Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre is one shot off the lead after an impressive opening round at the Valero Texas Open on the Oaks Course. MacIntyre birdied five holes coming home, including the final two, to finish on six under par and sit a stroke behind leader Mark Hubbard, who surged with six birdies in his last eight holes to card a 65.
A chasing group includes Americans Tony Finau, Davis Thompson, Andrew Putnam and Steven Fisk. England’s Tommy Fleetwood is a further shot back after a 67 in a group that also features his Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Åberg.
Bad weather delayed the start by 90 minutes and darkness halted play with 24 players still on the course. Among those unfinished were England’s John Parry, who was four under with four holes to play, and Marco Penge, who finished an opening 68 after dropping two late shots.
The Texas Open winner earns an invitation to The Masters next week. The rest of this week’s field includes past champions, recent major winners and players inside the top 50 of the world rankings.
Finau is among those hoping a strong week will secure a Masters spot; he noted he feels close to stringing together four good rounds and wants to build on a solid start by continuing that form over the weekend.
Live coverage of The Masters and the Valero Texas Open will be available on Sky Sports.