The world’s top golfers will head to San Antonio this week for the 2017 staging of the Valero Texas Open. A cool $6.2 million is at stake for the elite field with the champion grabbing not only 500 FedExCup points but also the $1.116 million top prize. Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this prestigious event and while you’re at it, you can check out our sleeper picks for this popular golf tournament.
Favorites – Matt Kuchar (+1,200) and Charley Hoffman (+1,200)
It isn’t a complete surprise to see Matt Kuchar and Charley Hoffman installed as favorites to win this week’s Valero Texas Open. Kuchar and Hoffman love playing in this particular tournament and both stars are playing some excellent golf of late. Kuchar has posted top-11s in each of his last two starts, including a fourth-place finish at the Masters. He will look to keep the momentum going at TPC San Antonio where he’s picked up four top-25s in five career starts.
Hoffman, on the other hand, is another player who has had some success in this event in the past. He won this tournament last year, shooting a 12-under-par total of 276. Hoffman, who has found the top 15 in every one of his seven starts here at TPC San Antonio, also tied for second in 2011 and tied for third in 2013. Hoffman is slowly rounding into form, nabbing top-25 finishes in three of his last four PGA Tour starts.
High-Value Sleepers – Luke List (+4,000) and Ryan Palmer (+3,000)
One golfer who can make a strong run at the Texas Open title is Luke List. The Seattle native has been playing some outstanding golf of late, finishing in the top-30 in three of his last five starts, including a tie for third at last month’s Shell Houston Open. What makes List such a threat in every golf event that he competes in is his incredible power off the tee. List is third in the PGA Tour in driving distance, averaging 311.8 yards per drive this season.
Another golfer who’s primed for a good showing this week is Ryan Palmer. He has found the top 15 in three of the past four editions of the Valero Texas Open. Palmer’s golf game looks to be right back on track after finishing tied for 11th at last week’s RBC Heritage tournament. That’s the 40-year-old’s best finish since last fall’s BMW Championship.
Long Shot – Daniel Summerhays
One long shot who can definitely spring a surprise this week is Daniel Summerhays. He has finished in the top-13 in each of his last four starts here at TPC San Antonio, including a runner-up showing back in 2014. Summerhays finished tied for 59th at last week’s RBC Heritage tournament.
Writer’s Prediction
Charley Hoffman wins the Valero Texas Open for the second straight year.
