Valero Texas Open 2013: Tee Times, Dates and TV Schedule

The Valero Texas Open tees off this Thursday as it offers players their last opportunity to tune up before next week's Masters. 

Given the timing of this event, it does not feature the most star-studded field. However, we still have some big draws, like Rory McIlroy and Matt Kuchar, teeing it up. 

There is also $6.2 million in prize money to be had, with a winner's share of just over $1.1 million—additionally, 500 FedEx cup points are on the line. 

When: Thursday, April 4 to Sunday, April 7

Where: TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas

Tee Times: View the tee times for Rounds 1 and 2 at PGATour.com.

TV Schedule

Thursday: Golf Channel 3-6 p.m. ET

Friday: Golf Channel 3-6 p.m. ET

Saturday: Golf Channel 1-3 p.m. ET, NBC 3-6 p.m. ET

Sunday: Golf Channel 1-3 p.m. ET, NBC 3-6 p.m. ET

Players to Watch

Rory McIlroy

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is playing in this tournament because his game needs it. It wasn't until just this past week that Rory decided he would compete here. 

McIlroy has yet to find his best form this year, as he's played a light schedule. His first PGA stroke-play event came at the Honda Classic, where he infamously withdrew while playing terribly. 

In his next event, the Cadillac Championship, he finished a much more respectable eighth, on the strength of a 65 in the final round. 

However, he showed he is still suffering from inconsistency as he finished 45th last week at the Houston Open. 

He will try to put all the positives together this week in San Antonio and get some momentum going for the Masters. 

Matt Kuchar

Last year, Matt Kuchar took three weeks off before the Masters and finished tied for third. This year, he's decided to stop off at the Texas Open. 

We'll see if it pays off for him. Kuchar has been in solid form this year as he's moved to ninth in the world rankings. 

Kuchar took the top position at the Accenture Match Play event. He's played in two events since, and he finished 35th at the Cadillac and 14th in Tampa Bay. 

This tournament stop will give us a chance to see how his form is looking as he enters the Masters with high hopes. 

Charl Schwartzel

According to Bovada.lv on April 3, Charl Schwartzel has the fourth lowest odds at 10/1. These low odds come for good reason—Schwartzel has been in fine form. 

Since the beginning of March, Schwartzel has a ninth-place finish at the Honda, a 16th at the Cadillac and a fourth at the Maybank Malaysian Open last week. 

He will look to keep the hot hand rolling in San Antonio.