • Taylor Montgomery
    • Benny McCarthy
    • Braden Thornberry
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Sam Burns
    • Akshay Bhatia
    • Jesper Svensson
    • Jacob Bridgeman
    • Beau Hossler
    • Frankie Capan III

• Strokes Gained: Total (Wind: Moderate)
  • Strokes Gained: Total (Wind: Moderate) is a key stat to consider at the Valero Texas Open, given the frequent windy conditions at TPC San Antonio. The Oaks Course features exposed fairways and demanding approach shots that can be significantly impacted by the wind. Players who excel in moderate wind conditions tend to maintain better control and consistency when the breeze picks up. According to the preliminary weather report, winds are expected to hover around 10 mph each day, making this stat even more relevant this week.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 36 Rounds:
    • Patrick Cantlay
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Corey Conners
    • Jordan Spieth
    • Patrick Rodgers
    • Sam Burns
    • Rickie Fowler
    • Keegan Bradley
    • Adam Schenk
    • Justin Rose

• Par 4 Scoring: 400-500 Yards
  • Nine of the ten Par 4s at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) fall within the 400-500 yard range. Of these, five measure between 400-450 yards, while four stretch between 450-500 yards. The only exception is No. 17, which plays as a shorter Par 4 at 347 yards.
  • Leaders in this Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Gary Woodland
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Chris Gotterup
    • Matti Schmid
    • Henrik Norlander
    • Carson Young
    • Patrick Cantlay
    • Michael Kim
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Patrick Rodgers
  • Leaders in this Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Lee Hodges
    • Alex Smalley
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Bud Cauley
    • Daniel Berger
    • Keegan Bradley
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Corey Conners
    • Paul Peterson
    • Kris Ventura

• Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards
  • All four par 5s at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) generally fall within the 550-600 yard range. The only slight exceptions are Hole No. 2, listed at 602 yards, and Hole No. 8, listed at 604 yards. Since both are just a few yards beyond the range, they’ve been included in this category.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Justin Rose
    • Patrick Cantlay
    • Jesper Svensson
    • Andrew Novak
    • Thorbjørn Olesen
    • Michael Kim
    • Vince Covello
    • Keegan Bradley
    • Bronson Burgoon
    • Ludvig Åberg

• Birdies or Better Gained
  • Birdies or Better Gained is crucial at the Valero Texas Open due to the course layout at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), which features multiple scoring opportunities. The relatively reachable par 5s and some shorter par 4s provide players with chances to rack up birdies and eagles, making it essential for contenders to capitalize on these opportunities. While accuracy and scrambling are important, players who can consistently make birdies or better, particularly when navigating tricky holes, will have a distinct advantage in a tournament where low scores are often key to securing a victory. In each of the last four editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 1st in Birdies or Better Gained.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Jesper Svensson
    • Jake Knapp
    • Ludvig Åberg
    • Danny Walker
    • Taylor Moore
    • Jacob Bridgeman
    • Bud Cauley
    • Akshay Bhatia
    • Daniel Berger
    • Matti Schmid

• Bogey Avoidance
  • Bogey avoidance is crucial at the Valero Texas Open due to the demanding nature of TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course). The course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens that can punish errant shots. Wind often plays a factor as well, making it difficult to consistently hit greens in regulation. Players who can minimize mistakes and scramble effectively tend to fare better, as avoiding bogeys helps maintain momentum and stay in contention on this challenging layout. In three of the last four editions of the Valero Texas Open, the tournament winner has ranked 5th or better in Bogey Avoidance. The lone exception was Jordan Spieth in 2022, who ranked 11th in this category during his victory.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Michael Kim
    • Sami Valimaki
    • Sam Ryder
    • Alex Smalley
    • Daniel Berger
    • Andrew Putnam
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Mac Meissner
    • Justin Rose
    • Victor Perez

• Scrambling Gained
  • Scrambling gained is a key statistic at the Valero Texas Open because TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) is known for its challenging greens and difficult approach shots. With firm, undulating greens and closely mown runoff areas, players often miss greens in regulation, making the ability to get up and down essential. Those who can consistently save par from around the green will maintain momentum and avoid costly bogeys, which is often the difference between contending and falling out of the mix.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Patrick Rodgers
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Alex Smalley
    • Matteo Manassero
    • Will Chandler
    • Mac Meissner
    • Paul Peterson
    • Daniel Berger
    • Andrew Novak
    • Beau Hossler

• Proximity Gained: 200+ Yards
  • TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) sees a significantly higher volume of approach shots from the 200+ yard range compared to the PGA Tour average.

• Leaders in Proximity Gained 200+ Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
  • Erik Van Rooyen
  • Akshay Bhatia
  • Rikuya Hoshino
  • Thorbjørn Olesen
  • Charley Hoffman
  • Preston Summerhays
  • Sami Valimaki
  • Alejandro Tosti
  • Kris Ventura
  • Ryan Gerard

• Comparable Courses and Event History
  • The Data Golf Course History Tool suggests that past success at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) has been a strong predictor of future performance in this tournament.

