2023 Valero Texas Open: Top 10 Power Rankings at TPC San Antonio

Corey Conners pulled off the tall task of going from Monday qualifier to tournament champion at the 2019 Valero Texas Open.

The Canadian fired 69-67-66-66 to beat TPC San Antonio stalwart, Charley Hoffman, by two shots. Conners closed in style, carding a 6-under 30 on the back nine on Sunday.

His 20-under total remains the 72-hole record at the Oaks course.

Conners thinks this week’s test will prepare him well for the Masters. He’ll be in the field at Augusta National next week for the fifth straight year.

"“I like to hit the ball right to left off the tee,” Conners was transcribed by Tee Scripts in 2021. “That’s important at Augusta and I think that fits really well here, so it can really kind of dial in tee shots.”"

He’s made all four cuts at the Texas Open and finished T-35th (2022) or better each time.

The Kent State alum has flashed consistent form this season on the PGA Tour, but he’s still seeking his first top-10. Conners has only missed two cuts and just one since September, but T-12th at the Sony Open in Hawaii is his best effort.

Conners played well last week, going 2-1-0 in group play at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. He smoked Sepp Straka 6 & 5 and beat Davis Thompson 2 & 1, but it was sandwiched by a 1 Up loss to eventual tournament runner-up Cameron Young that resigned Conners to second place in the group.

The 31-year-old ranks 23rd in strokes gained per round off-the-tee (.446). He’s got the ball striking to compete week in and week out.

If the putter can get hot as it has in years past at this venue, Conners has the tools to win again in the Lone Star State.