2012 Valero Texas Open Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
Last week’s RBC Heritage tournament reminded everyone that golf is a game where you don’t have to be a freakish athlete to make a lot of money. Carl Pettersson looks more like an offensive lineman than a professional golfer, but it didn’t stop him from finishing five shots ahead of Jack Johnson for his second win in the last three years. This week the PGA TOUR heads to San Antonio for the 2012 Valero Texas Open held at TPC San Antonio.
This isn’t exactly the most popular stop of the season, as a lot of the big names pass on this event. The field features just six major winners, an extremely low number compared to most weeks. TPC San Antonio was designed by Greg Norman, and it’s unique layout can really put up a challenge. Last year Brendan Steele won the event with an 8-under 280. The course demands precision from tee to green and the ability to manage some tricky green complexes that you normally don’t see in the United State. Course management is at a premium again this week, as you simply can’t force shots and expect to score low.
This week is one of the more difficult weeks to predict, as there are so many golfers that you just don’t hear a lot about, but I have still put together a list of my three favorite golfers to finish ahead of the pack when the final round concludes on Sunday.
Charley Hoffman
Hoffman has a strong history of playing well at this event. In his six career starts at the Texas Open, he has finished inside the top 15 five times, which includes both stops at TPC San Antonio. Hoffman came extremely close to winning this event a year ago, finishing tied for second just one shot back of Steele at 7-under. He just finished tied for 8th at the RBC Heritage, where he ranked in the top 10 in greens in regulation. I would be shocked if Hoffman wasn’t within striking distance over the weekend.
Kevin Na
Na figures to get a lot of attention for the wrong reasons early in the tournament, as he will be reminded of the 16 he took on No. 9 last year, but I look for him to get some revenge this time around. Na comes in tied for the season lead with four top 10 finishes. He added to the streak this past week, finishing tied for 8th at the RBC Heritage. He is currently 21st in fairways hit in regulation which is should put him a lot of good situations to find the green and avoid making big scores like he did a year ago.
Jimmy Walker
If you are looking for a sleeper this week, I think Walker is someone you strongly need to consider. Walker is a local resident of San Antonio and has had plenty of practice at TPC San Antonio. In 2010, he finished tied for 3rd just two shots back of Adam Scott. He did miss the cut last year, but he was battling a bad back. Not only is Walker a strong play at this event, but the guy has already racked up three top 10 finishes this season. Definitely worth a shot at +4000.
Looking for some expert advice on how to golf better this year? Take a look at these great putting tips that are sure to lower your score next time out.
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