The Valero Texas Open, one of the oldest professional golf tournaments in the United States, has a rich and storied history that stretches back more than a century.
Founded in 1922, this prestigious event has been held annually in San Antonio, Texas, and has become a staple on the PGA Tour calendar.
History Of The Texas Open
In its early years, the Valero Texas Open was known as the Texas Open and was initially played at Brackenridge Park Golf Course.
Since its inception, the tournament has had several venue changes, including stops at Willow Springs Golf Course, Oak Hills Country Club, and La Cantera Golf Club.
In 2010, the tournament found a permanent home at TPC San Antonio, specifically on the Oaks Course.
An Invite To The Masters Is Up For Grabs
Every year, this tournament is the very last chance for someone to earn a spot in the Masters the following week.
One way to qualify for the Masters is to win a PGA Tour event in the year preceding the Masters.
This is the last event before the Masters, and, thus, the last chance for everyone in the field to earn an invite to Augusta.
Most notably, this is the last chance for long time fan favorite Rickie Fowler to earn a ticket to the Masters.
Opportunity For Lesser-Known Players
Due to the tournament being the week before the Masters, the field is typically weak. Most of the top players take the week off in preparation for the Masters.
This generally makes for an exciting final day, as there are typically many contenders by Sunday afternoon.
Being a weaker field, this tournament is frequently the site of a PGA tour player’s first win
Notable Past Champions
Some of the most notable past winners of the Valero Texas Open include Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Arnold Palmer, who holds the record for the most tournament wins with four titles.
More recent champions include Corey Conners (2019), Jordan Spieth (2021), and J.J Spaun (2022).
Kevin Na’s 16 On A Par 4
This tournament is where Kevin Na made his infamous 16! on the 9th hole in 2011:
The Course
The Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio, where the Valero Texas Open is currently held, is a challenging 7,435-yard, par-72 layout that offers a true test for the world’s best golfers.
The course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, making precise shot-making a necessity for success.
In addition to its challenging design, the course offers stunning views of the Texas Hill Country, further enhancing the tournament experience for players and spectators alike.
Charitable Giving
The Valero Texas Open has a long-standing tradition of charitable giving.
Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $155 million for charity, making it the leading fundraising event on the PGA Tour. Proceeds from the tournament primarily benefit local children’s charities, with a particular focus on education and health care.
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