Valero Texas Open 2021: Schedule, Venue, How to Watch, Prize Money, Top Contenders, Rankings, and More

The WGC-Dell Match Play at the Austin Country Club wrapped up in grand fashion, and it is now time for the PGA Tour to move to the next stage of its schedule. Catch all the information here as the Valero Texas Open is set to commence from April 1-4. 

The WGC-Dell Match Play saw Billy Horschel being crowned champion after an exciting duel with Scottie Scheffler, but the now six-time PGA Tour winner is not a part of the field at the Valero Texas Open 2021. 

Valero Texas Open 2021: Course details

The Valero Texas Open returns for the first time since 2019 as the pandemic meddled with the event in 2020. However, there is massive hype surrounding the event this year as it will be the 99th edition of the tournament. 

The Valero Texas Open 2021 will be hosted at TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks) which is one of the two 18-hole courses located at the venue. This 72-par course is 7,494 yards long and was designed by Greg Norman and assisted by Sergio Garcia. 

The AT&T Oaks course has hosted the Valero Texas Open since 2010 and the layout is filled with plenty of challenges like tree-lined fairways and bunkers. It was initially carved out of the San Antonio Hill Country terrain. 

The 72-hole record at TPC San Antonio was set by 2019 champion Corey Connors, who shot an aggregate of 268 in four rounds. 

As for the 18-hole record at the Oaks course, Alabama native Trey Mullinax shot a 10-under 62 in the third round of the Valero Texas Open 2018. 

Broadcast information for the first two rounds

Television 

Thursday-Friday, 4-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)

Saturday, 1-3:30 p.m. (Golf Channel)

Saturday, 3:30-6 p.m. (NBC)

Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel)

Sunday, 2:30-6 p.m. (NBC)

Streaming (PGA Tour Live)

Thursday-Friday, 8:15 a.m.- 7 p.m. (Featured Groups)

Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Featured Groups)

Saturday, 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. (Featured Holes)

Sunday, 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Featured Groups)

Sunday, 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m. (Featured Holes)

Valero Texas Open 2021: Prize Money

The Valero Texas Open might not match other events in terms of prize money, but it is still right up there with a handsome amount. The total prize purse for the 2021 edition is $7,700,000.

The winner’s share with be $1,386,000 and will also receive 500 FedEx Cup points. 

Top contenders on the field in 2021

The Texas Open offers a special opportunity to those who are competing this time. Players who are yet to qualify for the 2021 Masters can do so with a win at this PGA Tour event. A spirited performance through four rounds at TPC San Antonio can earn you the prestigious invite to Augusta. 

2019 champion Corey Conners achieved a similar feat when he won the tournament a couple of years ago. He qualified for the Valero Texas Open, won the tournament, and punched his ticket to the Masters. 

A major contender who would be desperate for a win at TPC San Antonio would be Rickie Fowler. He’s not yet booked a spot at the 2021 Masters and would end a 10-year streak if he fails to qualify in time. 

If Fowler wins at the Valero Open, he would be assured of a berth at Augusta which will start on April 8. Thus, he is one of the major contenders to win the event this year. 

Other top players on the field include: Tony Finau, Charley Hoffman, Brandt Snedeker, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Chris Kirk, Scottie Scheffler, Phil Mickelson, Ryan Palmer, and Jordan Spieth. 

The Valero Texas Open is the only tournament standing in between the 2021 Masters. Who will emerge as the champion and assert his place ahead of the prestigious tournament at Augusta? 

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