PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and Joe Gorder, the Chairman, President and CEO of Valero Energy Corporation, announced last Wednesday a 10-year extension of Valero’s sponsorship of the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio. The new deal, which will commence in 2019 and run through 2028, positions the Valero Texas Open as part of the spring sequence of events that will precede the Masters Tournament, beginning with the week of April 1-7, 2019.

The joint announcement, which also included PGA TOUR-star and San Antonio-area native, Jimmy Walker, was made during the luncheon filled with nearly 170 guests at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, site of the Valero Texas Open since 2010. The tournament is held at the adjacent TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Oaks Course.

The 2022 Valero Texas Open will mark the 100th anniversary of the event’s inception. It was first held in 1922, making it the third-oldest PGA TOUR co-sponsored tournament, trailing only the BMW Championship (1899) and RBC Canadian Open (1904). The Valero Texas Open also is the oldest TOUR event to be held in the same city since inception.

To share in the excitement of this proud achievement and announcement, PGA TOUR players, media, sponsors, and the community went to social media to share their congratulations. Enjoy a handful of what others had to say…

Based on the 10-year extension of Valero’s sponsorship of the Valero Texas Open, we have calculated the significance of what that means. Based on historical averages over the past few years, the potential impact over the ten year span of the extension includes:

10 13,460 Birdies will be made by PGA TOUR professionals at the Valero Texas Open 9 154,080 Practice range balls will be used by professionals over the course of those 10 tournaments 8 $3.28M Million dollars in Valero Texas Open branded merchandise will be sold 7 77,760 Golf holes played in official competition at TPC San Antonio (18 holes x 2 rounds x 144 players x 10 yrs + 18 holes x 2 rounds x 72 players x 10 yrs) 6 700,000+ Spectators will walk through the gates of the Valero Texas Open over those 10 tournaments 5 325,166 Strokes will be made by PGA TOUR professionals during the course of competition here 4 455 Television broadcast hours showcasing the tournament, this beautiful resort and the City of San Antonio will be aired 3 56,000 Hotel room nights will be booked as a result of the Valero Texas Open 2 1,090,000 Cumulative volunteer hours worked supporting the Valero Texas Open 1 $100,000,000+ Charitable funds raised for hundreds of worthy charities

Since 1922 golf's elite have turned one of San Antonio's oldest traditions into a global event - broadcast in 224 countries, translated into 24 languages across more than 800 million households. This April 16-22 the tradition continues with many of golf's biggest names teeing it up at TPC San Antonio as the world watches.

Valero Texas Open hospitality offers the perfect platform for corporate partners and individuals alike to enjoy a first-class, PGA TOUR experience. Consider taking in all the action from a shared or private hospitality suite, or live out the ultimate golfing experience through one of the Valero Texas Open's unique pro-am events. Experience the excitement of one of San Antonio's biggest professional sporting events and social ambiance that only the Texas Hill Country can provide.

New this year, Ticketmaster will be the official ticket provider. Buy your tickets today: www.ValeroTexasOpen.com. For ticket packages, please contact Sales@ValeroTexasOpen.com for more information.

We encourage you to commit to the 2018 Valero Texas Open today and be a part of this long-standing tradition.

Buy Tickets Now

We want to recognize and congratulate some of our past champion’s recent achievements…

Brendan Steele – Safeway Open Steele won the PGA TOUR’s season-opening Safeway Open for the second straight year, closing with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions Sunday for a two-stroke victory over Tony Finau. Steele finished at 14-under 273 for his third PGA TOUR title. He’s 33 under in his past eight rounds at the event. Steele won the 2011 Valero Texas Open.

Charley Hoffman & Kevin Chappell – The Presidents Cup Hoffman, 2016 VTO champion and Chappell, 2017 VTO champion were paired together and had a 6&5 victory in their Four-ball match on Day 2 of the 2017 Presidents Cup. Their joint efforts and impressive performance contributed to US’s victory against the International Team. The Americans have won six straight Presidents Cups and nine of the 11 previously contests beginning in 1994.

Birdies for Charity® provides nonprofit organizations with an unique and engaging platform from which to solicit pledges for every birdie made during Valero Texas Open tournament week; keeping 100% of the funds raised + incentives including a 7% matching gift opportunity!

Funds are generated by soliciting pledges and donations from individuals and corporations from anywhere around the world and are tax deductible.

Registration to participate in the 2018 fundraising campaign for charities and schools is underway. There are many benefits for organizations to participate:

	There is zero risk to get involved

	No cost to register and participate in the fundraising program

	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

	Opportunities to earn additional funds through 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 next week:

San Antonio – October 17

Corpus Christi – October 18

Austin – October 20

Fundraising will officially begin October 23. Click here to learn more, register your organization, and make your donations!

Based on the community support and participation, we are excited to announce that we are hosting the 2nd annual Dash to the VTO on Saturday, April 14. Lace up your sneakers and enjoy a 5K run/walk around TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course. Children 14 & younger can participate in a 1 mile run/walk.

It’s a chance to get a sneak peek at the tournament layout before the competition begins later that week. The race starts at 9 AM and entry fee includes a race shirt, chipped bib and a ticket to attend the Valero Texas Open! Race participants will enjoy the race starting and ending at the Practice Facility’s driving range filled with fun vendor booths and interactives for all.

Dash to the VTO will help raise funds and awareness for our Birdies for Charity program. Registration opens October 18.

Learn more and register at: ValeroTexasOpen.com

In an effort to get to know our 2017 Valero Texas Open Champion better, Kevin Chappell graciously shared some fun facts about himself for our readers and loyal followers. Here are a few more personal morsels to enjoy about Kevin.

	What’s your favorite food? Sushi

	Other than golf, what are your favorite sports? Sports teams? San Francisco Giants baseball

	Who would play in your dream foursome? My Dad, brother, and my son