Valero Texas Open 2023

[MattyO1984]

OK, OK I know that we would all rather that it was next week already but lets at least pretend that we can contain our excitement and think about, at least in a passing fashion, this weeks Valero Texas Open. If nothing else this week I will represent the last chance for a field which is largely made up of young guys, journeymen or those who have fallen on harder times the chance to punch their ticket to the little event which is taking place next week. Last year, JJ Spaun (fun fact his full name is John Michael Spaun Jnr) took home the victory and he returns looking to make it back to back victories. If nothing else, the lack of many big names should at least make for some interest with guys looking to scrape into next week.

 

Defending Champion:-

JJ Spaun

 

Notables in the Field:-

Tyrell Hatton

Hideki Matsuyama

Rickie Fowler

Franceso Molinari

Sepp Straka

Corey Conners

Matt Wallace

Matt Kuchar

Ryan Fox

Lucas Glover

 

Course:-

TPC San Antonio, Oaks Course

Par 72

7,435 yards

 

 

 

 

 

[AltC]

In first - go Tyrell!!

[theedge27]

Come on Rickie!

[Ferguson]

16 minutes ago, theedge27 said:

Come on Rickie!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[theedge27]

2 hours ago, Ferguson said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This broke my heart sir. I was hoping you had an inside scoop for me. 

[Kenbone]

3 hours ago, Ferguson said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ferguson]

54 minutes ago, Kenbone said:

 

 

You can't see your way to a win, Rickie.  

 

[diavolo]

One more notable is the runner-up in Corales, Nicolai Højgaard! 

Wallace for sure talked him up after the tournament

[KrazyTrain18]

Underrated course on tour, I'm a little surprised to see Hideki playing after WD from the Match Play.

[MattM97]

I really hope Connors can get his groove back been a bit of a struggle for him and I like seeing a ton of Canadians at the Masters. Would also be nice to see a performance from Ryan Fox, dude crushes it and has been playing really well overseas. Last man I want to see play well is Molinari, being Canadian and Italian don't get many on tour. 

[BombinJim]

1 hour ago, KrazyTrain18 said:

Underrated course on tour, I'm a little surprised to see Hideki playing after WD from the Match Play.

Agreed. But I hope he plays well into Augusta. He is fun to watch.

[Kdaniel72]

I am a Marshall for 4 days at the Valero.  Great course and atmosphere!!! BUT (There is always a but) we are expecting RAIN Thursday and Friday!!!

[Wonka]

Is it only win that can put Rickie in the Masters, or also if he makes top 50 owgr? Probably not enough points in the field to put him in the top50......

[Ferguson]

18 hours ago, theedge27 said:

This broke my heart sir. I was hoping you had an inside scoop for me. 

 

Rickie has been spending too much time with Salt Bae. 

 

[iBanesto]

22 hours ago, AltC said:

In first - go Tyrell!!

 

[AltC]

Won’t be needing that 9 iron again - hehe - yep some anger management issues - but Mick generally has him under control! He is playing great- double down on go Tyrell!

[iBanesto]

10 minutes ago, AltC said:

Won’t be needing that 9 iron again - hehe - yep some anger management issues - but Mick generally has him under control! He is playing great- double down on go Tyrell!

 

Just a little banter.

 

I don't mind Hatton.

 

[AltC]

When he is on his game it’s point and shoot - he also has the killer inside- putts great - his anger thing is only at himself as he knows he is really really good! Plus he has a sense of humour about it - all cool! Winner winner!!

[bscinstnct]

22 hours ago, theedge27 said:

Come on Rickie!

 

RF has definitely been putting in some work

 

Hes at his best OWGR (59) in over 2 years. 
 

He had a lonnnnng slide from #9 in April 2019 all the down to #185 in September of 2022

 

But hes clawed his way back, hasn’t MC in his last 8 starts, and 5 top 20s in his last 6 starts. 
 

He definitely needs to level-up to actually win anything but, he’s workin for sure, 

 

 

[jimecherry]

5 hours ago, Wonka said:

Is it only win that can put Rickie in the Masters, or also if he makes top 50 owgr? Probably not enough points in the field to put him in the top50......

masters qualifying deadline was last week so he has to win in order to get in cause the winner of this tournament has a reserved spot in the masters. 

[WorkItBothWays]

I have a feeling for Ben Griffin this week.

[woahnelly]

I think one of the invites in Nicolai, Fox, or Higa wins.

[Rob G 89]

Sungjae Im taking a rare week off

[Ronnie Mundt]

Two delays and it’s not even 9am local time yet. This is going to be a slog.

[Golferpaul]

Unfortunately, these minor league events will never have a strong field.  The favorite (Fowler) is ranked 59 and that's using the failing OWGR system.  In reality, he is probably ranked about 70.

 

The only two in the top 50 are Kirk (34) and Conners (40). 

 

Monihan has truly destroyed the Valero Texas Open and the course is wonderful, exciting.

 

 

[woahnelly]

33 minutes ago, Golferpaul said:

 

 

The only two in the top 50 are Kirk (34) and Conners (40). 

 

 

 

+ Hideki, Ryan Fox, Si Woo

 

Edit - forgot Hatton !

Edited March 30 by woahnelly

[grm24]

43 minutes ago, Golferpaul said:

Unfortunately, these minor league events will never have a strong field.  The favorite (Fowler) is ranked 59 and that's using the failing OWGR system.  In reality, he is probably ranked about 70.

 

The only two in the top 50 are Kirk (34) and Conners (40). 

Try again. 

 

[One Putter]

1 hour ago, Golferpaul said:

Unfortunately, these minor league events will never have a strong field.  The favorite (Fowler) is ranked 59 and that's using the failing OWGR system.  In reality, he is probably ranked about 70.

 

The only two in the top 50 are Kirk (34) and Conners (40). 

 

Monihan has truly destroyed the Valero Texas Open and the course is wonderful, exciting.

 

 

Yeah not every event can be some big special thing. That's kinda what makes the special events more special. Here's a crazy idea, enjoy something for what it is. And if you din't enjoy it, do something else.

Edited March 30 by One Putter

[FriedEgg]

back to regular golf - enjoy match play but only in the Ryder Cup

[seis]

Obviously GC doesn’t think much about the field or this tournament, not on until 3pm CT. The women’s am at Augusta getting more coverage.