THE TPC San Antonio AT&T Oaks course once again hosts the Valero Texas Open.
Winding through Texas Hill country north of the city, the Oaks has a lot of native vegetation as a peril for wayward shots with Sergio Garcia a consultant in the 2010 Greg Norman design.
In 2011 Kevin Na recorded a 16 at the par-4 ninth hole after struggling to free himself from rocks and underbrush. The following year he good-naturedly returned with a chainsaw to cut down the meddlesome underbrush.
Three of the past five winners have all been leaders in par 5 scoring and when the wind blows GIR is difficult so I shall be looking at those stats.
- Course: TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks). Texas: 7,435 yards, par 72.
Chesson Hadley
Hadley had a great start to the season with a three top-four finishes. Unfortunately he fell away a bit as the season continued and apart from a T5 at the Phoenix Open his form deteriorated.
However, at the RBC Heritage his form came back and three sub-70 rounds propelled him to a T7 finish. I keep on thinking Hadley is a youngster on the Tour but he did win the Puerto Rico Open in four years ago.
Although he won in 2014 this year he has been more consistent and is regularly in contention. Looks a good bet on this course.
- Par 5 Scoring: 4.59 (T38th). GIR: 69.20% (33rd).
Charley Hoffman
If you believe in horses for courses then Hoffman is your man. In 12 attempts he has won it once, finished second and third and been in the top 15 a further seven times. His season hasn’t been great he seemed to come alive at Augusta with a final round 67 to finish T12.
- Par 5 Scoring: 4.56 (T19) GIR: 67.69% (59th)
Luke List
A T3 finish at Harbour Town was List’s fifth top 20 in his last nine outings. This is his third visit to TPC San Antonio and to be fair hasn’t had the best of form (best finish 29th).
This season List’s game has improved by leaps and bounds and is well thought of on the PGA Tour. It’s hard to believe the Seattle-born player has never won but this year could be his best yet.
- Par 5 Scoring: 4.56 (T19th). GIR: 68.38% (43rd).
Recommended Bets
- 1.5pts ew Chesson Hadley (Ladbrokes, 40-1)
- 1.5pts ew Charley Hoffman (Ladbrokes, 20-1)
- 1.5pts ew Luke List (Coral, 25-1)
Jimmy walker 50/1 bet 365