It’s always a fun week in Austin, Texas, for a little change of pace from what we see on a weekly basis. But, it’s time for some stroke play.
The PGA Tour is in San Antonio, Texas, this week for the Valero Texas Open. For some, it’s an event to grab your first PGA Tour title or earn the biggest paycheck of your life. For others, it’s a tune-up for next week.
Because next week — it’s time for the Masters.
For now, defending champion Jordan Spieth will look to end yet another winless drought at TPC San Antonio. Rory McIlroy is making his first start here since 2013, a week that ended in a runner-up finish for the Northern Irishman.
Although there are a few big-time names at the top of the betting odds list, there are several names further down that may provide fantastic value. Let’s start with the Tennessee resident, Scott Stallings.
Valero: PGA Tour Live streaming on ESPN+
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
Scott Stallings tees off on the 10th hole during the second round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Stallings’ last five starts have been quite the mixed bag. He missed two cuts (Genesis, Arnold Palmer), but also grabbed two top 25s (WM Phoenix Open, Valspar).
He played well in Tampa, arguably better than his finish indicates. He was in the top 5 at the start of the weekend, but a 74 on Saturday derailed his chances. He’s made it to the weekend in his last two appearances at the Valero, highlighted by a top 25 in 2019.
K.H. Lee of South Korea hits his tee shot on the 4th hole during the third round of the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club on October 23, 2021 in Inzai, Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)
Lee’s made 12 straight cuts on Tour; you’d have to go back to the 2021 Sanderfarms for the last time he slammed his trunk on a Friday.
The South Korean has enjoyed TPC San Antonio the past few years finishing T-23 last season and T-14 in 2019.
Jhonattan Vegas plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the Corales Puntacana Championship at the Corales Golf Course on March 26, 2022 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images)
Vegas didn’t qualify for the WGC-Dell Match Play, but played in the opposite-field event, the Corales Puntacana Championship, and tied for fourth. In his previous start, he finished T-27 at the Valspar.
The 37-year-old has an up-and-down history at the Valero. His last five starts in San Antonio: MC, T-30, MC, T-34, and MC. So, if we’re going off trends, he should make the weekend this time around.
Kevin Streelman looks on during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
In four starts since a missed cut at the WM Phoenix Open, Streelman has three finishes of T-21 or better, including his last start at the Valspar where he tied for seventh.
He wasn’t in the field last season at TPC San Antonio, but in his last two appearances here he’s grabbed a solo sixth and T-8.
Denny McCarthy of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 14, 2022 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
McCarthy has made all but one cut in his last 12 starts but hasn’t contended in anything recently (his best start in that stretch was a T-6 at the American Express). However, he’s one hot putting week away from being right there.
A missed cut at this event in 2019 is sandwiched by a T-34 last season and T-20 in 2018.
He’s 26th in birdie average this season on Tour, so if he limits the mistakes, watch out.
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Spanish