The Rundown: The Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio

The 2023 Valero Texas Open is next on the schedule. Some golfers will use it as a tune-up for the Masters and those who have not qualified will use it as a last-ditch effort to win and get their invitation to Augusta.

Last year J.J. Spaun won the Valero Texas Open for his first career win. He shot back-to-back rounds of 69 on the weekend to hold off Matt Kuchar and Matt Jones; who shot six under on Sunday. Hossler, Frittelli, and Snedeker collapsed on Sunday after starting the round as leaders.

Spaun was consistent in all facets gaining over two strokes off the tee, on approach, around the green, and putting.

Jordan Spieth won in 2021. He maintained a two-stroke lead over Charley Hoffman on Sunday by gaining 7.4 strokes on approach for the tournament. Hoffman was also the runner-up in 2019 when Corey Conners won by two strokes.

The Valero Texas Open is played at the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio.

TPC San Antonio is a 7,494 yard par 72 with Bermuda greens that are overseeded with Poa and velvet Bentgrass. The course was designed by Greg Norman with the help of Sergio Garcia.

Despite only three water hazards on the course, bogey or worse scores are very prevalent here. There are 58 bunkers and the course generally plays as one of the ten hardest courses on tour.

It can play a bit easier depending on the weather, however. The winds can cause absolute carnage like in 2015 when seven players withdrew in the first two rounds.

The greens are average in size but are some of the most difficult to hit on tour. Greens in regulation percentage is only 56%.

The greens themselves are multi-tiered with heavy undulations. The edges are tightly mowed which adds to approach shots often rolling off to collection areas or bunkers. Obviously, missed greens place an emphasis on around the green play.

Approach shots with mid to long irons are fairly even with 20% coming from 150-175 yards, 18% coming from 175-200, and another 18% from 200+ yards.

Driving accuracy comes in well below tour average with only 56% of fairways being hit. However, driving distance matters a bit more at TPC San Antonio with the length of many of the holes. The average drive is longer than the tour average at 284 yards.

This helps especially on the longer par 5s; two of which are over 600 yards.

Scoring on the par 5s goes a long way with the 14th hole being the easiest hole and the 2nd hole being the 3rd easiest hole on the course.

The field consists of 144 golfers with the Top 65 and ties making the cut after 36 holes to play the weekend.

2023 Valero Texas Open: Key Stats and Figures

• Strokes Gained Ball Striking
• Around the Green
• Driving Distance
• Par 5 Scoring
• Opportunities Gained

Historical Cut Line

• 2022: Even
• 2021: +3
• 2020: Covid
• 2019: Even
• 2018: +2
• 2017: +1

Previous Winners

2022: J.J. Spaun -13
2021: Jordan Spieth -18
2020: Postponed due to COVID
2019: Corey Conners -20
2018: Andrew Landry -17
2017: Kevin Chappell -12