‘This is why I play’: With invitation to Masters on the line, Patrick Rodgers leads Valero Texas Open looking for first PGA Tour victory

“This is why I play, why I compete and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”

There’s a lot on the line Sunday at the Valero Texas Open.

Patrick Rodgers, who has held a 54-hole lead three times previously in his PGA Tour career, has a one-shot advantage at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course. Not only would a win Sunday for Rodgers be the first of his PGA Tour career, it would also punch his ticket to Augusta National and the Masters.

However, there are plenty of golfers chasing.

Corey Conners, who Monday qualified into the Valero in 2019 and won, is a shot back. Matt Kuchar had the round of the day until a late mishap, but he’s also playing for a ticket to the Masters and is solo third. And the veteran, Padraig Harrington, is lurking.

Valero: Photos | Sunday tee times

Here are takeaways from the third round of the Valero Texas Open.