Mickelson, Fowler part of the field for Valero Texas Open.
Five-time major championship winner Phil Mickelson has committed to play in the 2021 Valero Texas Open, tournament officials announced Friday.
The addition of the World Golf Hall of Fame member is the second big-name player to join the 144-player field this week. Thursday, officials announced five-time PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler had agreed to play in the tournament, April 1-4 — the week before the Masters — on TPC San Antonio’s The Oaks course.
“Finally, our field is starting to build some momentum and we couldn’t be more excited about it,” tournament director Larson Segerdahl said. “I’m (confident) we’ll be able to add several more big names that will excite the San Antonio community.”
Other players committing Friday include former major winners Davis Love III, Lucas Glover and Keegan Bradley. The deadline for players to commit to the tournament is 4 p.m. next Friday. Tony Finau (No. 13) is the highest-rated player in the field, according to the Official World Golf Rankings. Joining him are Ryan Palmer (No. 26), San Antonio’s Abraham Ancer (28), Scottie Scheffler (32), Corey Connors (41) and Bernd Wiesberger (45).
Boerne’s Jimmy Walker (2015) heads the list of past champions. After the tournament was canceled a year ago because of the coronavirus pandemic, it is back on this year but with numerous COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.
Attendance will be limited to 25-30 percent capacity. Fans will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
Segerdahl said this year’s Texas Open field has been slow to develop because of a heavierthan-normal fall and winter season — both the 2020 Masters and U.S. Open were moved to the fall — in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.
“I think all tournaments are experiencing it this year,” Segerdahl said. “Players are taking a little more time to plan out their schedules. And with COVID affecting travel, guys are just waiting to sort of feel things out.”
The winner of 44 career PGA Tour titles, Mickelson will be competing in the Texas Open for the first time since playing in it from 2014-16.
Wise up by 3 shots at PGA National
Aaron Wise is making PGA National look easy.
Wise shot his second straight 6-under 64 on Friday in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., to take a three-stroke lead into the weekend at the Honda Classic. The 128 total is the lowest 36-hole score at PGA National since the tournament moved there 15 years ago — and marks the first 36-hole lead of Wise’s PGA Tour career.
“It’s two great rounds of golf and I love that, and I love that I’m playing good,” Wise said. “But this place can get to you pretty quick and there’s a lot of golf left ahead and a lot of trouble out there.”
He had a pair of eagles to highlight the day, his first two of 2021. Brandon Hagy (62) and first-round leader Matt Jones (70) were tied for second.
Wise birdied the last to finish off the 64, the eighth round of 64 or lower surrendered by PGA National this week. Until this year, there’s never been more than seven rounds of 64 or lower in a Honda on that course; last year, no player even broke 66.
Wise made a 3-footer for a 3 at the par-5 18th, his ninth hole of the day, then connected on a 45-footer for eagle at the par-5 third.
“I’ve made so many bonus putts from outside 10 feet that I can’t complain,” said the 24year-old Wise, the 2016 NCAA champion for Oregon.
Hend, Samooja share Kenya Open lead
Scott Hend and Kalle Samooja shared a one-shot lead on Friday after two rounds of the European Tour’s Kenya Open.
Hend shot the joint best round of the day with a 7-under 64 to move 11 under overall. The Australian had eight birdies and only one bogey, which came on the last hole.
Finland’s Samooja, who was tied for second, carded a 66.
The two men lead from a three-way tie for third made up of Connor Syme (67), Dean Burmester (64) and Richie Ramsay (65). First-round leader Benjamin Hebert struggled at Karen Country Club in Nairobi with a 1-over 72.