DEFENDING CHAMPION: Canada’s Corey Conners shot 20-under-par 268 in 2019 to defeat Charley Hoffman by two shots. Last year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COURSE: The Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio opened in 2010 and was designed by Greg Norman in consultation with Sergio Garcia. The 6,799-metre par-72 was purpose-built for the PGA Tour and features large greens, tree-lined fairways and deep bunkers.

PRIZEMONEY: US$7,700,000.

RELATED: So-called expert golf tips for this week

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Five-time PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler has plummeted to 94th in the Official World Golf Ranking and will need to win this week to avoid missing the trip to Augusta for the first time since making his Masters debut in 2011.

The 32-year-old Californian has been in dreadful form this year, however, making eight appearances, missing three cuts and failing to register anything better than his share of 20th at The Genesis Invitational.

On a slightly more positive note, Fowler did play fairly well during his Texas Open debut in 2019, finishing T17th. He will need to improve on that result significantly though if he’s to continue his run of 41 consecutive appearances at the majors.

RIGHT: Fowler will miss the Masters next week … unless he wins the Texas Open. PHOTO: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images.

Fowler’s good mate Jordan Spieth was suffering an extremely similar form slump – dropping to World No.92 at the end of January – before righting the ship with four top-10s in his past six starts.

The Texan still hasn’t added any silverware to his incredible CV since he hoisted the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 2017. But he will surely fancy his chances on home soil this week.

Spieth, 27, has made four of five cuts here and was runner-up to Jimmy Walker in 2015.

72-HOLE RECORD: Tommy Armour III fired 26-under-par 254 when he won this event in 2003. His American compatriot Mike Souchak, meanwhile, reached 27-under-par 257 when he bested Fred Haas in 1955.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Steven Bowditch (2014), Adam Scott (2010), Bruce Crampton (1964) and Joe Kirkwood Sr. (1924).

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Cameron Davis and Cameron Percy.

TV TIMES*

Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7am – 10am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7am – 10am)
Round 3: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 2am – 8am)
Round 4: Monday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 3am – 8am)

*AEDT for Friday and Saturday, AEST for Sunday and Monday, check local guides