Canadian Corey Conners won the 2023 Valero Texas Open on April 2nd with a score of -15 for a one-shot victory over second place finisher and PGA Tour rookie Sam Stevens. It takes a solid final round to win a tournament. With four birdies, three of which were on the front nine, to go along with no bogeys, Corey fired a final round 68. He also won the 2019 Valero Texas Open. Both of his PGA Tour victories have come at this event.
The Texas Open was first played in 1922. It is the sixth oldest professional golf tournament in the world. Having always been played in the San Antonio, Texas area, it is the longest running tournament held in one city. There are several notable champions from past and present including Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Zach Johnson, and Jordan Spieth to name just a few.
The tournament has been known as the Valero Texas Open since Valero Energy Corporation became the title sponsor in 2002. The Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio has been the host course since 2010.
Where would the Valero Texas Open rank on your list of PGA Tour tournaments with the biggest charitable contributions? With all due respect to the great state of Texas and the Valero Texas Open, I’m guessing it wouldn’t make most people’s top ten. The 2022 Valero Texas Open raised $22 million in charitable donations, bringing the tournament’s grand total of charitable giving to $209 million. Hundreds of organizations are beneficiaries. $209 million is a staggering number. Would you be surprised that the Valero Texas Open was the 4th PGA Tour event to surpass $100 million in charitable giving?
All this from a tournament that has survived cancellations due to the Great Depression, World War II, and the Covid-19 pandemic. All this from a tournament that has called eight different venues home. All this from a tournament that has been bounced around the schedule, has been an alternate event to Ryder and Presidents Cups, and recently has been played the week after or the week before arguably the most anticipated event of the year – The Masters.
The tournament has faced a lot of adversity in its rich history. It appears that may continue as this year’s tournament was not a designated event, so it struggled to attract big names. 2024 and beyond still holds many questions, but if its history is any indication, the Valero Texas Open will continue to prosper and support the many beneficiaries of San Antonio for years to come.
We will all face adversity in our lives. In Deuteronomy, before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded them to be strong because God is with them.
God is with us as we lead our families, build our careers, and serve others. Be strong and courageous in His name.