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First Round Leader Odds at 2022 Valero Texas Open

Michael Harrison

by Michael Harrison in Golf

Updated Mar 30, 2022 · 6:58 AM PDT

Gary Woodland hits approach shot
Gary Woodland hits from off the 18th fairway during the first round of play in The Players Championship golf tournament Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
  • The Valero Texas Open from San Antonio, TX tees off Thursday, March 31st
  • Rory McIlroy is the +1800 favorite to lead after the first round
  • See the best bets and odds to grab the first-round lead in the article below 

Just one tournament remains before the 2022 Masters tees off, and it’s the Valero Texas Open from TPC San Antonio. Most of the big names have opted not to compete, but the field isn’t completely devoid of star power. Rory McIlroy, is playing along with defending champion Jordan Spieth who are the favorites in the 2022 Valero Texas Open odds.

McIlroy, who hasn’t played this event since finishing runner-up in 2013, is the betting favorite to snag the lead after 18 holes. He’s followed by Spieth and Hideki Matsuyama, who will defend his title at Augusta National next week. With the field featuring just six of the top-30 golfers, there are plenty of opportunities for Valero Texas Open sleepers and longshots to make some noise.

2022 Valero Texas Open First Round Leader Odds

Golfers Odds Tee Time
Rory McIlroy +1800 8:14am
Hideki Matsuyama +2500 12:58pm
Jordan Spieth +2500 1:09pm
Corey Conners +3500 1:09pm
Chris Kirk +4000 7:30am
Abraham Ancer +4000 1:20pm
Si Woo Kim +4500 8:25am
Adam Hadwin +5000 7:30am
Bryson DeChambeau +5000 8:03am
Gary Woodland +5000 8:03am
Ryan Palmer +5000 8:25am
Maverick McNealy +5000 9:09am
Robert Macintyre +5000 9:20am
Tony Finau +5000 1:20pm
Keegan Bradley +5000 1:42pm

Odds as of March 30th at DraftKings Sportsbook

The forecast is expected to be sunny throughout the day in San Antonio. Temperatures will be in the low 50’s early in the morning, reaching mid 80’s for the afternoon. Wind gusts will be pretty well consistent for all of Thursday, between six and nine miles per hour.

A benefit for those teeing it up in the morning is the exact same as it is every week – less bumpy greens with fewer players chewing them up.

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Chris Kirk In Solid Form

Before a surprising missed cut at the Players Championship, where he was in the bad draw with the awful weather, Chris Kirk had been stacking together solid results. His three previous tournaments he was T-5, T-7 and T-14.

Kirk has also been accustomed to getting off to quality starts on Thursday’s, ranking sixth best (of those competing), in opening rounds.

2021-22 PGA Tour First Round Scoring Average Leaders

Golfer Average Score Odds
7. Matt Kuchar 68.20 +6500
8. Patton Kizzire 68.21 +5500
9. Jhonattan Vegas 68.33 +6000
11. Hideki Matsuyama 68.40 +2500
16. William McGirt 68.63 +18000
18. Chris Kirk 68.67 +4000
21. Davis Riley 68.79 +6000
26. Abraham Ancer 68.90 +4000
27. Wyndham Clark 68.92 +10000
28. Greyson Sigg 68.93 +8000

In his last twelve rounds on tour, Kirk is first in total strokes gained and third in SG: tee-to-green. He’s also had two top-10’s in his last three starts (T-6, T-8) at the Valero Texas Open, making him an intriguing option.

  • Pick: Chris Kirk (+4000)

Gary Woodland Playing Inspired Golf

Just like Chris Kirk, Gary Woodland has had three excellent tournaments in the last four times teeing it up, with the exception being at TPC Sawgrass. He’s posted a pair of top-5 results, along with a T-21st at the Valspar.

His recent return to playing upper echelon golf has showcased his all-around game.

Woodland’s Strokes Gained Stats Last Twelve Rounds

Approach Total Short Game Putting Tee-To-Green Ball Striking Around-The-Green
2 5 9 15 16 22 27

Woodland ended up tied with Chris Kirk in last year’s tournament for a T-6 showing, where he gained nine and a half shots on the field tee-to-green. In eleven starts on the campaign, his worst opening round has been a 72.

  • Pick: Gary Woodland (+5000)

Kevin Streelman Comfortable at TPC San Antonio

Continuing the theme of golfers in solid form, Kevin Streelman has shown a strong game recently, as well as great play at this track in the past. He’s posted three top-25’s in his last four events, highlighted by a T-7 at the Valspar.

Streelman has put together impressive stats in his last twelve rounds at this course.

Streelman’s Strokes Gained Stats Last Twelve Rounds At TPC San Antonio

Tee-To-Green Around-The-Green Ball Striking Total Off-The-Tee Approach Short Game
1 4 7 9 16 18 28

In his last twelve rounds on the campaign, the two-time PGA Tour champion is third in total strokes gained and tenth in putting, which could lead to a great opportunity to go low in round one.

  • Pick: Kevin Streelman (+6500)
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