The Masters is only one week away, and at this week’s Valero Texas Open, the players likely have two primary objectives: get a final tune-up in ahead of the year’s first major, or — for those still hoping for access to Magnolia Lane — play your way into the Masters field with a win.
Ludvig Aberg, Corey Conners and Tommy Fleetwood don’t have to worry about qualifying for the Masters this week, and are the top betting favorites at TPC San Antonio. According to Fanatics Sportsbook, Aberg is the tournament’s top prospect. The 25-year-old Swede is ranked 5th in the world and already has two PGA Tour wins on his resume. He’s listed at +1200 to win. Connors and Fleetwood, the World Nos. 21 and 11, respectively, are both listed at +1600 to win.
Other big names in the field include Patrick Cantlay (+1800), Hideki Matsuyama (+2200) and Jordan Spieth (+2200).
Subpar hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz are looking a bit farther down the oddsboard for their top betting picks this week, though.
“There’s a man who’s an all-time leading money winner down in San Antonio,” Knost said. “He’s got a t-shirt, actually, and he’s not scared to talk about it. He’s won here, but for a little top-20 bet, you can get him at +300.
“It pains me that I actually have to root for the sea gull, Charley Hoffman, but ca-cah, ca-cah! Let’s go sea gull, top 20, +300 at Valero.”
Hoffman has played the Valero Texas Open 18 times over the course of his career, amassing $4,668,661 in earnings. He’s missed only one cut ever, and has posted 13 top-25s, including a win and three runner-up finishes.
Like Knost, Stoltz said his pick this week is for a top-20 finish. His player of choice? Maverick McNealy.
“Maverick McNealy, top 20, that pays +225,” Stoltz said. “He’s got three top 10s on the year, damn near picked off his first win at the Genesis, very solid ball striking across the board, which you need down there in San Antonio. And I didn’t realize this — I mean, I knew he was climbing up the rankings — 16th in the OWGR right now.”
“Possible Ryder Cupper,” Knost remarked.
“Possible Ryder Cupper,” Stoltz agreed. “And you’re getting +225 on a top 20.”
You can find complete Fanatics Sportsbook betting odds for the Valero Texas Open here, and you can listen to the full episode of the latest Subpar (with guest Mike Whan) here or by watching the YouTube video below.
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