Top Picks for First-Round Leader at Valero Texas Open

DraftKings analyst breaks down the best bets to lead after the opening round at TPC San Antonio

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a golf tournament scene, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the technical challenge and high stakes of the Valero Texas Open.A cubist interpretation of the action at the Valero Texas Open, capturing the strategic complexity and competitive intensity of the final tune-up event before The Masters.San Antonio Today

Blake Krass analyzes the top contenders to be the first-round leader at the upcoming Valero Texas Open golf tournament, which is the final event before The Masters. Krass highlights Russell Henley and Sepp Straka as his top picks, noting their strong ball-striking and putting ability make them well-suited for the narrow fairways and tough rough at TPC San Antonio.

Why it matters

The Valero Texas Open is the last chance for players to fine-tune their game and qualify for the field at The Masters. With several top players taking the week off, this presents an opportunity for others to make a push and build momentum heading into the first major of the year.

The details

TPC San Antonio's Oaks Course, the host venue for the Valero Texas Open, is a par-72 layout that stretches 7,438 yards. Keeping the ball in the fairway and hitting greens in regulation will be crucial, as the course features long, challenging rough. Russell Henley and Sepp Straka are two players Krass believes have the game to excel on this track - Henley ranks 5th on Tour in driving accuracy and 7th in putting average, while Straka is 13th in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and 12th in Strokes Gained: Approach.

  • The Valero Texas Open will be played from March 28-31, 2026.
  • The first round is scheduled for Thursday, March 28.

The players

Russell Henley

A PGA Tour veteran who has finished in the top 15 at The Masters three times, including a T4 in 2023. His accurate driving and strong putting make him well-suited for the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio.

Sepp Straka

An up-and-coming player on the PGA Tour who has been striking the ball well this season, ranking 13th in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and 12th in Strokes Gained: Approach. He'll look to bounce back after missing the cut at The Masters last year.

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What they’re saying

“If Straka can keep it straight off the tee, like he has over the past year, and knock down a few putts, he has a solid chance to be the first-round leader at the Valero Texas Open.”

— Blake Krass, DraftKings Analyst

“Henley's biggest weakness is his length off the tee, but he hits fairways, hits greens and makes putts.”

— Blake Krass, DraftKings Analyst

What’s next

The first round of the Valero Texas Open will take place on Thursday, March 28, 2026. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, March 31, with the winner earning a spot in the field for The Masters the following week.

The takeaway

With several top players taking the week off, the Valero Texas Open presents an opportunity for golfers like Russell Henley and Sepp Straka to build momentum heading into the first major championship of the year. Their accuracy off the tee and strong putting strokes make them well-suited for the challenges presented by TPC San Antonio's Oaks Course.