The 2024 Valero Texas Open was a thrilling event that saw some of the biggest names in golf converge on the TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy was the main attraction, fine-tuning his game ahead of the Masters. He was joined by an impressive lineup, including 2021 winner Jordan Spieth and Ludvig Aberg. Defending champion Corey Conners was also in the mix, ultimately emerging victorious and securing his second PGA Tour win at the same event. The Oaks Course, a par-72 layout measuring 7,438 yards, proved to be a challenging yet rewarding test for the players.

As we fast-forward to 2025, the Valero Texas Open is gearing up to be another electrifying tournament. Scheduled to take place from April 3 to 6, 2025, at the same Oaks Course in TPC San Antonio, the event will offer golfers one last chance to qualify for the Masters. The winner of the 2025 Valero Texas Open will secure a coveted spot at Augusta National. A star-studded lineup, including Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Tom Kim, and Cameron Young, will be vying for that spot, but some big names are indeed missing-

1. Scottie Scheffler

A shock indeed! Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion and a Texas resident, is skipping his home event, the Valero Texas Open, next week. With his Masters spot already secured and the Champions Dinner hosting duties awaiting him at Augusta National, Scheffler seems to be prioritizing rest ahead of a busy schedule. This decision comes after a tumultuous start to the 2025 season, where a freak hand injury over Christmas kept him sidelined for a while, and since his return, he’s struggled to regain his form. Yet, surprisingly, he remains the betting favorite to win the Masters this year.

2. Xander Schauffele

After a rib injury forced him to miss several events earlier this season, Xander Schauffele has been working his way back to top form. He made a comeback at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, aiming to get in some crucial practice ahead of the Masters. Following a respectable T12 finish at the Valspar Championship, Schauffele has decided to skip the Texas leg of the Tour altogether, opting instead to focus his energies on the Masters, where he’s already secured his spot.

By prioritizing the Masters, Schauffele is demonstrating a mature and calculated approach to his schedule, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him contend for the green jacket.

3. Rory McIlroy

Another top contender to miss out on the Valero Texas Open is Rory McIlroy, who’s been having a phenomenal season with two PGA Tour titles already under his belt – the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the prestigious Players Championship. As one of the favorites to win the Masters, McIlroy seems to be prioritizing his preparations for the big one, taking a break from competition before heading to Augusta. Over a decade has passed since his last Major win, and the Masters holds special significance for McIlroy, who’s still chasing that elusive green jacket.

4. Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas, already secured a spot at the Masters, has opted to skip the Texas leg of the Tour, choosing instead to focus on his preparations for Augusta National. Thomas was last seen in action at the Valspar Championship, where he put up a strong showing, finishing second behind Viktor Hovland. Now, he’ll set his sights on the Masters, where he’ll aim to claim his maiden green jacket in two weeks.

5. Sahith Theegala

Sahith Theegala was expected to make waves on the PGA Tour in 2025, but so far, his season has been a bit of a letdown, with underwhelming performances that have left many scratching their heads. Despite already qualifying for the Masters, Theegala will be skipping the Valero Texas Open next week, possibly to regroup and focus on preparing for the Major Championship – a move that could potentially pay off, given his past success at Augusta National. Interestingly, he’s had a taste of success at the iconic course, finishing ninth in 2023, which suggests that he has the potential to make a deep run. Taking a break to recharge and refocus might be just what Theegala needs to turn his season around and make a statement at the Masters. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section!