The PGA Tour heads to the Lone Star State for the 2017 Valero Texas Open that features five of the top 25 players in the Official World Golf Rankings. Patrick Reed, at No. 14, is the highest-ranked player in the field.
Joining defending champion Charley Hoffman are Ryan Moore, Matt Kuchar, Brooks Koepka, Jimmy Walker and South African Branden Grace. Last week’s runner-up, Luke Donald, and surging young guns Ollie Schniederjans and Dominic Bozzelli are all available to wager on.
Reigning U.S. Amateur champion Curtis Luck is making his much-anticipated professional debut. He made the cut at the Masters and now starts his professional career in San Antonio.
The betting field has a nice blend of young guns and grizzled veterans to choose from – the lack of star power is a concern, but giving the timing of the tournament, Valero did a great job attracting good players to make this year’s tournament another success.
Venue: TPC San Antonio measures 7,435 yards and plays to a par 72. Newly crowned Masters champion Sergio Garcia and Greg Norman designed the course, which opened in 2010. The layout winds through Texas Hill Country featuring narrow fairways, bunkers as deep as 10 feet and native vegetation where unplayable lies are common. Just ask Kevin Na, who five years ago recorded a 16 on the par-4, ninth hole, taking several unplayable penalty strokes.
TV Coverage: Thursday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET – Golf Channel. Saturday-Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. Golf Channel, 3-6 p.m. – CBS.
Valero Texas Open Golf Odds
Matt Kuchar +1400
Brooks Koepka +1500
Ryan Moore +1650
Charley Hoffman +2000
Billy Horschel +2100
Branden Grace +2200
Jimmy Walker +2350
Adam Hadwin +2500
Brendan Steele +2650
Kevin Chappell +2900
Luke Donald +3000
Ollie Schniederjans +3250
Patrick Reed +3500
Tony Finau +3550
Ryan Palmer +3750
Zach Johnson +4000
Soren Kjeldsen +4250
Byeong Hun An +4500
Jhonattan Vegas +4750
Keegan Bradley +5000
Kevin Na +5050
Luke List +5250
Sung Kang +5500
Daniel Summerhays +5700
Graeme McDowell +6000
J.J. Spaun +6450
Martin Laird +6500
Anirban Lahiri +6750
Chris Kirk +7000
Harold Varner III +7250
Ian Poulter +7500
Nick Watney +7777
Danny Lee +7950
Bud Cauley +8000
J.T. Poston +8500
Jamie Lovemark +8800
Bryson DeChambeau +9000
Jason Kokrak +9500
Scott Piercy +10000
Stewart Cink +10000
Andrew Johnston +10500
FIELD – Any Other Player +375
(Odds courtesy BookMaker.eu)
Studs and Duds
STUD: Ryan Moore (+1650) always seems to be in contention but never seems to get the job done when it’s all said and done. This week, that all changes, Moore hits paydirt for the sixth time in his career.
STUD: Kevin Chappell (+2900) is finally getting used to his new equipment and I expect him to carry over his good play at the Masters over to this week. The former UCLA standout tied for seventh at Augusta and tied for fourth here in San Antonio last year. Good form and rock solid finish on the horizon for Chappell.
DUD: Matt Kuchar (+1400) is the betting favorite this week but I beg to differ. Kuch has to be on empty after playing three weeks in a row. He looked tired, he is tired and he will disappoint this week in San Antonio. Fade Kuchar in the weekly golf matchups.
DUD: Patrick Reed (+3500) continues to struggle with his game. All phases of his game are on the decline, including his attitude. Missed cuts and average finishes have been the norm for Reed most of the year and until he shows some consistency, he is OVERVALUED and a player to fade.
VALUE: Luke Donald (+3000) hit the ball what seemed like everywhere last week at Harbour Town and still nearly won the tournament. Now he gets to play a course that has generous landing areas and a layout where he T13 last year. Cool Hand Luke churns out another stellar finish and is worth a look in all formats. Get him while he’s hot!
FLIER: Curtis Luck is making his professional debut this week. The former No. 1 ranked amateur and current U.S. Am champion is only 20-years old but has the experience and poise to excel at the highest level. Luck is a sneaky play this week in all formats.
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