Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood Headline Early Commitments To Valero Texas Open
Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood Headline Early Commitments To Valero Texas Open
Blog Article
SAN ANTONIO - As the countdown to the 103rd Valero Texas Open begins, tournament officials have announced the first wave of early player commitments for the highly anticipated event.
Four of the world’s top twelve players—Collin Morikawa (No. 4), Ludvig Åberg (No. 6), Tommy Fleetwood (No. 11), and Patrick Cantlay (No. 12)—will headline the field as the historic PGA TOUR event returns to TPC San Antonio's The Oaks course for the 16th consecutive year, March 31-April 6.
The event, held one week before the Masters Tournament, has long been a key stop on the PGA TOUR, and this year promises to deliver a thrilling competition.
Morikawa, a two-time major champion, returns to San Antonio after a T75 finish in 2024. However, he rebounded the following week with a T3 finish at Augusta. Åberg, who finished T14 here last year, went on to finish solo runner-up at the Masters, showcasing his growing reputation as one of the game’s brightest stars. Fleetwood, a consistent contender, posted a T7 finish in San Antonio last year and followed it up with a T3 finish at Augusta. Cantlay, making his first appearance at the Valero Texas Open, will be eager to improve on his T22 result at the 2024 Masters Tournament.
In addition to these four top-ranked players, several past champions are poised to make a return, including Akshay Bhatia (2024), Corey Conners (2019, 2023), JJ Spaun (2022), Charley Hoffman (2016), and Zach Johnson (2008, 2009). Each of these players has demonstrated mastery of the course, and their participation promises to make for an exciting tournament.
The competition will be further elevated by the presence of other PGA TOUR heavyweights such as Brian Harman, the 2023 Open Championship winner, and Max Homa, a six-time PGA TOUR winner who finished T3 at the Masters a year ago.
But it’s not just the golf that sets the Valero Texas Open apart.
The tournament continues its tradition of honoring those who have served in the military with the Night to Honor Our Heroes presented by USAA. This year’s event will feature World Golf Hall of Fame member Jack Nicklaus, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the tribute.
I greatly appreciate the Valero Texas Open inviting me to be a part of their event and tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” Nicklaus said. “I never had the opportunity to serve our country, but I have always had an enormous respect, admiration, and heartfelt appreciation for those who have.
The Night to Honor Our Heroes will take place on Apr. 5, bringing together active military personnel, wounded veterans, and corporate supporters to celebrate the sacrifices made by those who serve. The long-standing tradition of celebrating “Military City, USA” adds a special touch to an already exciting week of golf.
With PGA TOUR players having until 4 p.M. On March 29 to commit to the event, the field is far from final, but these early commitments have already set the stage for what promises to be a memorable week at the Valero Texas Open.