Power Rankings: 10 Players to Watch in Final PGA Tour Tune-Up Before Augusta
The Valero Texas Open is last call before the Masters. These players look ready to cash in.
Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the PGA Tour drops into San Antonio for the Valero Texas Open, the final stop before the Masters. Here’s how our model sees this week shaping up:
2024 Valero Texas Open Preview
The Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio, a Greg Norman masterpiece in collaboration with player-consultant Sergio Garcia, is a par-72 stretching over 7,494 yards. Opened in 2010, the course is a testament to thoughtful design, blending seamlessly with the natural terrain of the Texas Hill Country. Its fairways, hemmed in by native vegetation, demand precision, while the undulating greens, protected by cavernous bunkers, challenge even the most seasoned putters. Recent renovations have further refined its character, ensuring the course remains a stern test for the modern professional. Here are 10 players to watch:
KeyCompete’s 2024 Valero Texas Open Power Rankings
1. Hideki Matsuyama (+1800): With a swing as smooth as silk and a composure as solid as oak, he's the archer ready to hit bullseye under the Texan sun. And we love him at his current price.
2. Rory McIlroy (+800): Combination of power and precision is always a threat. Motivated to find top form with Masters one week away.
3. Ludvig Aberg (+1100): Still ascending while demonstrating a balanced game. Boldness and current form make him a compelling pick.
4. Corey Conners (+2000): A model of consistency, Canadian's precision off the tee and on approach shots suits Oaks Course perfectly. Winner here in 2019 and ‘23.
5. Jordan Spieth (+1800): Texas’s own, Spieth brings local knowledge and a passionate following. Winner here in 2021.
6. Matt Fitzpatrick (+2500): The Englishman's strategic approach and comfort in windy conditions make him a serious contender. Feeling good now that he removed that lead tape from his grips…
7. Collin Morikawa (+2000): Known for his surgical precision with irons, if his putter heats up he'll be in the mix.
8. Brian Harman (+3500): The Bulldog, Harman, packs a tenacious spirit and a gritty determination. A dark horse.
9. Byeong Hun An (+3500): Ball-striking and improved putting make him another sleeper pick. Two top 10s here in his last three attempts.
10. Max Homa (+2000): Recent results suggest a breakthrough might be imminent.
About Last Week
Texas Children’s Houston Open Recap
Stephan Jaeger's path to the Houston Open title was a masterclass in precision golf and mental resilience. And he held up on Sunday with the eyes of the golf world upon him and Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, pursuing him. It was an impressive victory and Jaeger is now clearly a player to watch…including in Augusta next week.
KeyCompete moved to a 57-44 record on the year in our featured picks. We also had Jaeger as a dark horse in last week’s ranking.
