By Ilori Wonderful Hezekiah
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — The 104th Valero Texas Open tees off from April 2 to 5 at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course, drawing a strong field for the final PGA TOUR stop before this year’s Masters.
World No. 3 Tommy Fleetwood leads the headlines, arriving in Texas in solid form as he continues his build-up to Augusta. The Englishman headlines a group of elite players using the event as a competitive tune-up ahead of the season’s first major.
Also confirmed in the field are Justin Rose and J.J. Spaun. Rose, a major champion, has already secured a victory this season, while Spaun returns as the reigning U.S. Open champion and a past winner of the Valero Texas Open.
Tournament officials have also confirmed the participation of several top-25 ranked players, including Russell Henley, Robert MacIntyre, and Hideki Matsuyama. Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, will be making his sixth consecutive appearance in San Antonio, where his best finish is tied for seventh.
Further strengthening the field are Sepp Straka, Ludvig Åberg, and Maverick McNealy. McNealy, who finished tied for third at this event last year, is coming off a breakthrough season that included his first PGA TOUR victory and multiple top finishes.
However, the field will be without Collin Morikawa, who has withdrawn ahead of the tournament due to injury concerns. The two-time major champion had been among the standout names expected this week, but his absence shifts further attention to players seeking late momentum before Augusta.
The Valero Texas Open traditionally offers the final competitive opportunity for players to fine-tune their game before heading to Augusta National. With several top-ranked contenders in the field and others chasing form, this year’s edition is expected to provide key insights into who could carry momentum into the Masters.
Play begins this week in San Antonio and runs through Sunday, April 5.
— Newspot Nigeria
