Irishman elects to return to action in San Antonio a week before he returns to Augusta.
The diverse paths chosen by players to qualify for the upcoming Masters tournament are evident in the lineup for the Valero Texas Open.
One notable absence is top-ranked player Scottie Scheffler, while on the other hand, Rory McIlroy has confirmed his participation in the event. This will mark McIlroy’s third time competing in the tournament, having finished as a runner-up in 2013 and missing the cut in 2022.
Séamus Power and Pádraig Harrington are both competing on the PGA Tour this week on sponsor’s invitations. The only chance they have to qualify for Augusta is by winning in San Antonio, where the final spot is up for grabs for players who are not already exempt.
Rory McIlroy has faced challenges with his performance on the PGA Tour this season. In preparation for his 10th attempt at completing a career grand slam, he sought advice from renowned coach Butch Harmon.
Rory McIlroy informed PGA Tour professional Morgan Hoffmann during the “I Can Fly” podcast that he visited Butch Harmon last week for a golf lesson.
“I have visited him periodically over the years, usually every few years I’ll ask, ‘Hey, Butch, can I come see you and get your opinion on my game.'”
McIlroy mentioned that while he was heading to the airport – Harmon resides in Las Vegas – his daughter Poppy inquired about his destination.
Upon revealing that he was going for a golf lesson, McIlroy recalled: “She remarked, ‘Dada, you already know how to play golf.’ That has to be the most valuable advice I’ve received in the past three years.”
Rory McIlroy’s longtime coach is Michael Bannon, who is also from Northern Ireland. It is understood that McIlroy is still collaborating with Bannon, despite also receiving guidance from Pete Cowen.
During a pre-Players Championship interview last month, McIlroy shared insights into the challenges he is currently facing.
Rory McIlroy expressed, “I am currently experiencing a wonderful sensation with my woods, however, when I attempt to replicate that sensation with the irons, the ball veers left and continues in that direction.
I have identified a specific swing thought for my woods and now I am focusing on developing a distinct swing thought for my irons. This has been my primary focus in practice sessions over the past few days. I am confident that once I address this issue, every other aspect of my game will fall into place.”
Valero Texas Open lowdown
Purse: €8.5 million (€1.6 million to the winner)
Where: San Antonio, Texas, USA
The course: TPC San Antonio – the Oaks course, 7,438 yards, par 72 – was designed by Greg Norman in consultation with Sergio Garcia, while Pete Dye also had an input, so there are a number of different characteristics incorporated in the long layout. Although created out of the rocky terrain, it is a relatively flat, tree-lined course with wide fairways. The signature hole is the par-3 16th which features a bunker in the centre of the green. This is the 15th time that the Oaks layout hosts the tournament.
The field: This is the last-chance saloon for many players seeking to get the one remaining invitation to next week’s Masters, which will go to the winner. Indeed, two of the last four winners earned last-gasp exemptions into the Major (Corey Conners in 2019 and JJ Spaun in 2022) via that route. There are four of the world’s top-10 in the field – McIlroy, Åberg, Brian Harman and Max Homa – while the likes of former FedEx Cup winner Billy Horschel, along with Harrington and Power, are among those needing a win to earn that ticket down Magnolia Lane.
Quote-Unquote: “It’s definitely a place I feel comfortable, a place I’m happy walking around. Definitely lots of good vibes and lots of good memories that I can draw from out there. Really like the golf course, it’s in great shape again this year and definitely really fun to be back. I’m excited to give it a good run again this year” – defending champion Corey Conners.
Betting: With many opting to take a week off ahead of the Masters, world number two McIlroy is the headline act. The Northern Irishman is rated the 8-1 favourite as he looks for a pre-Masters boost while Åberg is a 10-1 shot. Conners (winner in 2019 and again last year) is available at 20-1, while tempting each-way shouts can be made for Aaron Rai (55-1) and JJ Spaun (125-1).
On TV: Sky Sports Golf (from 1.15pm).
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