Just two stops to go on the Texas Swing before the world stopping Masters at Augusta, therefore just two more opportunities for those who haven’t qualified already to do so. Marc Warren and Harris English are two players on the bubble who will be worth a watch this week as they attempt to break into the Top 50.
Additionally, Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker and Dustin Johnson head a field featuring 13 of the world’s top 30 ranked golfers. Plenty of reasons to watch live golf and flick through our Valero Texas Open Preview below:
The Course
The unlikely pair of Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia got together to design the TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks) course situated in Texas Hill Country, and crafted a 7,435 yards, par 72 test of driving ability. Narrow fairways, deep bunkers and unplayable vegetation areas make the course incredibly challenging (Kevin Na once made a 16 on the 9th), and that looks set to continue during the 2015 edition.
Plenty of locals get the chance to play on familiar surrounds. Ryan Palmer, Jimmy Walker and Jordan Spieth are all born and bred nearby and should be factors in home soil.
The Sound Bites
“This week off does also have the benefit of allowing me to stay up late and watch South Africa in the Cricket World Cup tonight, taking place in New Zealand. Not everyone will understand the allure of cricket but those who do will understand how exciting this game will be” – Ernie Eels talks about an event we’ve featured heavily on Betcirca.
“Given how I’ve been playing, I guess if you go on form, then probably no” – Rory McIlroy gave a frank assessment of his Masters chances. In 10 rounds over three tournaments in the US in 2015, he’s only had one sub-70 score.
The Defending Champion
Unheralded Australian Steven Bowditch was the benefactor of a difficult scoring week last year when he hoisted the Valero Texas Open trophy. Opening rounds of 69-67-68 were enough to atone for a disappointing closing 76; Bowditch winning by a solitary shot with the worst final round in a win since 2004. Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays were tied for second.
The Contenders*
Jordan Spieth – $9.00
Dustin Johnson – $11.00
Matt Kuchar – $23.00
Ryan Palmer– $31.00
Harris English – $41.00
Charley Hoffman – $51.00
*Valero Texas Open odds available at Sportsbet.
The Winner
Spieth has five top-10 finishes (including two wins) in his last seven events and he ranks first in putts per round, he’s so tough to look past; Palmer has six top 25s this season and is an excellent driver of the ball which is key around TPC San Antonio; Hoffman has made all six of his cuts here with a worst result of T13; Johnson was in sublime form before a two week break winning the WGC Cadillac and recording two other top 5’s; Kuch makes the grade after tying for 4th here last year. Even with Spieths pull we’re going Harris English – he’s just outside automatic Masters qualification at 52nd in the World Golf Rankings so we’re tipping him to make a play for the top 50 and win in Texas.
