Valero Texas Open 2013: Ranking the Top Contenders After Day 3

After three days at the 2013 Valero Texas Open, 26-year-old Billy Horschel has the lead with a 10-under-par 206.

Horschel has played well so far in 2013, but some notable veterans are within range of the lead, including Rory McIlroy and Jim Furyk.

With a two-shot lead heading into the final day at TPC San Antonio, will Horschel keep the lead?

Here are my top five contenders to win the tournament after Day 3.

5. Bob Estes

Bob Estes hasn't regularly finished well at the Valero Texas Open, but he did place fourth last year at the event. He's posted a six-under 210 through three days this year, and he went three under on Saturday.

But the fact that he posted only two top-10 finishes last year (no wins) and has yet to place better than 16th this year has me doubting the 47-year-old's chances.

4. Jim Furyk

While Jim Furyk is currently tied for second place with an eight-under 208, he's coming off a 65th-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he went six over.

The 42-year-old veteran obviously has the ability, but I think he falls short at TPC San Antonio. He hasn't won a PGA Tour event since September 2010 (TOUR Championship).

3. Charley Hoffman

Charley Hoffman tied for 13th place at the Valero Texas Open last year. That was after placing second at the tournament in 2011, 13th in 2010 and ninth in 2009. To say the San Diego native likes playing in this tournament would be an understatement.

Hoffman is currently at eight under through three days at TPC San Antonio. He's also coming off a respectable 20th-place finish at the Houston Open. Will this be his first victory at the Valero Texas Open? He certainly has a shot.

2. Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has played better in the tournament since scoring a 72 in his first round, but I don't know if he can make up four strokes on Horschel, given the way Horschel has been playing lately.

The world No. 2 obviously has the ability—and there's always the chance that Horschel feels the pressure on the last day at TPC San Antonio—but I think McIlroy falls just short of the leader.

1. Billy Horschel

After two top-10 finishes on tour last year (no wins), 26-year-old Billy Horschel has started off the 2013 season on a mission, already posting two top-10 finishes in nine events, including a second-place finish at the Houston Open.

Horschel hasn't placed well at the Valero Texas Open the past two years, but 2013 is a new year, and the Florida native is feeling good. He went two under on Saturday.