Associated Press photo by Eric Gay Texas Open defending champion Zach Johnson hits his drive on the 14th hole Wednesday during the charity pro-am
at the Texas Open in San Antonio. SAN ANTONIO — Zach Johnson is the defending champion at the Valero Texas Open, though he doesn’t know much about its reputation. Oh, where to begin Johnson headlines a field that includes Justin Leonard, who is seeking his fourth Texas Open title and first since 2007. Other notables are Anthony Kim and Alex Cejka, fresh off a stunning collapse at The Players Champions in Florida on Sunday when he blew a five-shot lead heading into the final round. Like usual, the Texas Open field isn’t flush with biggest names. But for Texas Open regulars like Leonard and tournament officials, the move to the May this year and to the AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio next year are steps toward improving stature. For Leonard, who also won in San Antonio in 2000 and 2001, one last swing through La Cantera in the shadow of Six Flags roller coasters is a touch bittersweet. “Probably a little bit because I’ve had a lot of success on this golf course,” Leonard said. “But I think in the grand scheme of things, to boost the level of this event, it needs a golf course that can handle that.”
The par-70, 6,896-yard course certainly has its distinctions. No more was its reputation for low scores secured than 2003, when Tommy Armour III shot a 26-under 254 to set a PGA record.