SAN ANTONIO — Patrick Rodgers is a strong believer in fitness. At the tender age of 30 he has a slim physique that could be mistaken as that of a teenager.
Rodgers’ pursuit of the elusive first PGA Tour win has been more marathon than sprint in terms of career fitness. The Stanford University graduate has made more than $10,000,000 in earnings, but has not been able to make it into the winner’s circle.
Rodgers’ strength was once again displayed during a grueling Friday at TPC San Antonio Oaks Course. The ninth-year professional didn’t succumb to the extra holes. Instead, he got stronger and posted five birdies in the final six holes. He climbed up the leaderboard at the Valero Texas open.
Rodgers shot a 67 in his second round, and is now at 11 under. Corey Conners is three back and Michael Thompson is four back as the weekend starts.
He was beaten by Charles Howell III in a playoff at the 2018 RSM Classic . This was his closest to winning a Tour trophy. Rodgers shot 61 to 62 at Sea Island’s Seaside Course that week, which was the lowest 36-hole weekend score ever recorded in Tour history. Rodgers was also a member the “Class 2011”, which included major winners Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and equaled Tiger Woods’ record with 11 wins during his college career at Stanford.
A Valero victory would be even more satisfying, especially as a Masters debut would be included in the prize package.
Rodgers is unabashed about the fact Rodgers is hungry for a win.
Rodgers stated, “It’s something that I’ve always dreamt about, it’s why I’m here.” “I love my job because I love competition and do my best to win every golf tournament I play. It’s a great opportunity. As I mentioned, this is why I play. It will be an amazing next few days.
Patrick Rodgers plays the 18th hole at TPC San Antonio’s 2023 Valero Texas Open. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images).
His recent form doesn’t suggest he would play as well as he did on Friday. Rodgers, who has failed to make the cut in six of the last eight tournaments and is now 143rd on the Official World Golf Ranking, his record at Valero is poor. In his three previous appearances, Rodgers failed to make it to the weekend. Even when he did make it last year, he was unable to play well enough to qualify for Sunday’s cut.
He said “Thank you for reminding me,” after being told that he had failed to break par the first three years of his time at TPC San Antonio. It’s a challenging course. Experience makes me feel more at ease around here. You know there are places you don’t want to go and thick forest on both sides of every hole. It has been great to be able to concentrate on the goal and to manage the course well. I have done that for two days.
His iron play is the biggest difference this week. Rodgers was the No. Rodgers was No.1 in strokes gained at the green during his first two rounds. He also won seven strokes in this category.
The former winner of the 2014 Haskins Award said that despite his struggles, he has been diligently working on his routine in this area and making sure he is committed to his decisions.
Rodgers stated, “That’s been an important area of focus for my, it’s what’s kept me from playing better golf, and yeah, that’s why I’m really proud of the work that was put in week in, week out, even though it wasn’t paying off, on the golf course.” “Now it’s beginning to happen and I’m proud of the patience I have shown to get there.”
