Rozner’s Stunning 65 Launches Him Into Valero Texas Open Top 6 – Harman Leads
San Antonio, TX – Antoine Rozner delivered a truly remarkable performance on Friday at the Valero Texas Open, firing a flawless 65 and catapulting him into a formidable top-6 position. The Parisian golfer’s impressive score marks his best performance of the season on the PGA Tour, signaling a significant shift in his campaign.
Rozner’s surge came on the heels of a modest first-round 73 and a slow start marked by four pars. However, a pivotal Eagle at the par-4 14th – his fifth hole of the day – completely revitalized his round. “It was a really important moment,” Rozner said after the round. “I felt like I was playing pretty okay, but that shot just gave me a huge boost of confidence.”
The eagle, a chip of approximately 13 meters, set the stage for a brilliant finish. With a wedge shot at the par-3 17, Rozner secured a birdie, followed by a solid putt on the closing par-4 18 that preserved his remarkable score.
Four Birdies on a Resurgent Return
Rozner’s momentum continued on the back nine, where he added two more birdies at the first and second holes. A stunning long drive at the par-4 7th, exceeding 270 meters, culminated in a remarkable birdie. “I just felt really in a groove today,” he added. “My iron was solid, and I was making good decisions.”
Despite a somewhat inconsistent putting performance throughout the day, Rozner managed to secure his fourth birdie at the par-5 8th, thanks to a lengthy bunker rescue that secured a remarkable 65 card.
American Trio Dominates
Meanwhile, Brian Harman has seized control of the tournament with a commanding performance. The American golfer, employing a strategic approach, showcased a masterful control of the course, especially on the challenging back nine. “I’m just trying to stay patient and play smart,” Harman stated after his round. “This course demands that.”
Harman’s consistent play has secured him the lead, with a total score of 15 under par. Closely behind him are Sam Ryder and Keith Mitchell. Ryder, who previously held the lead, delivered a solid 74 to maintain his position in the top three. Mitchell, after an excellent first round (63), experienced a slight dip in form today with a 74 card.
Notable Performances and Disappointments
Jordan Spieth experienced a disappointing day, carding a 73 and dropping to 18th place. Rickie Fowler, a popular local favorite, rebounded admirably after a shaky start, posting a 65 and jumping to 22nd place. “I just needed to find my rhythm,” Fowler noted. “The crowds are great, and I told myself to just keep swinging.”
Other notable performances include Ludvig Åberg (-2), who is looking to find his rhythm after a disappointing run of scores, and Hideki Matsuyama, who mirrors Åberg’s predicament. Max Homa continues to struggle, falling back to the platform again and showing signs of fatigue before the Masters.
Back-to-back birdies to move to T3 👀
Watch every shot from @JordanSpieth‘s Marquee Group on @PGATOURLIVE 📺 pic.twitter.com/asc9xDZSpA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 4, 2025
Leaderboard Snapshot
Key Takeaway: Antoine Rozner’s exceptional 65 offers a thrilling shift in the Valero Texas Open leaderboard, positioning him as a serious contender heading into the weekend.
Did you know? The Valero Texas Open is annually held at the TPC San Antonio course, a challenging layout known for its undulating greens and demanding approach shots.
Pro Tip: For golfers attempting this course, managing your pace on the greens is absolutely crucial to avoid costly three-putts.
Call to Action: Share this article with your golfing buddies and let us know who you think will ultimately conquer the Valero Texas Open!