• Leaders in this category (Stokes Gained Total at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)):
  • Corey Conners
  • Matt Kuchar
  • Charley Hoffman
  • Jordan Spieth
  • Denny McCarthy
  • Si Woo Kim
  • Akshay Bhatia
  • Chris Kirk
  • Samuel Stevens
  • Hideki Matsuyama

The Field:

The 2025 Valero Texas Open will feature a field of 153 players, with nine of the top 30 in the Official World Golf Ranking set to compete.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

• Winner – U.S. Open
• Winner – PGA Championship
• Winner – THE PLAYERS Championship
• Winner – Tournament Winner in the Past Year
• Career Money Exemption
• Sponsor Exemption: DPWT
• Sponsor’s Exemption – PGA
• Sponsor’s Exemption – Unrestricted
• Sponsor’s Exemption – PGA
• PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year.
• Open Qualifying
• Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
• Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
• Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
• Major Medical Extension.
• Leading Points Winner from DP World Tour
• PGA TOUR University #1 – Prior Season
• Leading 10 players (not otherwise exempt) on DP World Tour
• Players 2-30 on the Prior Season Korn Ferry Tour Points List
• Top 5 Finishers and Ties from PGA TOUR Q-School

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

• Akshay Bhatia (2024), Corey Conners (2023, 2019), Jordan Spieth (2021), Charley Hoffman (2016), Jimmy Walker (2015), Martin Laird (2013), Zach Johnson (2009, 2008)

Debutants in the Field:

• Mason Andersen, Patrick Cantlay, Frankie Capan III, Ricky Castillo, Will Chandler, Vince Covello, Quade Cummins, Cristobal Del Solar, Taylor Dickson, Steven Fisk, Noah Goodwin, Rikuya Hoshino, Benjamin James, Jared Jones, Kurt Kitayama, Jake Knapp, Philip Knowles, Thriston Lawrence, Matteo Manassero, William Mouw, Niklas Norgaard Moller, Kaito Onishi, John Pak, Jeremy Paul, Paul Peterson, Aldrich Potgieter, Matthew Riedel, Justin Rose, Thomas Rosenmueller, Antoine Rozner, Isaiah Salinda, Jackson Suber, Preston Summerhays, Jesper Svensson, Michael Thorbjornsen, Braden Thornberry, Sami Valimaki, Kevin Velo, Danny Walker, Paul Waring, Tim Widing, Cameron Young

Exemptions:

• Padraig Harrington – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted.
• Ben James – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted.
• Zach Johnson – Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt.
• Kevin Kisner – Career Money Exemption.
• Martin Laird – Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt.
• Ryan Palmer – Career Money Exemption.
• Brandt Snedeker – Career Money Exemption.
• Preston Sommerhays – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted.
• Jimmy Walker – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted.

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

• Michael Kim (WD)
• Taylor Moore (WD)
• Patrick Pockels (Open Qualifier)
• Hunter Logan (Open Qualifier)
• Blaine Hale Jr. (Open Qualifier)
• Austen Christiansen (Open Qualifier)
• K.H. Lee (WD)
• Jacob Bridgeman (WD)

Tee Times & Groupings:

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event:

Facts & Figures:

• Four of the last seven winners of the Valero Texas Open earned their first career PGA TOUR victory at the event, including J.J. Spaun (2022), Corey Conners (2019), Andrew Landry (2018), and Kevin Chappell (2017).

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

• Will There Be a Playoff at the Valero Texas Open? (Yes +350 / No -500)

Since the Valero Texas Open returned to TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) in 2010, the tournament has gone to a playoff once—last year, when Akshay Bhatia defeated Denny McCarthy.

Hole-in-One:

• Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the Valero Texas Open? (Yes -160/ No +120)

2024: 1 Hole-in-One – Jordan Spieth (Hole No. 16)

2023: No Holes-in-One Recorded

2022: No Holes-in-One Recorded

Wire to Wire Winner:

• Will There Be A Wire-to-wire Winner at the Valero Texas Open? (Yes +900)

Since the Valero Texas Open moved to TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) in 2010, there has been one wire-to-wire winner:

Jimmy Walker (2015) – Walker led after every round and went on to secure a four-shot victory over Jordan Spieth.

Recent Horses for Courses (TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)):

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

• 2024: Akshay Bhatia (-20)
  • Price: 66-1

• 2023: Corey Conners (-15)
  • Price: 20-1

• 2022: J.J. Spaun (-13)
  • Price: 200-1

• 2021: Jordan Spieth (-18)
  • Price: 16-1

• 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Price: N/A

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

• 2024: Akshay Bhatia
  • T11 – Texas Children’s Houston Open (PGA)
  • T17 – Valspar Championship (PGA)
  • MC – THE PLAYERS Championship (PGA)
  • MC – Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches (PGA)
  • MC – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)

• 2023: Corey Conners
  • T17 – WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (PGA)
  • MC – THE PLAYERS Championship (PGA)
  • T21 – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • 61 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T50 – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)

• 2022: J.J. Spaun
  • T27 – Valspar Championship (PGA)
  • MC – THE PLAYERS Championship (PGA)
  • T52 – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T30 – The Honda Classic (PGA)
  • MC – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)

• 2021: Jordan Spieth
  • T9 – WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (PGA)
  • T48 – THE PLAYERS Championship (PGA)
  • T4 – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T15 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T3 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)

• 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2024: Akshay Bhatia

2023: Corey Conners

2022: J.J. Spaun

2021: Jordan Spieth

2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Picks:

Outrights

Keegan Bradley (+2500) – DraftKings

Bud Cauley (+5000) – DraftKings

Ben Griffin (+5500) – FanDuel

Rico Hoey (+6600) – BetMGM

Lee Hodges (+7000) – FanDuel

Ryan Gerard (+7500) – FanDuel

Victor Perez (+10000) – FanDuel

Sam Ryder (+12500) – BetMGM

Top 20

Akshay Bhatia (+115) – DraftKings

Daniel Berger (+140) – DraftKings

Top 40

Matti Schmid (+140) – BetMGM

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.