Akshay Bhatia defeated Denny McCarthy on the first extra hole at TPC San Antonio. McCarthy made eight birdies on his back nine in the final round, forcing Bhatia, who led by six at one point, to sink a 12-footer for birdie on 72nd hole to force a playoff.

It’s the last PGA Tour event before the Masters, which means three things and three things only regarding storylines from the Valero Texas Open: 1. Tour pros gearing up for Augusta National. 2. Golfers not in the field at Augusta searching for their last chance into the vaunted major with a win at TPC San Antonio.

A lot can happen one week before the Masters Tournament at the Valero Texas Open, leaving us to make some bold predictions ahead of the Masters.

The Valero Texas Open begins Thursday at TPC San Antonio. Here’s a look at tee times and groupings for the first round in San Antonio, Texas ( click here for how to watch):

The second of back-to-back weeks in Texas is a place for stars to get a final Augusta tuneup and others to take one last chance at trying to make the Masters.

Golf tips with our experts' best bets for the Texas Valero Open from Steve Rawlings, Dave Tindall and more plus course information and stats

When then-22-year-old Akshay Bhatia beat Denny McCarthy in a playoff to win the Valero Texas Open last year at TPC San Antonio, he got to do one of the most enjoyable things in the world of golf.