Sam Ryder Leads Texas Open After Stellar 9-Under 63

Ryder overcame neck pain to secure a one-shot lead over Keith Mitchell in the first round of the PGA Tour's final Masters qualifier.

Sam Ryder surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Valero Texas Open with a bogey-free 9-under 63, highlighted by six birdies in his final seven holes.
Ryder, who withdrew from the pro-am with neck pain, arrived at TPC San Antonio unsure if he could play but found his rhythm to deliver a career-best putting performance with just 21 putts.
Keith Mitchell sits one stroke behind at 8-under 64, aided by an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole and a bogey-free round, marking another strong tournament start for the 11-year pro.
Brian Harman is in third place at 6-under 66, while Jordan Spieth, a Texas native and former champion, is tied for fourth at 5-under 67 as he seeks to regain form ahead of the Masters.
The Valero Texas Open, held at TPC San Antonio, serves as the final opportunity for players to qualify for the Masters, adding significant stakes to the tournament.