Rory McIlroy has advised organisers he intends on returning to the Valero Texas Open for a first time in seven years.
The event is again being staged on the Greg Norman designed TPC San Antonio course with McIlroy choosing to tee-up in the Alamo City the week before the Masters.
McIlroy elected to contest the 2013 hosting of the event at a very late hour having played poorly a week earlier at the Shell Houston Open.
The decision seven years ago to head to the city founded in 1718 proved hugely beneficial in finishing second, two shots behind Scotland’s Martin Laird whose win saw him secure the very last place that year into the following week’s Masters.
“I didn’t quite get the win, but everything that I wanted to accomplish this week, I accomplished. I feel really good going into next week,” said McIlroy back in 2013 in shooting a final round 66 to fall two shots shy of forcing a play-off with Laird.
“There was happiness and also some disappointment. I don’t think I have any complaints out there today. I shot 66 and I just got beaten by the better guy on the day. I have no complaints or disappointment about that. As I said, I’m very happy that I’m going into next week with my game in good shape, and with my confidence level pretty high.”
McIlroy then headed east to Augusta National where he would finish T25th but since then he’s not finished outside the top-10 in the Masters.
Also, McIlroy recently committed to the Arnold Palmer Invitational while he will also defend his title at The Players Championship, and given he will more than likely commit to the February 20th commencing WGC – Mexico Championship and also be in Texas for the WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship, it will mean the player who will return to World No. on Monday will be staring at contesting seven events in the nine-weeks leading-up to the Masters.
In teeing-up in San Antonio, McIlroy will join former event winners in Kevin Chappell (2017), Charley Hoffman (2016), Jimmy Walker (2015), Laird (2013), Brendan Steele (2011), Zach Johnson (2008 & 2009) while recent European Tour winner Lee Westwood has been afforded an invitation to compete in the Lone Star State.
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