With just one official event left on this year’s schedule, there were 14 players, not including our champion Andrew Landry, who competed in this year’s Valero Texas Open that won during the 2017-2018 season, including last week’s winner Keegan Bradley. Other champions this season that came to San Antonio are Brendan Steele, Pat Perez, Ryan Armour, Austin Cook, Brice Garnett, Billy Horschel, Scott Piercy, Aaron Wise, Kevin Na, Michael Kim, Troy Merritt, Andrew Putnam and Brandt Snedeker.

	The TOUR Championship will be played next week and includes the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings. Five of those players in the field—Keegan Bradley, Billy Horschel, Kevin Na, Xander Schaufffele and Aaron Wise—played in the Valero Texas Open this year.

	As of this week, seven of our last ten champions are currently among the top 80 on the World Golf Rankings. 2016 Champion, Charley Hoffman, leads this group ranked 39th in the world. He is followed by Adam Scott (41st), Zach Johnson (49th), Kevin Chappell (62nd), Jimmy Walker (76th), Brendan Steele (77th) and Andrew Landry (78th).

“You know, I could feel the game was there, that's why I put this in the schedule. I never played San Antonio before. It was a good date for me for a little three week stretch and, you know, finally put it altogether. Wins are huge for momentum. It's huge for your confidence, really, just the belief in yourself that you get out of it. Even if you're feeling good before, there's nothing quite like winning.”—Adam Scott, the 2010 champion and first to win at TPC San Antonio AT&T Oaks Course.

	Today marks the countdown at a mere 200 days till the 2019 edition of the Valero Texas Open (also known as 28 weeks or less than 7 months)!

If we told you that non-profit agencies and school programs could make 107% revenue from a fundraising event and incur no operating costs outside of staff time, would we capture your interest? But wait, there’s more…

Identifying fundraising strategies can be challenging as the costs to execute an event often exceed the capacity to raise $$$s. If you know of a charity or school that has never considered participation in Birdies for Charity® fundraiser tied to the Valero Texas Open, we’d love for you to consider participating.

Birdies for Charity is unique in that there are NO COSTS except staff time… and participating organizations receive 100% of funds generated and sometimes more with incentives offered, like a 7% match provided by Valero Texas Open and the Birdies program partners.

Funds are generated by soliciting donations from individuals and corporations with the flexibility to pay in advance or to be billed after the tournament. Donations are accepted from anywhere around the world and are tax deductible, thanks to the Valero Texas Open’s non-profit 501(c)3 status.

Registration to participate in the 2019 fundraising campaign for charities and schools is underway. All types of philanthropies, as well as, school programs like athletic teams, dance & cheer, science programs, PTA, Project Graduation and much more… are all welcome to participate. In fact, we had 234 charities from all over San Antonio and beyond participate. We look forward to helping more charities raise funds!

There are many benefits for organizations to register and participate:

	There is zero risk to get involved

	No cost to register and participate in the fundraising program (no registration fees nor merchant fees)

	100% of the funds raised through the fundraising campaign goes directly back to participating organizations

	By raising a minimum of $1,000+, participating charities and schools can earn an additional 7% match on what’s collected in the program

	Donors have a chance to win prizes

	Opportunities to earn additional funds through a variety of incentives offered

If you know of a charity or school that isn’t already involved, please encourage them to participate in this great community initiative. The kick off events will be hosted in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Austin from October 9-11. Fundraising will officially begin October 15. Click here to learn more and register your organization.

VTO on the Go has enjoyed a travel-packed summer! Over the last few months, #VTOontheGO has completed the Tour de France, ventured out for some sightseeing at Grand Teton National Park and enjoyed a few staycations right here in San Antonio! Traveling soon? Remember to bring the VTO along!

Here’s how it works:

1.	Take a photo of yourself or anyone wearing VTO gear (hat, shirt, jacket, etc.)

2.	Post that photo on Facebook or Instagram - don’t forget to include your location!

3.	Tag us (@valerotxopen) AND use #VTOontheGo

To celebrate the second month of #VTOontheGo, we will be awarding another VTO prize pack to one lucky participant! Post your pictures by September 16th to be included! The winner will be announced on September 17th!

Faaaabel the Goat

Valero Texas Open’s unofficial mascot, Faaaabel the Goat made her debut leading up to the preparation for the VTO, took the tournament week by storm, and has since been busy over the summer. You can keep up with her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter this faaaall and beyond: @Faaaabel or www.faaaabel.com.

In the spirit of fun Faaaabel has brought us, check out some other fun aaaanimal antics going on the PGA TOUR #liveunderpar…

Dog Daaaays of Summer

Faaaabel likes checking out her other furry four-legged friends on Instagram waaaalked by the PGA TOUR: @golfdogs

If You Could Be An Aaaanimal

PGA TOUR pros shared with us their answers and why… including Andrew Landry, our 2018 Chaaaampion!