Sam Ryder is making waves at the Valero Texas Open, showcasing resilience and skill on the golf course. After battling a neck injury just days before the tournament, the 35-year-old golfer fired a remarkable 9-under-par 63 during the first round, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.
Ryder's round was nothing short of spectacular, marked by 21 putts, including an impressive streak where he one-putted 11 of his last 12 holes. This included seven birdies, with the final three coming in succession. "I was just trying to get a feel for how I could swing," Ryder said after his round. "I think it helped me stay within myself today. I was just happy to be playing." His performance is particularly noteworthy given that he had to withdraw from the pro-am on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, due to a twinge in his neck.
The golfer's journey to the top of the leaderboard has been anything but straightforward. Ryder tweaked his neck and upper back while practicing on Tuesday, April 1, after playing just nine holes at TPC San Antonio. "I was hitting some drivers, everything was feeling really good with my swing, speed was ramping up and I kind of just felt something kind of strained a little bit in my upper back, kind of neck area and didn't feel quite right," he explained. After receiving treatment from his physical therapist and resting all day on Wednesday, Ryder approached Thursday's round with uncertainty about his condition.
Despite his doubts, Ryder arrived at the course three hours early for his tee time, eager to assess his readiness. His determination paid off as he navigated the course smoothly, carding his second-best round as a professional golfer. Ryder's score of 63 not only put him in the lead but also set a strong precedent for the rest of the tournament. Historically, the Valero Texas Open has seen the first-round leader go on to win, with Corey Conners doing so in 2023 after leading by two strokes and Akshay Bhatia winning the previous year after an opening 63.
Currently, Ryder leads by one stroke over Keith Mitchell, who also had a stellar round, finishing with an 8-under-par 64. Mitchell's performance included a remarkable eagle on the par-5 eighth hole, where he hit a 3-wood from 286 yards that landed just three feet from the pin. "I figured if I hit it good it could at least cover the front and then kind of roll out to the base of the slope," Mitchell said, reflecting on his impressive shot.
In third place is Brian Harman, the 2023 Open champion, who shot a 66. Harman's performance has been consistent, but he has struggled to find his rhythm lately, having gone 15 straight tournaments without a top 10 finish. He expressed the need to find a way to capitalize on his good days, stating, "My good days have been good enough to win and my bad days have been not great." Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth, a Texas native and the 2021 winner of this event, is tied for fourth with Carson Young, both finishing the day at 5-under 67.
Ryder's exceptional performance at the Valero Texas Open could pave the way for his first PGA Tour victory, which would also earn him an invitation to next week's Masters Tournament. Despite being ranked No. 154 in the world and having never won in over 200 starts on the PGA Tour, Ryder's strong start has sparked hope among fans and analysts alike. His ability to perform under pressure, especially after a potential setback, has captured the attention of the golf community.
As the tournament progresses, Ryder's strategy will be crucial. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, saying, "Didn’t go in with any intentions of trying to be more aggressive or anything like that, was just trying to put one foot in front of the next and have a solid round, hit fairways and as many greens as possible." With the second round approaching, the question remains: Can Ryder maintain his momentum and secure his first PGA Tour victory?
As fans eagerly await the next round, the excitement builds around the Valero Texas Open, where the competitive spirit is palpable. The tournament not only showcases emerging talent but also highlights the unpredictability of golf, where even the slightest injury can lead to unexpected results. With Ryder's current form and the stakes high, the next rounds promise to be thrilling.
In the days leading up to the Masters, every stroke counts, and Ryder's performance will be closely monitored by fans and fellow competitors. The Valero Texas Open serves as a critical stepping stone for many golfers, and Ryder's journey thus far exemplifies the resilience and determination required to succeed in this challenging sport.
As the tournament unfolds, one thing is clear: Sam Ryder is a name to watch. His journey from uncertainty to the top of the leaderboard is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and passion for the game. With the Masters on the horizon, the golfing world is eager to see if he can turn this promising start into a career-defining moment.
