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| Nine of the World’s Top-30 Included in Early Player Commitments |  |
 |  | | Walker became the fourth San Antonio-area resident to win the Valero Texas Open when he prevailed by four strokes over Jordan Spieth in his victory here last year. | |
In conjunction with its annual Media Day this morning, tournament officials announced some early player commitments including the return of last year’s champion Jimmy Walker for the 2016 Valero Texas Open, scheduled for April 21-24 at the AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio.
Walker, who lives in nearby Boerne, became the fourth San Antonio-area resident to win the Valero Texas Open when he prevailed by four strokes over Jordan Spieth in his victory here last year. Walker was one of only four players in the field to post four sub-par rounds and at the time became the first multiple winner for the TOUR’s 2014-2015 season, having successfully defended his Sony Open in Hawaii title a few months earlier. By season’s end, Walker advanced to the FedExCup Playoffs for a sixth consecutive season and was ranked 16th in the FedExCup standings.
“Jimmy has been a great champion for us throughout the year and we are excited to have him come back and defend his title,” said the tournament’s Executive Director Larson Segerdahl. “He and his wife Erin are great ambassadors for the San Antonio area and for the game of golf. We could not have been prouder to have him as our champion this year and consider him a member of the Valero Texas Open family.”
Walker will have some of the world’s top ranked players, fellow Valero Texas Open champions and some major championship winners to compete against in what is the third oldest PGA TOUR event on the schedule.
Currently, including Walker at No. 24, there are nine players in the field who are ranked among the top 25 in the world—(No. 9) Dustin Johnson, (No. 10) Patrick Reed, (No. 12) Branden Grace, (No. 14) Hideki Matsuyama, (No. 17) Brandt Snedeker, (No. 19) Brooks Koepka, (No. 20) Zach Johnson and (No. 23) J.B. Holmes.
Johnson, the 2008 and 2009 Valero Texas Open champion and winner of last year’s Open Championship, is one of six past champions returning, including Walker (2015), Steven Bowditch (2014), Ben Curtis (2012), Brendan Steele (2011), Zach Johnson (2008, 2009) and Justin Leonard (2000, 2001, 2007).
In all, there are six players currently in the field who are major champions and include: Ben Curtis (The Open Championship), Lucas Glover (U.S. Open), Retief Goosen (U.S. Open twice), Padraig Harrington (The Open Championship twice, PGA Championship), Zach Johnson (Masters, The Open Championship), Justin Leonard (The Open Championship).
Tournament officials also announced a commitment from Billy Horschel, the 2014 FedExCup champion and three-time TOUR winner. Bryson DeChambeau, who in 2015 became the fifth American golfer to win the NCAA Championship and the U.S. Amateur Championship while attending Southern Methodist University, has accepted a sponsor invitation to play as he tries to earn his PGA TOUR playing privileges this season. The Valero Texas Open is slated to be his second start as a professional.
The Valero Texas Open is also proud to continue its relationship with the PGA of America and has extended an invitation to Brad Dalke, winner of the 2015 Junior PGA Championship. Dalke, a freshman at Oklahoma, had an outstanding junior career that included four-time AJGA First-Team All-American honors and he was a member of the 2014 USA Junior Ryder Cup team.
Players have until Friday, April 15 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to commit to the Valero Texas Open. They can withdraw from the tournament at any time.
 |  |  | | | Dustin Johnson, Billy Horschel, Zach Johnson and Brandt Snedeker are among the early commitments to this year's Valero Texas Open. |
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| Tickets, Tickets, Tickets! | |
If you haven’t already purchased your tickets to the Valero Texas Open – there are several great ways to get yours today. Good Any One Day tickets are available in advance online at www.ValeroTexasOpen.com for $20 and at participating Corner Stores and all H-E-B grocery stores. Tickets will also be available for $30 at the gate.
