The Valero Texas Open begins today in San Antonio, offering the last chance for PGA Tour players to fine-tune before Augusta next week.
Ludvig Åberg and other top contenders tee off today at the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), with the tournament serving as the final major audition before the Masters. The event carries a $9.8 million purse and runs through Sunday, just seven days before Augusta National’s gates open for the 90th Masters.
The featured groupings reveal the competitive nature of the field. Åberg, co-favorite at +1500 odds, plays alongside Robert MacIntyre and Jordan Spieth at 2:06 PM ET. Defending champion Brian Harman takes the course in the morning wave, seeking back-to-back titles. Matthieu Pavon starts as the sole French representative in a competitive field.
Masters Preparation at Its Peak
The Valero Texas Open has long served as the traditional warm-up event for Augusta, and this year’s edition intensifies that role. The winner automatically earns a Masters invitation if not already qualified — a distinction that can prove decisive for borderline contenders. For those already secure in their spots, the week offers a critical window to refine course management, test equipment adjustments, and build momentum heading into golf’s most iconic event.
Notable absences shape the narrative. Rory McIlroy is recovering from a back injury and has withdrawn from the field. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s dominant force, bypasses San Antonio entirely. Jon Rahm, competing on the LIV Golf circuit, is also absent. Their departures open opportunities for deeper contenders to gain visibility and confidence in front of the watching golf world.
A Week Before the Main Event
With the Masters set for April 9-12, this final week of traditional preparation holds particular weight. Players are arriving at their peak form windows — not too fresh, not fatigued — and every shot carries the weight of final adjustments. San Antonio’s conditions and course setup have historically favored players with strong ball-striking and course knowledge, attributes that translate directly to Augusta’s demands.
The golf world watches closely as the calendar counts down. In seven days, the azaleas will bloom, the traditions will resume, and the pursuit of a green jacket begins anew. The Valero Texas Open provides the final audition stage.
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