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The Valero Texas Open is tight at the top following Thursday’s golf, however with many players still to complete their opening rounds, we may see a totally different leader board come the end of today.

Pat Perez, Danny Lee and Andrew Loupe share the lead on four-under-par, with a group of six players lying just one-shot back on three-under. A further 20 players are placed on two-under after yesterday’s action, including Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson and Aaron Baddeley.

At the top, Loupe has seven holes remaining on his opening card, and with three birdies in his closing five holes yesterday, he may just edge ahead of Lee and Perez and claim the outright lead.

Danny Lee looked to be full of confidence yesterday and the youngster expects more of the same today: “I was believing in every shot I hit and believing in my game. I’m really believing in myself and I know I can do this.”

Two others yet to finish are American Justin Hicks and the Argentine Miguel Angel Carballo. Hicks was one yesterday’s most consistent players. After 15 holes he has yet to card a bogey, with the final stretch of holes playing easier than most, he may well be tied for the lead or better this time tomorrow.

Carballo has a tougher finish ahead of him, as holes such as six and nine have proved testing for many so far, but if he keeps calm this afternoon he too could position himself well for the weekend.

after today’s action, we may have a clear indication of just who will be battling it out on the final day.

Aiming to defend the Valero Texas Open is Scotland’s Martin Laird. After an even-par 72 he has made a good start to his defence, however if he is to remain in contention he will need to better that score today. His group is certainly going to attract attention, as Laird is paired with Phil Mickelson and rising star, Jordan Spieth, how will he deal with the added scrutiny?

As it stands there are host of players capable of winning the Valero Texas Open, but after today’s action, we may have a clear indication of just who will be battling it out on the final day.