MacIntyre Surges to Record Start at Valero Texas Open

Scottish golfer sets TPC San Antonio 36-hole scoring mark with 14-under total

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a golf tournament scene, with overlapping planes of color and form representing the dynamic action and competition of the event.A cubist interpretation of the intense competition and dynamic energy of the Valero Texas Open golf tournament.San Antonio Today

Robert MacIntyre, a rising star on the PGA Tour, has taken a commanding four-shot lead at the midway point of the Valero Texas Open. The 26-year-old Scotsman fired back-to-back rounds of 66 to reach 14-under par, setting a new tournament record for the lowest 36-hole score since the event moved to TPC San Antonio in 2010.

Why it matters

MacIntyre's strong start at the Texas Open comes on the heels of a fourth-place finish at the prestigious Players Championship three weeks ago. His performance this week suggests he is rounding into top form ahead of next week's Masters Tournament, one of golf's major championships.

The details

MacIntyre credited a switch to a new driver model from Titleist as a key factor in his hot start. He has been able to shape his tee shots effectively in the windy conditions at TPC San Antonio. The Scotsman also praised his iron play, which has allowed him to attack the pins and rack up seven birdies in the second round.

  • MacIntyre shot a bogey-free 66 in the opening round on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • In Friday's second round on April 3, 2026, MacIntyre carded a 66 again, including an eagle on the par-4 14th hole.

The players

Robert MacIntyre

A 26-year-old Scottish golfer who is currently in his fourth season on the PGA Tour. MacIntyre has recorded several top-10 finishes in recent months, including a fourth-place result at the Players Championship.

Ludvig Aberg

A young Swedish golfer who is playing in his third consecutive Valero Texas Open. Aberg is currently in second place at 10-under par, four shots behind MacIntyre.

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What they’re saying

“It's very similar to my old driver, but just newer model, technology, I suppose. Spin's been very good, been able to shape it. To me, a big thing's to be able to shape the golf ball, especially when it's windy. Two rounds in with it, so far, so good.”

— Robert MacIntyre

“I've had two weeks off, which has been quite nice, since the Players. I was able to kind of think about it, reflect on it, but also move on from it. I think that was the main thing for me showing up here this week, that those things are behind me, they're past me, and my focus is here this week.”

— Ludvig Aberg

What’s next

MacIntyre will look to maintain his lead and secure his first PGA Tour victory on Saturday and Sunday. Aberg will aim to make up ground and challenge for the title as well.

The takeaway

MacIntyre's impressive start at the Valero Texas Open has positioned him as the player to beat heading into the weekend. His ability to adapt his equipment and game plan to the windy conditions at TPC San Antonio has given him a significant advantage over the rest of the field. A win this week would be a major confidence boost for MacIntyre as he prepares to compete at the Masters next week.