Hubbard's Bold Finish Gives Him 1-Shot Lead at Texas Open

Mark Hubbard surges with 6 birdies in final 8 holes for opening-round advantage

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:19pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a golfer's swing, capturing the drama and excitement of the final holes of a PGA Tour event.Hubbard's bold finish at the Valero Texas Open showcases the raw power and energy of PGA Tour golf.San Antonio Today

Mark Hubbard posted a 7-under 65 in the storm-delayed opening round of the Valero Texas Open, taking a one-shot lead after a remarkable finishing kick that included six birdies over his final eight holes. Hubbard's late surge put him ahead of a group that includes Tony Finau, who is looking to play his way into next week's Masters.

Why it matters

The Texas Open is the final PGA Tour event before the Masters, making it a crucial last chance for players to earn a spot in the year's first major. Hubbard's strong start puts him in prime position to potentially earn a trip to Augusta National, while Finau is hoping a good week can help him regain his form and qualify for the Masters for the first time since 2017.

The details

Hubbard made a 25-foot birdie putt and added three more birdies from close range before hitting a fairway metal from the rough over a creek to set up a closing birdie on the par-5 18th. Finau, who is ranked 107th in the world and not currently eligible for the Masters, had an eagle and four birdies in his round of 66 to join a group one shot behind Hubbard.

  • The opening round was delayed about 90 minutes due to dangerous weather in the San Antonio area, with 24 players having to complete their rounds on Friday morning.
  • Hubbard made his move late in the day, with his final birdie coming just before play was suspended for the day.

The players

Mark Hubbard

The 33-year-old American posted a 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead in the opening round of the Valero Texas Open.

Tony Finau

The 33-year-old American shot a 6-under 66 and is looking to play his way into next week's Masters, which would be his first appearance in the tournament since 2017.

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What they’re saying

“And then I was kind of on my way after that.”

— Tony Finau

“The reality is that I'm 10 months removed from basically having my back reconstructed. If I'm complaining about just a little thing here and there, I'll still take it. The patience game is obviously brutal because it's even like a day like today, where I make eight birdies, and we're still talking about it, but that's been my last three years.”

— Will Zalatoris

What’s next

The second round of the Valero Texas Open will take place on Friday, with the 24 players who did not complete their opening rounds on Thursday finishing up in the morning. The tournament will then continue with the full field playing the second round.

The takeaway

Hubbard's strong start has put him in prime position to potentially earn a spot in the Masters, while Finau and others are hoping a good week in San Antonio can help them secure a last-minute invitation to the year's first major. The Texas Open remains an important tune-up event for players looking to find their form ahead of the Masters.