Five players to watch at this weekend’s Texas Open:
Justin Leonard
The short-hitting Texan, a three-time Texas Open champ, will be tested with the move from La Cantera to TPC San Antonio, which is 554 yards longer. The only other three-time winner was Arnold Palmer (1960-62).
Ernie Els
Ranking No. 1 in FedEx Cup points and the money list, Els is the lone player in the top 10 on both lists playing this week. He missed the cut for the first time this year last week at the Players. Els has never played the Texas Open.
Zach Johnson
The two-time defending champion embraced the shot-making requirements of La Cantera. He is one of four Johnsons in the field, but the Johnson most suited for TPC San Antonio’s length is Dustin Johnson, who is not playing.
Sergio Garcia
The Spaniard was a consultant when Greg Norman designed the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio. Will a layout to his liking spark his flat-lining game? In eight stroke-play events on the PGA Tour, Garcia’s best finish is a tie for 37th.
J.B. Holmes
In addition to Els, Kentuckian Holmes is the only other top-20 money winner in the field this week. He’s still looking for his first win after three finishes in the top three. The first-round leader at the Players faded to a tie for 13th.
