As the 3rd oldest non major tournament on the PGA Tour, the Valero Texas Open has a storied past indeed. Many of the worlds best golfers have played, and won, this event. In Tiger Woods only appearance, he finished T-3 in 1996, the year he came to the PGA Tour.
For the first time in its history, the Valero Texas Open is the event just before The Masters. 19 players in this weeks field are already in at Augusta, and a win for someone note invited is the only way in.
With world #2 Rory McIlroy in prime condition, and only a few shots off the lead, many believe that he'll deliver on Sunday. Others feel that veteran Jim Furyk will make his move.
The buzz in the Media Center, graciously provided by the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been at an all time high. Being part of this event since 1996, I have never had to literally fight for my seat to get my job done. The international press has been tremendous for the event, and it would be great to see more of the Texas Golf Writers Association brethren on site, but most don't only cover golf to make a living.
The leaders are on the way to the #1 tee box, and so is this scribe. I'll post a complete tournament analysis and wrap up later today.
FORE!
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Someone Jacked My Blog!
Many of you have asked where my weekly blogs went. Well, according to my tech savy crew, most of the posts from 2012 disappeared into cyber space. We are feverishly working on getting them back, but it's not going to interfere with our coverage of the Valero Texas Open (we hope).
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Another Exciting Valero Texas Open
After 68 holes, it seemed like the win would be up from grabs for at least 3 players, including eventual winner Ben Curtis. At that point, Curtis, and Matt Every were tied for the lead, and John Huh was one back.
Though Huh came close on the finishing holes, none of the birdie attempts found the bottom of the cup.
For Every, a bogey on the par 4 15th (the 69th of the round), dashed his chances at a PGA Tour victory.
At 16 and 17, the final group all had pars, and so it came down to #18, the 72nd of the tournament, to see if Curtis could hold on to the lead.
As Every and Huh could only manage to par the 72nd hole, Curtis sank his putt for a birdie to win by 2 shots.
However, even though the Curtis win is a great story itself, the story of Huh finishing in a tie for 2nd. His first 9 on Thursday he seemed to be out of even making the cut. Yes, that early. He shot a 44 on the back side of the AT&T Oaks course at TPC San Antonio, his first 9. However, he rallied after the turn to a 33 for a total of 77, at that time 14 shots back from Round 1 leader, Matt Every.
Every, as you remember, shot the course record 63 on Thursday, and tied for 2nd.
During a Valero Texas Open tradition, Rudy's on the Range, I am fortunate to lunch with many players, caddies, media, sponsors, and volunteers. This year, I was able to lunch with Curtis' caddy, Ricky Elliot. We discussed how been had been playing lately, and also how he liked the course.
At that point, he had only played 10 holes, and Elliot said "Ben should do well this week. He's strking the ball well, and staying out of trouble." I did, of course ask, do you think he has a chance to win? As any good caddy would say "Well, of course!". Good on you Ricky!
Tony Vaught is an international golf writer based in Texas. He currently serves as Vice President of the Texas Golf Writers Association and has been a special contributor to Golfer’s Guide for over 10 years.
Though Huh came close on the finishing holes, none of the birdie attempts found the bottom of the cup.
For Every, a bogey on the par 4 15th (the 69th of the round), dashed his chances at a PGA Tour victory.
At 16 and 17, the final group all had pars, and so it came down to #18, the 72nd of the tournament, to see if Curtis could hold on to the lead.
As Every and Huh could only manage to par the 72nd hole, Curtis sank his putt for a birdie to win by 2 shots.
However, even though the Curtis win is a great story itself, the story of Huh finishing in a tie for 2nd. His first 9 on Thursday he seemed to be out of even making the cut. Yes, that early. He shot a 44 on the back side of the AT&T Oaks course at TPC San Antonio, his first 9. However, he rallied after the turn to a 33 for a total of 77, at that time 14 shots back from Round 1 leader, Matt Every.
Every, as you remember, shot the course record 63 on Thursday, and tied for 2nd.
