Week two of the Texas two-step is in San Antonio with the Texas Open, and we’re one week away from The Masters. Some of the world’s best are in the Lone Star State prepping, while others rest up for Augusta. Let’s break down the field and see who’s fit to win at TPC San Antonio.
Rust vs Rest
Immediately on the horizon is next week’s first major of 2024, so it’s understandable to look ahead. First things first, the Valero Texas Open presents one last invite to Augusta if you win on Sunday. For most of the PGA Tour that’s the opportunity at hand, but the likes of Rory and Jordan have other plans. They’re choosing to play the week before The Masters. It’s the classic Rust vs. Rest debate for the world’s best of the PGA Tour.
Last Spring, Canadian Corey Conners notched his second Texas Open win with a drama-filled victory at TPC San Antonio. He returns in 2024 as a first-page name at +2200 odds to win and successfully defend his title. Notably, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Rickie Fowler are joining him to add some star power in SA this weekend.
Texas Open: The Deets
Where to watch: The Golf Channel and NBC have us covered for one more week before the CBS + Augusta takeover. I can already hear the piano riffs of the Masters playing in my head.
Why to watch: The Texas Open is one of the longest-running events on Tour, and with it being the last call for a Masters invite a surprise winner could make for another amazing story.
Purse: $9.2 million
Winner’s Share: $1.65 million
Texas Open: Texas Tough
The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio can be a bear if the wind kicks up. At over 7400 yards and devoid of flatness, you’ll be surprised how many uneven lies present themselves. It twists and turns through oak trees, Texas woodlands, and canyon areas and allows for lots of creativity. The course finishes with a risk-reward par 5 19th hole with water all the way through the landscape.
As expected, Rory McIlroy leads the books at +750 odds to win this week, despite not winning here before. He’s followed by European sensation Ludvig Aberg (+1200) who seems due to break through once again, but is it here? They are followed quickly by Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, and Hideki Matsuyama all listed at +1800 odds to win.
Texas Open: What To Consider
- Who’s hot and trending: Recent high finishes, top-10 streaks, and consistent play are never a bad thing.
- Horses for courses: Players love certain courses, and course familiarity and experience are invaluable in the field of the world’s best.
- What the numbers tell you this week: I’m far from analytical, there’s always a tournament darling or two scattered across the golf talk stratosphere that are great statistical fits to play well.
- Intangibles: This allows for a theater of the mind; it’s that mysterious optimism surrounding a player that feels “due” to break through.
Outright Picks To Win The Texas Open
Jordan Spieth – 18/1 – As a past winner here, he always brings decent form right before Augusta.
Alex Noren – 30/1 – Showing up on leaderboards lately and tied for 15th here last year.
Eric Cole – 50/1 – Still waiting on win #1, this could be the week.
Tom Kim – 60/1 – Getting him at good odds after a quiet start to 2024.
Taylor Montgomery – 80/1 – Putts well on tough greens and should find a stroke this week at the Texas Open.
More From Alex
Alex Lauzon is a podcast host, live broadcaster, analyst and golf-betting extraordinaire for the Course of Life brand. Actively creating content across social media and video platforms on golf, sports betting and pop culture.
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