Mark Hubbard surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Valero Texas Open on Thursday, carding a 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead after the first round. The American golfer's charge was fueled by a stunning finish, where he birdied four of his final five holes at TPC San Antonio's Oaks Course.
Hubbard holds a narrow advantage over a group of players tied for second at 6-under, which includes former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama. World number two Rory McIlroy opened with a 2-under 70, while defending champion Corey Conners shot a 1-under 71.
The tournament is the final PGA Tour event before next week's Masters Tournament, offering the last chance for players to earn an invitation to Augusta National with a victory.
