First Round Leader Odds at 2022 Valero Texas Open

• 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

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.

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

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

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

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)