The Fantasy Experts at Golfweek decided Jordan Spieth is the smart pick for this week's Valero Texas Open, where the Texas native will be grouped with President's Cup teammate Phil Mickelson and defending Valero champion Martin Laird.
As Golfweek's digital director Nick Masuda tells it, "Spieth is due for a victory, and no better place to do it than in his home state. My gut tells me he is going to be a major factor at Augusta and I think a little run starts now." If he's right, Spieth will be on track to make history yet again as the youngest player ever (20) to take home a green jacket. Tiger Woods currently holds the record at 21 years, 104 days.
Senior writer Adam Schupak recognizes Spieth's Saturday slumps this year, but sees Valero as the perfect playing field for a clean weekend run, writing, "Spieth has been a victim of one bad round, usually Saturday, this season. Not this week. Time to get win No. 2." Schupak also notes Zach Johnson's proven ability to win the tournament, having taken home two Valero trophies from different courses, and lists Brendan Steele as a sleeper.
Returning to his home state could be the perfect launching point for a stellar performance in Augusta soon, as Spieth comes off a rest week following his appearance earlier this month at Valspar.
Spieth tees off from the 10th hole tomorrow at 10AM est. Be sure to follow his scores and stats here.