SAN ANTONIO — Patrick Rodgers has always put a premium on fitness; at the ripe age of 30, he’s got a slender physique that could be mistaken for that of a teenager.
In terms of career fitness, Rodgers’ chase for that elusive first PGA Tour victory has been more marathon than sprint. In 234 starts, the Stanford University product has pocketed more than $10 million in earnings but has failed to find his way into the winner’s circle.
During an awkward Friday at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course, one that had players making up for Thursday’s inclement weather, Rodgers’ fitness was again on display. Rather than wilting under the weight of additional holes, the ninth-year pro got stronger as the day progressed, posting five birdies in his final six holes as he pushed his way atop the field at the Valero Texas Open.
Rodgers fired a 67 in his second round and sits at 11 under, with Corey Conners three back and Michael Thompson four back as the weekend begins.
The closest he’s come to lifting a trophy on the Tour was losing in a playoff to Charles Howell III at the 2018 RSM Classic. That week, Rodgers shot 61-62 at Sea Island’s Seaside Course, the lowest 36-hole weekend score in Tour history. Also a member of the “Class of 2011” which included major winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, Rodgers equaled the record of Tiger Woods with 11 victories during his college career at Stanford.
So getting a victory at the Valero would be extra sweet, especially since a debut in the Masters would be part of the prize package.
Rodgers makes no bones about the fact that he’s as hungry as ever to get a victory.
“It’s something I’ve always dreamt of, it’s the reason why I’m out here,” Rodgers said. “I love this job because I love to compete and I do my best to win a golf tournament every time I tee it up. I’m excited for the chance. This is, like I said, why I play. It’s going to be a really fun next couple of days.”
Patrick Rodgers tees off on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2023 Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Nothing about his recent form would have indicated he’d play like he did Friday. Rodgers has missed the cut in six of his last eight tournaments, has fallen to 143rd in the Official World Golf Ranking and his track record at the Valero has been abysmal. He failed to reach the weekend in each of his first three appearances and even when he finally did make the…
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