Chris Durell recommended Rico Hoey for Top 10 (+500) and Top 20 (+260) bets, pointing to his elite tee-to-green form, ranking first in strokes gained tee-to-green over the last 24 rounds. Hoey has consistently found fairways (11th in fairways gained) and excelled with his iron play (18th in SG: Approach), leading to significant birdie opportunities (7th in opportunities gained). While historically struggling on the greens (144th in SG: Putting), Hoey had a recent strong putting performance in Houston (+2.4 strokes gained), suggesting potential continuation and opportunity to improve upon his T14 finish from the previous visit at TPC San Antonio.

Jamie Worsley recommended Rico Hoey as an intriguing contender for the Texas Open title, citing his impressive statistical profile this season. Hoey ranks 2nd off-the-tee, 16th in driving accuracy, and top-30 in key approach stats (9th in GIR, 16th in the 175-200yd range, and 30th from 150-175yds). Hoey also demonstrated recent improvement with a T11 finish in the Houston Open, his best result of the year after a slower start. Additionally, he placed 14th in his debut at TPC San Antonio last year, excelling on similar greens, further supporting a favorable outlook for him this week. Winning this event would also earn Hoey an entry into the Masters, adding extra motivation.

Wes Reynolds strongly advocated betting Rico Hoey at 70-1 odds, underscoring Hoey's impressive approach performance during his T-11 finish in Houston last week, his best placing so far in 2025. Hoey ranks second on the entire tour in total driving and ninth in greens in regulation, reinforcing his statistical profile as a great fit for TPC San Antonio. Reynolds particularly noted Hoey's improvement in approach shots as a crucial indicator of form and potential betting value in outright and placement markets.

Pat Perry recommended Rico Hoey at $7600 on DraftKings due to his solid recent play (T11 last week in Houston) and a T14 finish in his only previous appearance at the Valero Texas Open. Perry pointed out Hoey’s consistency, reflected in his 38th ranking in the BTN model and recent strong tournament finishes, supporting Hoey’s DFS roster value at his affordable salary.

Byron Lindeque touted Rico Hoey as highly appealing for DFS at the Valero Texas Open, particularly citing Hoey's current elite ball-striking form. He emphasized that if Hoey can produce even moderate short-game improvements in putting and chipping, he has significant upside potential given his already strong tee-to-green skills. Byron described Hoey’s ball striking as exceptionally good right now, clearly indicating DFS interest due to Hoey’s current skill set and dynamism.

Pat Mayo suggested Rico Hoey is a viable pick because of his impressive statistics in key metrics critical for success at TPC San Antonio. Hoey ranks first overall off the tee and first in ball striking among all players, complementing this with 8th place in good drives gained. Additionally, Hoey ranks top-10 in two critical proximity ranges (short approach and 150-175 yards), making him a versatile threat suitable for fantasy lineups and betting plays this week at Valero Texas Open.

Byron Lindeque highlighted Rico Hoey as an ideal candidate to bet specifically in the top-40 market at the Houston Open, emphasizing Hoey's excellent ball-striking juxtaposed against remarkably poor putting results. Despite significant struggles in short game, including losing six strokes in putting at The Players Championship, Hoey continually manages solid finishes due to elite ball striking performances. This reliable tee-to-green ability consistently overcomes his shaky short game, making Hoey particularly appealing for conservative top-40 wagering rather than high-volatility outright markets. Byron recommended the top-40 bet as the best way to utilize Hoey’s steady, predictable game strengths.

While Matt Brown didn't place outright or placement wagers on Rico Hoey, he explicitly flagged Hoey as a high-priority DFS play for the Texas Childrens Houston Open. Hoey rated fourth overall in Brown's statistical models, indicating substantial upside potential, but Brown elected not to bet due to volatility concerns. However, he strongly advised including Hoey in DFS lineups because his statistical profile signals a high-risk, high-reward golfer capable of piling up fantasy points on a spike performance.

Jim Sannes advised fading Rico Hoey despite elite off-the-tee and impressive approach metrics, primarily due to relentlessly terrible putting. Pointing out Hoey ranks at a lowly sixth percentile putting from within 15 feet over the last two PGA Tour seasons, Jim humorously lamented how Hoey simply cannot convert on the greens, deeming him a frustrating, volatile DFS option he cannot confidently roster at any salary this week.

Rick Gehman highlighted Rico Hoey as a compelling DFS breakout candidate at the Valspar Championship, primarily due to his elite driving ability. Hoey impressed significantly at The Players Championship, gaining an extraordinary 6.6 strokes off-the-tee, at least one stroke in every round. Despite his poor putting performance there, losing seven strokes, Gehman noted Hoey previously gained strokes putting in three out of four rounds in his last appearance at Innisbrook, suggesting it might be a relatively better fit for his shaky putting. Gehman emphasized that if Hoey can simply achieve average putting performances (break-even on strokes), he becomes strongly positioned for a top-10 finish this week in DFS, and thus his $7,000 price on DraftKings is an attractive value.