 |  | | We are proud and honored to invite all Bexar County First Responders and one guest to enjoy a Valero Texas Open VIP experience. |
 | Children 12 & under will receive FREE admission compliments of Wells Fargo. Kids will be given a special children's admission ticket upon entrance at the spectator main gate. | |
| USAA is proud to be the Official Military Appreciation Partner of the Valero Texas Open. Throughout the tournament any military ID cardholder including dependents (Active, Guard, Reserve, Retired) are provided FREE admission into the tournament. Click here to learn more about special benefits. | |
| We are proud and honored to invite all Bexar County First Responders and one guest to enjoy a Valero Texas Open VIP experience thanks to our Corporate Chief Partners: deeproot Funds and Valero and Major Partners: CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System and Firehouse Subs. Click here to learn more about the benefits offered. | |
You can also purchase upgraded tickets into the Patio presented by Jet Linx, offering stunning views from this multi-level venue featuring open-air dining, a second story covered viewing deck, an outdoor patio with umbrella table seating and tiered seats, all positioned between the 16th tee and 11th tee. This venue includes complimentary snacks & refreshments. An upgraded meal including bar service will be available for purchase within the venue. Purchase tickets for your hospitality experience: www.ValeroTexasOpen.com for $75 per day Thursday & Friday; $99 per day Saturday & Sunday.
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| Executive Women’s Day | |
 | | | Click here for information about Executive Women's Day Hosted by Rackspace. |
Ladies, please mark your calendar to attend Tuesday, April 19 the 4th annual Executive Women's Day Hosted by Rackspace at the Valero Texas Open. The day-long event caters to 200+ successful executive business women which provides exclusive interaction through the Behind the Scenes Walking Tour of the tournament sponsored by Humana and lunch sponsored by Avnet.
Featured Speakers and Business Panel Discussion sponsored by Generations Federal Credit Union will be moderated by Sarah Lucero, News Anchor at KENS 5 and will include featured speakers: Suzanne Wade, President of San Antonio Food/Drug Division at H-E-B, Angela Salinas, Major General (ret.) United States Marine Corps and presently CEO at Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, Carla Sublett, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Rackspace, and Veronica Edwards, President & CEO of inGenesis.
The day concludes with the Frost Bank Networking Mixer include a Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tasting. This is a perfect opportunity to network with top level business executive women and invite young business professionals to attend for a mentorship experience. Contact us today to reserve your table!
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| Children’s Golf Clinic | |
Join us for the Children’s Golf Clinic sponsored by The Kolitz Family Foundation on Friday, April 22 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Since children have school off for Battle of Flowers, come to the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio’s Practice Facility for the exclusive opportunity for children to hit golf balls where the PGA TOUR pros practice, warm up and fine tune their skills. Children can also enjoy a golf clinic hosted by a PGA TOUR pro.
The first 200 children will receive an Exclusive Swag Bag filled with lots of fun goodies!
 |  |  | | | Join us on Friday, April 22 for the exclusive opportunity for children to hit golf balls where the PGA TOUR pros practice and enjoy a golf clinic hosted by a PGA TOUR pro. |
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| Last Chance to Register as a Volunteer | |
| LAST CHANCE - DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING! |
 | | | The final day to register as a Valero Texas Open volunteer is April 2nd and positions are going fast. |
The success of the VTO is due in large part to the volunteers who give generously of their time, talent and energy through 27 dynamic committees. Consider volunteering with Shotlink, assisting with the Evacuation team, being a Hole Marshall, working with Airport Reception, help render aid on the Medical team or one of the other exciting committees that provide critical service to the tournament.
During the week, get a behind-the-scenes look at a PGA TOUR event and witness many of the world's top golfers as they compete right here in your back yard, all while making new friends! You'll also play an important role in the tournament's charitable mission to raise funds and awareness for hundreds of worthy causes throughout San Antonio and the South Texas region.
We are looking for volunteering enthusiasts with a passion to help and together create a fantastic Valero Texas Open experience for PGA TOUR players, corporate sponsors and spectators alike.
The final deadline is April 2nd. Register today to avoid being put on a wait list!
To learn more about the benefits of being a part of this elite group of volunteers please visit our website at www.ValeroTexasOpen.com.
 |  |  | | | It takes over 1,500 dedicated and passionate volunteers in 27 committees, coming from all over the U.S., to help host San Antonio's only PGA TOUR event. Be a part of the action and volunteer! |
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| Sponsor Spotlight | |
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