Max Homa played well at the Valero Texas Open Thursday, shooting a 4-under 68 at TPC San Antonio.
The former California Golden Bear finished with three birdies over his last four holes to climb the leaderboard, which included a 39-foot bomb at the last.
But after his round, Homa provided insight into his thinking for playing this week as part of his Masters prep. Homa has not played at the Valero Texas Open since 2019.
“Right after The Open last year, I kind of decided I was going to play all of the weeks before the majors,” Homa said.
“It’s easier this year. Most people play the Scottish [Open], and I always do, so that one’s easy. The other two are Signature Events. I hadn’t been here in a while, but it’s a course I like. The city and hotels are amazing, especially with the family, so it was a no-brainer to add this one and try to change up how I’ve prepared for the majors, especially the Masters.”
Before last year’s Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Homa had never finished inside the top 10 at a major. He missed the cut at the Los Angeles Country Club, an event he described as a “home game.” A month earlier, he did not break par at Oak Hill during the PGA Championship.
He also tied for 43rd at the 2023 Masters, his best finish at Augusta National in four appearances.
As such, Homa hopes the Valero Texas Open will give him more success in Georgia.
“I think when I’m at home, I try to be a perfectionist, and I kind of hope that carries into the next week,” Homa said.
“I think this might work better for myself: I’m learning more about my golf game, what shots feel good, and what shots don’t, and I’m leaning into that instead of trying to make them all exactly right.”
Homa had a strong opening round mainly due to his iron play, as he ranked 6th in strokes gained approaching the green.
“Felt like my iron play was really good, which it has been trending that way, just