Valero Texas Open 2015: Tee Times, Dates, TV Schedule and Prize Money
With the Masters fast approaching, several of the world's top golfers are headed to San Antonio to fine-tune their craft at the Valero Texas Open.
The challenging TPC San Antonio will test the mettle of each competing player. At just over 7,500 yards, its length is beset with dangerous winds, tree-lined fairways and well-placed hazards on a golf course that is set up to reward risk-takers but severely punish any errant shots.
Hitting a long ball is an advantage here; however, well-rounded players who can navigate high winds and control the trajectory of their shots will have the upper hand in this 72-hole tournament.
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So, who will be the next player to have his name etched on the same trophy as Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer? Before the answer to that question is revealed, let's take a look at the Valero Texas Open's essential viewing information, prize money and some notable Thursday tee times.
2015 Valero Texas Open
Dates: Thursday, March 26 - Sunday, March 29
Where: JW Marriott TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas
Purse: $6.2 million (winning share: $1.116 million)
FedEx Cup Points: 500 to winner
TV Info:
- Thursday and Friday: 3-6 p.m. ET, Golf Channel
- Saturday and Sunday: 3-6 p.m. ET, NBC
Notable Thursday Tee Times
| Dustin Johnson | 9 a.m. |
| Graeme McDowell | 9 a.m. |
| Jim Furyk | 9 a.m. |
| Martin Kaymer | 9:10 a.m. |
| Matt Kuchar | 9:10 a.m. |
| Harris English | 9:20 a.m. |
| Kevin Na | 1:40 p.m. |
| Jordan Spieth | 1:50 p.m. |
| Jimmy Walker | 1:50 p.m. |
| Chris Kirk | 1:50 p.m. |
| Zach Johnson | 2 p.m. |
| Phil Mickelson | 2 p.m. |
| Charley Hoffman | 2:20 p.m. |
| Ryan Palmer | 2:20 p.m. |
Tee times can be viewed at PGATour.com.
Stars to Watch
Ranked No. 6 in the world, the red-hot Jordan Spieth, a Dallas native, will be looking to notch a win in his home state. Spieth has been brilliant early in the 2015 season, entering six events and coming away with three top-10 finishes and winning the Valspar Championship in his most recent PGA Tour start.
After emerging victorious in a playoff to take the Valspar title, Spieth reflected back on what propelled him through to the end during a press conference, via Mick Elliott of PGATour.com:
"Putting down the stretch. When you're tense and pressure is on, I really needed to make some putts that -- especially after 10 and 11, that would kind of ooze that confidence back into me that I can do this, you know. Your hand, you're shaking. Your stroke doesn't feel as comfortable as it does on Thursday morning and it's about controlling that, seeing the line and still hitting it and the last few holes proved that to me.
"
Spieth is already a very good ball-striker and excellent scrambler. If he can generate some momentum with the flat stick and keep his nerves in check, not only will he be a major factor in the Valero Texas Open, but he'll be a name to watch at Augusta National as well.
Dustin Johnson has made waves since returning to the PGA Tour this season. The big-hitter missed a pair of cuts, but he also notched two top-five finishes and won the WGC-Cadillac Championship, making his way up the ranks to No. 9 in the world.
Johnson's long ball helped earn him a win at Doral, and heading into San Antonio, he ranks first on the PGA Tour in driving distance, averaging 317.3 yards off the tee. Winning the Texas Open will take more than hitting the ball a long way, but Johnson has displayed the mental toughness and moxie necessary to produce in the clutch.
Ryan Palmer is another name to keep a keen eye on in San Antonio this week. An extremely well-rounded player, Palmer controls the trajectory of his shots nicely, hitting a driving low ball that cuts through the wind. Certainly growing up in Amarillo and playing golf at the University of North Texas and Texas A&M helped him perfect such a shot.
Not only can Palmer work the ball, but he hits it a long way as well. Heading into the Texas Open, he ranks seventh on the PGA Tour in driving distance, averaging 307.2 yards off the tee. That blend of shot-shaping and length will serve him well in San Antonio.
With other momentum-building players like Jimmy Walker and Kevin Na in a field that also comprises veterans like Phil Mickelson, who is looking to regain his form, the Valero Texas Open boasts a unique contingent of golfers sure to deliver a very compelling tournament.
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