While many of the world’s best players are at home preparing for the year’s first major, there are some big names in the field at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course for the Valero Texas Open looking to earn their way into the Masters.
It’s only fitting we start with Rickie Fowler, who hasn’t played at Augusta National Golf Club since the November edition in 2020. His game has returned, finishing inside the top 20 in four of his last five stroke-play event starts. Before missing the cut at last year’s Valero, Fowler posted back-to-back top-20 finishes at TPC San Antonio in 2021 and 2019.
Here are five big-name players with a chance to earn an invitation down Magnolia Lane.
Rickie Fowler tees off on hole 3 during final round action of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Sunday, March 12, 2023. Scottie Scheffler won out with a final 17 under par, a 5 stroke lead over the next closer competitor. (Bob Self/Florida Times-Union)
Best Valero Texas Open finishes:17th (2021), 17th (2019)
Best Masters finishes: 2nd (2018), 5th (2014), 11th (2017)
Odds to win Valero:20/1
Matt Kuchar plays from the 3rd tee during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Best Valero Texas Open finishes: 2nd (2022), 4th (2014), 7th (2019)
Best Masters finishes: 3rd (2012), 4th (2017), 5th (2014)
Odds to win Valero: 30/1
Taylor Montgomery reacts after a putt on the 17th green during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Best Valero Texas Open finishes: No starts at the Valero
Best Masters finishes: No starts at the Masters
Odds to win Valero:25/1
Notes: Montgomery has nine top 25s and four top 10s in 15 starts this season. He’s the 58th-ranked player in the world.
Harry Higgs reacts to his putt on the second green during the first round of The Masters golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Best Valero Texas Open finishes:He’s missed the cut in both appearances at the Valero.
Best Masters finishes: 14th (2022)
Odds to win Valero:225/1
Padraig Harrington plays his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the 2022 Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club. (Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic)
Best Valero Texas Open finishes: 10th (2013), 25th (2016)
Best Masters finishes: 5th (2002, 2008), 7th (2007), 8th (2012)
Odds to win Valero: 180/1
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Spanish