Who Will Win the Final Event Before the Masters: The 2025 Valero Texas Open

The PGA Tour makes its final stop before the 2025 Masters in Augusta with the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio’s Oak Course. This event serves as the last chance for the PGA Tour players to fine-tune their game before heading to Augusta and presents a final opportunity for someone not yet qualified for the Masters to earn a spot at the coveted tournament. The stakes are certainly high for those looking to gain momentum before next week. Known for its challenging layout, unpredictable Texas winds, and strategic shot-making requirements, TPS San Antonio’s Oak Course will test the field’s patience and precision. Many of the Tour’s best will be in the field, tuning up their skills before the first Major tournament of the year, so the competition is bound to be fierce. 

With a $9.5 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points up for grabs, all eyes will be on who can handle the pressure and secure a win before Augusta. Some of the game’s elite will be looking to hit their stride at just the right time and others fighting for a last-minute spot in the Masters, the Valero Texas Open is set to produce some drama and excitement.

Tournament Details

Location: TPC San Antonio’s Oak Course in San Antonio, TX

Dates: April 3rd - 6th, 2024

Defending Champion: Akshay Bhatia

Purse: $9.5 million

FedEx Cup Points: 500

Event Type: Regular PGA Tour Event

Course Week Breakdown:

TPC San Antonio’s Oak Course is a 7,438-yard, par-72 layout designed by Greg Norman with input from Sergio Garcia and is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating Bermuda greens, making it a demanding test for some of the Tour’s best. The wind will certainly play a major factor here, as the Texas gusts will make precise ball-striking a necessity rather than just a mere luxury. Players who struggle with accuracy will find themselves in trouble rather quickly, with thick native areas and deep fairway bunkers waiting to penalize errant shots. The finishing holes provide a thrilling challenge, especially the par-5 18th hole, which offers one last opportunity for an eagle or birdie but can just as easily lead to disaster from riskier plays. The combination of firm, fast greens and swirling winds makes good putting a premium, and players with strong short games and patience will have an edge over the field.

The weather in San Antonio for the tournament might be a little unpredictable this week. Thursday and Friday we’ll see highs in the low 90’s, winds reaching up to 13 mph, and a 51% chance of rain on Friday. Adversely, on Saturday and Sunday, we’ll see highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid-40s, with winds reaching up to 15 mph, and a 49% chance of rain on Saturday. Scoring will likely depend on how well players handle the ever-changing conditions, making adaptability a key factor.

Featured Players to Watch

Defending Champion: Akshay Bhatia - World Number 23

One of the game’s rising stars, Akshay Bhatia, made a name for himself with a statement victory at the 2024 Valero Texas Open. Finishing at 20-under par for the week and a final round 67, the young American defeated Denny McCarthy in a playoff. His ball-striking and play around the greens were phenomenal that week and, by winning in a playoff, he proved that he has the nerves to close out tournaments. Bhatia has a chance to defend his title this week and the expectations will be high for him to replicate last year’s success. Akshay’s played in seven events so far in 2025 and his finishes have been a little consistent. He was in contention till the end in his last start at The Players Championship, finishing tied for third, but he missed the cut at the event before that, the Arnold Palmer Invitational. With The Masters just a week away, another strong performance here could build up his confidence heading into his second start at Augusta.

Powerhouse: Ludvig Aberg - World Number 5

Ludvig Aberg has been one of the game’s young stars for the last couple of years and is quickly elevating himself from just being a young star to superstar status. The Swede touts incredible power off the tee, elite ball-striking, and the ability to control his trajectory in the wind. His all-around game will make him a serious contender at TPC San Antonio. If he can dial in his wedges and avoid costly mistakes around the greens, he’ll be extremely tough to beat. As he prepares for his second Masters appearance, he finished solo second in 2024, Aberg will be looking to fine-tune his short game and decision-making under pressure. A victory or strong showing here would make him one of the favorites at Augusta. Ludvig has played in six events so far in 2025 with a win at the Genesis Invitational, a signature event. He did miss the cut in his last start at the Players Championship, so he’ll be looking to bounce back from that this week.

Looking to Bounce Back: Max Homa - World Number 78

In the last few years, fan favorite, Max Homa, has been known as one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour, but his recent form has left something to be desired and has the golf world scratching its heads. Four missed cuts in a row have raised some serious questions about his game heading into the Masters, where he finished tied for third in 2024. He’ll be looking for a strong performance this week to regain some confidence and momentum for next week. Home has always relied on his calm demeanor, ability to scramble, and elite iron play, but he’s just struggled to find it this year. His driving accuracy has also been extremely poor. TPC San Antonio demands precision off the tee and, if he can get into a rhythm early, he could not only find his confidence but also find himself in contention. Don’t ever count out the resilient former Cal star. A top finish here would be the perfect way to get his season back on track before heading into the Major season.

Wild Card Winner Keegan Bradley - World Number 14

Keegan Bradley remains one of the most unpredictable yet dangerous players on the PGA Tour. His elite ball-striking makes him a threat on any course he tees it up at. If he can get it going on and around the greens, he’ll have a great chance of picking up a win going into the Major season. Keegan has made the cut in all seven events played in 2025 with his best finish being a tie for fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He also has five top-20 finishes this year. A strong finish here would be a huge confidence boost heading into Augusta where he finished tied for 22th in 2024.