MacIntyre Builds 4-Shot Lead at Texas Open Heading Into Weekend

Scot's strong finish gives him commanding advantage over Ryder Cup teammate Aberg

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:35am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic motion and power of a professional golfer's swing, conveying the excitement and high-stakes drama of the Texas Open tournament.MacIntyre's sizzling second round has him firmly in control heading into the weekend at the 2026 Texas Open, the last chance for many to earn a Masters invite.San Antonio Today

Robert MacIntyre fired an 8-under 64 on Friday, including four birdies in his final five holes, to take a 4-shot lead over Ludvig Aberg at the 2026 Valero Texas Open. MacIntyre, who added the event to sharpen his game ahead of the Masters, sits at 14-under 130 through two rounds.

Why it matters

The Texas Open represents the last chance for many players to earn a spot in the Masters, so MacIntyre's strong play has put him in prime position to potentially earn a trip to Augusta National. As a Ryder Cup teammate, Aberg will be looking to mount a weekend charge and catch MacIntyre.

The details

MacIntyre took advantage of the par-5 14th hole, hitting a hybrid to 8 feet and making eagle. He then added four birdies in his final five holes to pull away from the field. Aberg, who was in the same group, shot a 67 that included an eagle after holing out from 120 yards on the par-4 6th. However, Aberg's only blemish came with a three-putt bogey on his final hole.

  • MacIntyre finished his second round on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The final two rounds will be played on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Robert MacIntyre

A Scottish professional golfer who is currently in the lead at the 2026 Valero Texas Open after two rounds.

Ludvig Aberg

A Swedish professional golfer and Ryder Cup teammate of MacIntyre, currently in second place at the Texas Open.

Tony Finau

An American professional golfer who is five shots behind the leader after the second round.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't play last year, just went straight into Augusta. This was an adjustment for that reason. I wanted to be sharp -- or sharper -- going into Augusta.”

— Robert MacIntyre

“It was nice to make an eagle on the last. I hit a really good drive, pushed my second shot a little, got lucky, covered the water and was able to roll that one in. Sometimes those are the small little breaks that you need to be towards the top of the leaderboard.”

— Tony Finau

“I feel great. I feel like I've been playing good golf. For me, golf is about putting yourself in situations where you can win tournaments. I feel like I haven't really done that very well the last 12 months or so, but starting to see it now, which has been really nice. So I'm looking forward to one more shot at it this week.”

— Ludvig Aberg

What’s next

The final two rounds of the 2026 Valero Texas Open will be played on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, with MacIntyre looking to hold onto his 4-shot lead and earn a spot in the Masters.

The takeaway

MacIntyre's strong play has put him in prime position to potentially earn a trip to the Masters, but Aberg and other contenders will be looking to mount a weekend charge and catch the Scot. The Texas Open represents the last chance for many players to secure a spot in the year's first major championship.