The Valero Texas Open is planned to begin on April 2, and it will serve as a big preparation tournament for golfers before the 2026 Masters. Things are looking intense, as TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course will be a major test for the names taking part in this event. With all the buzz, 132 golfers will walk in this competition, but here are the top 5 expert picks from the full field that will perform well, if not win the tournament.
5 expert picks for the 2026 Valero Texas Open
#5 Alex Noren
The Swedish professional golfer, Alex Noren, has been in good form recently and is known for his great short game strategies. Noren has extensive past experience playing in Texas, and in his most recent campaign, the 2026 Players Championship, he finished tied for 19th position with a total score of 2 under par. With all of these factors in mind, Noren is unquestionably a large expert pick who might pose a significant surprise danger to the field.
#4 Sepp Straka
The World Number 14 Sepp Straka is considered a sleeper choice for the 2026 Valero Texas Open. A sleeper pick is someone who, although not having excellent form, can perform well in the tournament because his game style is appropriate for the course. Straka, on the other hand, has both benefits because he has been in excellent form and will be coming off a top 10 finish at the TPC Sawgrass. The Australian golfer has consistently finished in the top 20 in his last five tournaments, making him a value pick.
#3 Russell Henley
Russell Henley, the World Number 10, has one of the biggest tournaments ahead of him: Augusta National, which takes place next week. Before that, he will want to go all out, so the Valero Texas Open may be his tournament. He is a strong contender for the event because of his precision and ball control, which will allow him to conquer the TPC San Antonio.
#2 Ludvig Aberg
Ludvig Aberg has been in excellent form recently, and he is also at the top of the odds and betting list for the 2026 Valero Texas Open. In his last two campaigns, Aberg has finished in the top five, making him a strong contender in this competition as well. He, too, will compete in the Augusta National next week, so a win this week may provide him with significant momentum for the Masters. Aberg has been hunting for a win since the 2025 Genesis Invitational, and this week could be the perfect moment.
#1 Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood, the World Number 3, is undoubtedly one of the favourites in every tournament in which he competes. Fleetwood has incredible talent that allows him to control the ball very precisely, which can shine at the Valero Texas Open. The golfer has +1600 odds for the tournament and is currently tied for first place with Ludvig Aberg and Russell Henley. Fleetwood has three top-10 results in his four PGA Tour starts in 2026.
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