The Texas swing continues this week, as the tour heads east, to TPC San Antonio. It’s the 104th playing of the tournament, making it one of the most storied championships on the schedule. With the storied history comes an elite list of past champions, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Arnold Palmer to name a few. This year’s field is highlighted by 3 major champion’s, including 7 of the top 15 player’s in the world. The tournament serves as a final tune-up for the game’s best, before next week’s Masters.
The Greg Norman designed Oaks Course will be a difficult test this week. With three-inch rough and danger lurking off nearly every tee, finding the fairway will be at a premium this week. Miss it, and you’re immediately flirting with a big number. Just ask Kevin Na, who once carded a 16 on the par-4 ninth. The weather will be a complete 180 from last years event, where the course played firm, fast, and windy. While wind is in the forecast, so is a plume of rain, with thunderstorms expected over the weekend. Because of this, our field rankings will reflect players who thrive at TPC San Antonio and in soft, demanding conditions. With that being said, let’s jump right into our rankings.
The wait is over…it is officially @valerotxopen week! pic.twitter.com/qZEotpjSoC
— TPC San Antonio (@TPCSanAntonio) March 30, 2026
10. Sepp Straka
With back to back top 15 finishes in his past two starts, Straka game including a T8 finishes at the Players. Yet, his lack of experience at TPC San Antonio raises a few question marks. His most recent appearance at the championship came in 2023, where he finished in a tie for 22nd. Still, the Austrian looks to continue his stellar play, this time in the lone star state.
9. Alex Noren
Noren might sound like a bit of a wildcard in the nine spot, but just hear me out. He’s made the cut in each of his last four events. His best finish this season occurred at the Genesis Invitational, in which a deluge of rain fell. With the rain in the forecast this week, combined with a T14 in last year’s event, Noren should be on everyone’s radar.
8. Brian Harman
Harman is one of the greatest bad weather player’s in the game. He won by 3 shots last year, despite a final round 75. Harman’s best finish of the year came in his last start, as he finished in a tie for 11th in Jacksonville. While this week’s conditions will differ from last year’s, he has proven time and time again that he can compete in adverse weather. His gritty style of play could lead him to yet another victory in San Antonio.
7. Keith Mitchell
Mitchell has been playing some of the best golf on the tour this year. He’s had great success at TPC San Antonio, garnering 4 top 20 finishes in as many starts. The Sea Island native looks to build off his T14 finish at last week’s Houston open.
6. Hideki Matsuyama
Matsuyama got off to a blazing hot start to the season, with four top 15 finishes in his first four starts of the season. However, he has struggled with the driver as of late, and his form has slightly fallen. A big question mark remains with Hideki who missed the cut in his last start in San Antonio. Yet, his ceiling is higher than almost anyone if he can get the driver figured out.
5. Russell Henley
Henley has made 5/6 of his starts so far this year, with his only MC coming at Riviera. While Riviera featured wet conditions, much like we’ll see this week, it wasn’t all bad for him. He rebounded from a first round 76, with a second round 68, missing the cut by just 1. He finished in fourth place in his last try in San Antonio, back in 2024. I expect him to continue his great form, and another top 10 feels like a lock for Henley this weekend.
4. Maverick McNealy
It’s been a smooth start to the season for McNealy, who has made 5/6 cuts to start his season. He has found success at TPC San Antonio in the past, finishing in a tie for third in last year’s rendition. He looks to build on last year’s finish, and hoist a trophy for the second time in his career this week.
3. Robert MacIntyre
MacIntyre has made the cut in all six of his starts this season. He has been in great form, highlighted by a solo 4th finish in his last start, the Players. While his course history at TPC San Antonio isn’t anything too special, his recent string of good play could see him back in the winner’s circle come Sunday.
2. Ludvig Aberg
Aberg is making his first start since his back nine collapse at the Players Championship. Still, he’s been one of the hottest players in the game the past few weeks. He’s tallied back to back top 5’s, and he looks to add another one to his resume in Texas.
1. Tommy Fleetwood
Fresh off the biggest news in the golf, his new hat deal, Fleetwood is seeking his second PGA Tour victory. The number 4 golfer in the world has three top 10’s in four starts this season. Fleetwood’s due to breakthrough for his first regular season victory, and with a T7 in last year’s championship, he has the course history to do it.
Leave a Reply