In its 96th year, the 2018 edition of the Valero Texas Open proved yet again what an enthusiastic and supportive community can accomplish when coming together for a common purpose – gaining brand exposure, entertaining guests and business partners, enjoying time with friends and family, and, of course, raising significant funds for worthy charities across South Texas and well beyond.

Thanks to such broad community support, the tournament continues to cement its place as a premier stop on the PGA TOUR;

	Showcasing the talents of many of the world’s top golfers including Defending Champion Kevin Chappell, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott, Charley Hoffman, Jimmy Walker, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Billy Horschel, Zach Johnson, and its new champion, Andrew Landry;

	Highlighting the best of San Antonio and Texas hospitality to a global television audience and tens of thousands in attendance; and

	Raising an unprecedented, $12 million for charity!

On behalf of the Valero Texas Open and Valero Energy Foundation, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your support and the role you played in making this year’s Valero Texas Open an extraordinary success.

Dates:
April 16-22, 2018

Title Sponsor:
Valero Energy Corporation

Site:
TPC San Antonio
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Course:
AT&T Oaks Course
Designed by World Golf Hall of Fame Member and renowned golf course architect Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia as consultant

2018 Champion:
Andrew Landry (69-67-67-68--271)

Field Size:
156 Players

Prize Money:
$6.2 Million Purse ($1,116,000 to winner)

This past Friday, June 8 the Valero Texas Open showed its appreciation for the volunteer Tournament Leadership Council (TLC) at its annual Appreciation Banquet. An important part of the ceremony included the presentation to this year’s “Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award” recipient, Barbara Zakrison.

Zakrison embodies the essence and true passion of volunteerism and has worked as a part of the Volunteer Services committee for over seven years. She is caring and considerate with everyone she interacts with, making each and every individual feel special and welcomed. Her polite demeanor and inviting disposition comes with a smile and good spirit as she is willing to help anyone she encounters.

“It is a distinct pleasure to win this award in Tom Mabe’s honor. I can’t thank you enough,” said Zakrison upon being presented the award.

Tom Mabe, the award’s namesake, was a longtime Valero Texas Open volunteer who worked with players, fans, caddies and tournament officials for decades as a proud member of the TLC. An American hero, retired from the US Army after being stationed in Germany and fighting in Korea and Vietnam, Mabe sadly lost his battle with cancer during tournament week of 2014.

To celebrate Mabe’s memory and his vast contributions to the Valero Texas Open over the span of 30 years, the Tournament Staff, along with the TLC, established in 2015 the “Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award.”

As Volunteer of the Year, Zakrison was awarded with a Valero Texas Open gift package and a two night stay and spa package at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. A charitable donation of $1,000 will be made in Zakrison’s honor to a charity close to her heart, Homes For Our Troops.

In addition, Zakrison received a replica of the Valero Texas Open tournament trophy; a symbol of appreciation for her significant impact on the Tournament. The Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award perpetual trophy now includes Zakrison’s name and will be proudly displayed year-round in the Valero Texas Open offices as a reminder of the importance of Volunteers to the success of the tournament. In addition, the perpetual trophy will be exhibited in the Volunteer Headquarters at the annual Valero Texas Open.

During this year’s tournament week, all volunteers and TLC members had the opportunity to nominate a volunteer(s) worthy of this special recognition and who embody the same character, passion, dedication and spirit as Mabe. After much review and deliberation of the nominees, Zakrison was announced as the fourth recipient of the “Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award.” Greg Brueland was the inaugural “Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award” recipient in 2015 followed by Gerry Hagar in 2016 and Lisa Leong in 2017.

Please visit ValeroTexasOpen.com to learn more about the Valero Texas Open and volunteering at the next edition of the Tournament.

The 6th annual Valero Texas Open Executive Women’s Day provided San Antonio-area executive women the opportunity to create social and business relationships through an exclusive and advanced forum of more than 250 like-minded, successful, professional women. The day-long event on Tuesday, April 17 embraced the theme of “Share Your Passion.”

Over lunch, guests enjoyed insights and anecdotes shared by keynote speaker, Annika Sorenstam, World Golf Hall of Fame Member and eight-time LPGA Player of the Year. The 2017 Solheim Cup European Team Captain had 89 career wins and $22 million in on-course career earnings. She stepped away from professional golf after the 2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand of businesses. This includes women's golf apparel, golf course design, and the ANNIKA Foundation.

Attendees also enjoyed a golf clinic led by Annika in the morning, and an interactive group discussion following lunch. In the afternoon, there was a PGA TOUR player Q&A led by Amanda Balionis which was then followed by the ever-popular Networking Mixer.