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 | | Honoring The 2026 Volunteer of the Year | |
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This past Saturday evening on May 30, the Valero Texas Open showed its gratitude for the volunteer Tournament Leadership Council (TLC) at its annual Appreciation Banquet. Outgoing committee chairs received commemorative handblown glass awards from Garcia Art and incoming chairs and vice chairs received commemorative VTO pins designed by Malcolm DeMille, the sculptor and designer of the Valero Texas Open trophy.
An important part of the ceremony tradition is to announce the recipient of the "Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award". Each Tournament Leadership Council committee designated an outstanding volunteer from their respective team that was then nominated for the Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year. All Committee Volunteer of the Year nominees were invited to attend the annual TLC Banquet, where the award recipient was then announced during the remarks.
This year's "Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award" recipient, is Wendell Daniels.
Wendell has served in the Practice Facility for over sixteen years. Like in years past, our Volunteer of the Year was a dedicated volunteer that showed up and instantly contributed just with his presence. Always the first to arrive and always leading by example, the energy he brought to the committee was incredible. Wendell went out of his way to help anyone in need, teaching new volunteers and making the VTO a great experience for players and guests with enthusiasm, warmth, and kindness. Despite battling a very serious health condition, he was determined to make it to one more Valero Texas Open and inspired everyone around him simply by showing up to be with his committee — his friends. Even while undergoing treatment, Wendell continued to participate, share stories, and bring positivity to those around him. His dedication, attention to detail, and selfless spirit made a lasting impact on everyone, fortunate enough to know him. Congratulations Wendell Daniels on earning the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award!
Despite best intentions to attend the TLC Banquet, Wendell was unable to attend the dinner at the last minute given his health conditions. Jerry Cavazos, Chair of the Practice Facility, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Wendell and shared deeply moving remarks about Wendell and his true selfless acts of service, proving furthermore why he earns the esteemed award and recognition. In the days ahead, Jerry will deliver the award to Wendell and his family.
 |  | Jerry Cavazos, Chair of the Practice Facility, graciously accepted the award on Wendell's behalf. |
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, Wendell was awarded with a Valero Texas Open gift package including a two-night stay and spa package at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, complimentary volunteer registration and premium parking for next year's tournament. In addition, a charitable donation totaling $1,000 will be made in Wendell's honor to a charity of his choice.
In addition, Wendell received a replica of the Valero Texas Open tournament trophy; a symbol of appreciation for his significant impact on the Tournament. The Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award perpetual trophy now includes Wendell'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.
Earning the coveted award includes the following twelve recipients starting with Greg Brueland as the inaugural "Tom Mabe Volunteer of the Year Award" recipient in 2015, followed by Gerry Hagar (2016), Lisa Leong (2017), Barbara Zakrison (2018), Jenny Fischer (2019), Mike Murray (2021), Sherry King (2022), Greg Klemm (2023), Chuck Rosales (2024), Carol McGuire (2025), and 2026 recipient, Wendell Daniels.
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| | Last Chance to Vote: Best Golf Tournament for Fans | |
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Valero Texas Open is nominated for Best Golf Tournament for Fans by USA TODAY for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting concludes June 8. You can vote every day between now and the June 8 deadline – so vote now and often. We encourage you to spread the word. Help the VTO be the #1 Fan Favorite!
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| | Thank YOU Volunteers | |
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