The Valero Texas Open is a crucial event for golfers hoping to secure an invitation to the Masters. The pressure is already mounting for those who have not yet qualified. On Saturday afternoon in San Antonio, several Tour pros vied for the position, and Patrick Rodgers managed to take the lead with a score of 12 under par. He currently holds a one-shot lead going into the final round. While Corey Conners is his closest competitor, Matt Kuchar is three strokes behind, and Sam Stevens and Chris Kirk are four strokes behind Rodgers at eight under par. Out of this group, only Conners and Kirk have a tee time in Augusta on Thursday.

Will Patrick Rodgers play in the Masters? 

The guy these players are chasing is Rodgers, 30-year-old golfer, who was an explicit amateur athlete. In 2014, he held the top spot in the amateur rankings for 16 consecutive weeks. Additionally, he was able to achieve 11 amazing wins during his time playing college golf at Stanford, matching the record set by Tiger Woods. He’s the guy who won the Ben Hogan Award as the nation’s top collegiate golfer. 

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The first PGA Tour win is always an exciting feeling for a player. But, when the purse of more than $1.6 Million and an invitation to the Masters is on the line, the excitement always doubles itself. 

“I think we all know what’s at stake with a win out here,” Rodgers said. “I haven’t gotten the job done in my career, but it’s quite a thrill. This is why I play, why I compete and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.” Rodgers is now just a late-afternoon tee time away from his flight to Augusta this week. 

Will the battle to get a Masters invite be easy?

The answer to that question is definitely no! Rodgers might be leading as of now but the road to the invitation will not be a piece of cake. Conners ended the third round with a strong finish, scoring four-under-par 32, and is carrying that momentum into the final round.

Kuchar has won nine times on the PGA Tour, and he has not yet received an invitation to Augusta this year. His chances of playing in the Masters are running out. He is currently three strokes behind the leader and could have been closer if not for some missed opportunities.

Stevens earned his PGA Tour status by finishing strongly in the Korn Ferry Tour finals in 2022. He seems to be adapting well and has shot back-to-back rounds of 68 to sit just four shots behind the leader going into the final round. A win here would be a huge accomplishment for the third-generation tour pro and would earn him a spot in his first-ever major tournament.

Who do you think will get to play in Masters this year? Will Patrick Rodgers get a much-awaited win and be on the flight to Augusta? Let us know in the comment section below.

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