Valero Texas Open 2026: Our expert is betting this elite ball-striker with a ton of value
Editor's Note: This article is published in partnership with Read The Line, a Golf Digest content partner.
The PGA Tour schedule marches deeper into the Lone Star State this week for the 2026 Valero Texas Open, serving its role as a final tune-up for players who are looking to peak for Augusta National. For others, it’s their final chance to punch their ticket into the field for the first major, making this an all-important event and a field jam-packed with elite talent. The Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio will once again be the host of the Valero Texas Open, presenting a starkly different challenge than we had at the wide open corridors in Houston.
It’s a layout defined by narrow, densely tree-lined fairways and multi-layered greens, making this week a more stringent ball-striking test for players. RELATED: How CBS plans to handle Tiger Woods’ latest travails during its Masters coverage This venue has proven to be demanding, emphasizing accuracy and creative scrambling. It’s a true positional golf course.
With the added pressure of the impending navigation to Magnolia Lane, plus a guaranteed invite to the winner, it provides the perfect test to see who is truly ready for the season’s first major. Read The Line's Joe Idone and John Haslbauer make the case for Gary Woodland at the Masters: Watch the full Preferred Lines betting show powered by Read The Line . Here are my top 10 contenders who have what it takes to win the 2026 Valero Texas Open.
10. Keith Mitchell Jordan Bank Fitting the classic bill as a “horse for the course,” Keith Mitchell brings both strong results and comfort to TPC San Antonio. With three consecutive finishes of T-17 or better at this event, Mitchell’s exceptional ball-striking is complemented by the rare ability to putt well on these tricky greens.
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