Sleeper Picks: Valero Texas Open – Uncovering Dark Horses in Texas!

As golf enthusiasts gear up for the highly anticipated Valero Texas Open, a few players are emerging as potential dark horses. These talented golfers, often overlooked, could provide an edge when placing bets or filling out fantasy lineups. Here’s a closer look at some of the top sleeper picks to keep an eye on for this year's tournament.

Chris Kirk (+9000)

As he approaches his 40th birthday in May, expectations may need to be tempered for Chris Kirk. However, his extensive knowledge of TPC San Antonio makes him a formidable contender. While he hasn’t secured a top 20 finish since the BMW Championship last August, Kirk is known as a “horse for the course” with four top-10 finishes at this venue, including a T10 in his last appearance in 2023. His local insights and refined skills could surprise us all.

Keith Mitchell (+700)

Keith Mitchell’s strengths off the tee are a significant advantage in the par-72 layout of TPC San Antonio. He has delivered back-to-back top 20 finishes in his last two appearances (2021 and 2024) and showed promising form with a T18 finish at last week's Texas Children's Houston Open. Ranking fifth in key metrics such as Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and greens in regulation, Mitchell has not only performed well but was also a first-round co-leader in recent tournaments. His blend of power and precision makes him a player to watch.

Bud Cauley (+360)

At 35 years old, Bud Cauley is on a remarkable journey since securing his Major Medical Extension. After a commendable T6 finish at THE PLAYERS Championship, he quickly followed up with a T4 at the Valspar Championship, catapulting him to 40th in the FedExCup standings. With a strong skill set that ranks him third in adjusted scoring, Cauley has the potential to add another top 10 to his resume at TPC San Antonio, where he has a best finish of T10 in six career starts.

Andrew Putnam (+290)

Andrew Putnam has garnered a dedicated following, which often waxes and wanes with his performance consistency. Currently ranking in the top 30 for fairways hit, greens in regulation, and adjusted scoring, Putnam's eight starts without a top-10 finish are concerning. Nonetheless, he boasts a respectable record at TPC San Antonio, going 6-for-7 with multiple top-20 finishes, including a T14 last year where he played under par without breaking 70 in any round.

Harry Hall (+450)

Harry Hall has made strides this season with four top 25 finishes and a T18 at the Houston tournament with a stellar final round of 65. Though his game is average off the tee, his around-the-green play is improving dramatically. With two top 10 finishes already this season, Hall is skilled at managing the nuances of TPC San Antonio, where he's competed successfully in his previous outings. He faces tough competition such as Tommy Fleetwood (+130), yet he remains a worthy candidate with a chance to shine.

Golf fans should closely monitor these sleeper picks as the Valero Texas Open approaches. Will one of these underdogs rise to the occasion and pull off an unexpected performance? Only time will tell, but their potential makes the upcoming tournament all the more exciting!

Stay tuned for updates and analyses leading into this thrilling event!