The Final Masters Tune-Up Brings High Stakes

As the Valero Texas Open heads into its final round at TPC San Antonio with Brian Harman in the lead, several other players find themselves battling for more than just the trophy. With Masters invitations and Signature Event berths hanging in the balance, here are five competitors facing career-defining Sundays:

1. Keith Mitchell – Playing for His Masters Dream

Mitchell has been the model of consistency this season, making eight cuts in nine starts. His three-round performance (64-72-73) has him sitting fourth at Valero and fifth in the Aon Swing 5 standings – the cutoff line for next week’s RBC Heritage.

But the bigger prize? An unlikely Masters invitation. Currently ranked 85th in FedExCup points, Mitchell would need a victory to punch his ticket to Augusta. “I’m playing some of my best golf when it matters most,” Mitchell said after his third round.

2. Gary Woodland – The Comeback Continues

Four months removed from brain surgery, Woodland nearly won last week in Houston (closing with 62). Now he’s battling again at Valero, where a strong Sunday could secure his RBC Heritage spot via the Aon Swing 5 (currently 2nd).

The 2019 U.S. Open champion showed flashes this week, including a 30-foot birdie bomb on Friday, but struggled in Saturday’s winds (76). Still, at 46th in FedExCup points, his remarkable recovery story could add another chapter.

3. Jordan Spieth – Searching for Augusta Form

The 2021 Valero champ opened with promise (67) but has since stalled (73-73). His short game remains sharp (4th in Strokes Gained: Putting), but approach woes (-2.1 SG) are concerning with Augusta looming.

“I know my best is still good enough to win anywhere,” Spieth said. That confidence will be tested Sunday as he tries to build momentum toward his 12th Masters start.

4. Tom Hoge – The Stealth Contender

Hoge’s bogey-free 68 in brutal conditions Saturday rocketed him to 3rd place. The 2022 Pebble Beach winner has been quietly consistent (just one missed cut in 10 starts) but needs to prove he can close.

With winds forecast again Sunday, Hoge’s Texas-tested ball-striking (TCU alum) makes him a dangerous dark horse just four shots back.

5. Sami Valimaki – Finland’s Rising Star

The 26-year-old sits 3rd in Aon Swing 5 projections after three straight 70s. His elite tee-to-green game (3rd in SG) and scrambling (1st) give him a puncher’s chance at his first TOUR win.

Like Mitchell, Valimaki would need a victory to reach Augusta. But even a top-5 could secure his RBC Heritage debut – a massive opportunity for the young Finn.

Sunday’s Subplots

• Weather Factor: 15-25 mph winds will test contenders
• Aon Swing 5 Race: Final spots for RBC Heritage will be decided
• Masters Longshots: Only a win gets Mitchell/Valimaki to Augusta

As the Texas winds howl, these five players know Sunday’s round could define their seasons. For some, it’s about momentum heading to Augusta. For others, it’s about changing the entire trajectory of their year.