Rising Tour rookie Johnny Keefer returns home for Valero Texas Open

Johnny Keefer, a 25-year-old PGA Tour rookie from San Antonio, is staying with his parents and playing the Valero Texas Open after a career-best T3 at the Houston Open; Collin Morikawa withdrew from the Valero after feeling acute discomfort during a practice swing.

Johnny Keefer has returned to his native San Antonio for the Valero Texas Open and is staying in his childhood home while competing. He is coming off a personal-best T3 at the Houston Open and secured a spot in next week's Masters field after a late rise into the top 50 in the world rankings, the article reports. Keefer earned his PGA Tour status by winning two Korn Ferry events last year and led that tour in points during his first Korn Ferry season. This week is described as a mix of Masters prep and enjoying the support of friends and family. Key details: - Keefer is 25 and earned promotion to the PGA Tour after two Korn Ferry wins; he led the Korn Ferry Tour in points and won both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the same season. - He remains based at his parents' house while on Tour and said he is sleeping in his childhood bedroom during the Valero week. - Keefer's rise into the top 50 late last year is reported as the reason his Masters spot is secure, though the article lists his current ranking as 60th. - Collin Morikawa withdrew from the Valero after reporting clear discomfort following a practice swing; he was driven off the course in a golf cart and has not played since withdrawing in the first round of the Players Championship three weeks earlier. - The Oaks Course will host Thursday's opening round; the piece notes Keefer's estimated lifetime low there as 61 or 62 and includes weather projections for the week. Summary: Keefer's hometown return is framed as both practical and supportive, with the week serving as preparation for the Masters and an opportunity to lean on local fans. Morikawa's withdrawal leaves a notable absence in the field and casts uncertainty on his status heading into next week's major.