Monday, April 6, 2026 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition
Photo: Getty Images
J.J. Spaun takes Texas Open for first win since U.S. Open
– by Associated Press / ESPN
Per The AP: “J.J. Spaun came up with two big shots at the end of a long, wet Sunday, one leading to birdie and the other for eagle that carried him to a 5-under 67 and a one-shot victory in the Valero Texas Open for his first title since the U.S. Open last summer…”
B&B POV: J.J. Spaun delivered when it mattered most on a long, weather-soaked Sunday. A dart into 16 set up birdie, and a fearless drive on the reachable par-4 17th led to an eagle putt he rolled in like a major champion. By day’s end at the Valero Texas Open, he hadn’t just won—he’d pushed himself squarely back into the “who belongs in the world’s top 10?” conversation.
Rory McIlroy, dad take on duo featuring Jimmy Dunne at Sunday Masters
– by Doug Stutsman / Golfweek
Per Doug: “As Gerry McIlroy struck his tee shot on No. 1, a shout came from 20-feet behind. “Nice, dad,” hollered Rory, who was speaking with patrons on the left rope line…”
B&B POV: Right up there with the Champions Dinner, the ability for past Masters champions to bring out a guest or two to play ANGC every year is a jealousy-producing tradition we’d all love to take advantage of. A well-deserved perk for tourney victor McIlroy.
Photo: Getty Images
Winners, Losers & Payouts: 2026 Valero Texas Open
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: There are weeks on the PGA TOUR calendar that feel like a gentle lead-in to something bigger.
Last week was not gentle. But it does lead into something important going on in Augusta this week.
The Valero Texas Open—one final stop before The Masters—turned into something closer to survival than preparation. Weather delays stretched the tournament; Sunday became a 27-hole grind for contenders, and the leaderboard behaved like a turbulent mass with a mind of its own…
Click the button to view the full payouts:
Photo: Getty Images
What’s in the Bag: J.J. Spaun Winning Setup – 2026 Edition
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: Fresh off a gritty, season momentum-shifting win at the 2026 Valero Texas Open, J.J. Spaun delivered when it mattered most on a long, rain-soaked Sunday at TPC San Antonio. Spaun sealed the victory with two clutch shots on 16 and 17—one setting up a birdie and another leading to eagle—on his way to a 5-under 67 and a one-shot win…
Click to View J. J.’s Winning Bag >
2026 Masters odds, picks: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy predictions by model that nailed 4 straight winners
– by Ross Kelly / CBS Sports
Per Ross: “Scottie Scheffler became the 18th golfer to win multiple green jackets two years ago, and several players are looking to become No. 19 at the Masters 2026…”
B&B POV: It’s hard to look beyond Scheff (5-1), Rahm (10-1), Bryson (10-1), and McIlroy (12-1) when picking a Masters winner. But here goes: Fleetwood (22-1), Gotterup (45-1), and Jacob Bridgeman (65-1).
And for those wondering who we selected for our DFS lineup: McIlroy, Mav McNealy, Tommy Boy Fleetwood, Charl Schwartzel, Rosey, and past champion and senior league phenom, Zach Johnson. Count ‘em up – that’s three past champions and three players whose games are trending in Fleetwood, McNealy, and Rose.
FEATURED LESSON FROM THE VAULT
‘Bryson says hitting a draw is not hard. We agree. Mostly.’
Bryson’s draw better be working for him this week at Augusta — especially when hitting his tee balls on 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16.
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