During a Valero Texas Open tradition, Rudy's on the Range, I am fortunate to lunch with many players, caddies, media, sponsors, and volunteers. This year, I was able to lunch with Curtis' caddy, Ricky Elliot. We discussed how been had been playing lately, and also how he liked the course.
At that point, he had only played 10 holes, and Elliot said "Ben should do well this week. He's strking the ball well, and staying out of trouble." I did, of course ask, do you think he has a chance to win? As any good caddy would say "Well, of course!". Good on you Ricky!
Tony Vaught is an international golf writer based in Texas. He currently serves as Vice President of the Texas Golf Writers Association and has been a special contributor to Golfer’s Guide for over 10 years.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Bigger In Texas? Golf in the Big Bend National Park area proves ‘It is So’.
This is the first in a series of articles about Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
When our group first arrived at Lajitas International Airport my first thought was “Where in the world are we?” Then next was, let’s hit the golf course!
Shortly after wheels up in Addison, we arrived in Lajitas. The approach to the airfield was breathtaking in of itself. We were met at the plane by some of the outstanding crew that makes Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa such a special place. We loaded up the vehicles and made the short trip to the resort.
Upon checking in and getting to our rooms (more on the resort accommodations in an upcoming article), we met up for a nice quick lunch and headed to the golf course.
I’ve been fortunate to play a variety of courses around the globe, and from my experience, there is no other golf course like Black Jack’s Crossing anywhere in Texas. I only know a bit about the former layout that was washed away for good in the “500 year flood of 2008”, which was the third in less than 100 years! From what I have been told, the previous layout was very flat and unexciting. I can tell you this, the Lanny Wadkins version is neither!
There are at least seven elevated tees, where you can what seems to be hundreds of miles in almost every direction. The mountains, buttes, mesas and other rock formations (lajitas means flat stones) are breathtaking. The tee shots are exhilarating, and Wadkins created a golf course where every hole is memorable. The 7,400-yard course – named for General John “Black Jack” Pershing, who reportedly chased Pancho Villa around in these parts–is unique indeed.
Tony Vaught is an international golf writer based in Texas. He currently serves as Vice President of the Texas Golf Writers Association and has been a special contributor to Golfer’s Guide for over 10 years.
When our group first arrived at Lajitas International Airport my first thought was “Where in the world are we?” Then next was, let’s hit the golf course!
 |
| Thanks to Mr. Warren for his hospitality |
Now, let’s back up just a bit. I was among a group of journalists and marketing folks invited for a special preview of the recently redesigned and renovated Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Club, which is part of the redeveloped Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa.
Lajitas is not easy to get to, but it’s well worth the trip. We were fortunate to be able to hop a ride on one of the private jets in the fleet belonging to Kelcy Warren, who is the owner of Lajitas.
Our group met up at the Million Air Executive Terminal in Addison, Texas for the short flight to Lajitas. If you are offered the opportunity to fly on a private jet, I highly recommend it. Lucky for us that this was a short trip, though, as the Lavatory could not be accessed due to all of our golf gear being in the way. And with our duly appointed in-flight bartender taking care to ensure no empty glasses, a longer flight might not have been so friendly.
Lajitas is not easy to get to, but it’s well worth the trip. We were fortunate to be able to hop a ride on one of the private jets in the fleet belonging to Kelcy Warren, who is the owner of Lajitas.
Our group met up at the Million Air Executive Terminal in Addison, Texas for the short flight to Lajitas. If you are offered the opportunity to fly on a private jet, I highly recommend it. Lucky for us that this was a short trip, though, as the Lavatory could not be accessed due to all of our golf gear being in the way. And with our duly appointed in-flight bartender taking care to ensure no empty glasses, a longer flight might not have been so friendly.
 |
| What a group! |
Shortly after wheels up in Addison, we arrived in Lajitas. The approach to the airfield was breathtaking in of itself. We were met at the plane by some of the outstanding crew that makes Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa such a special place. We loaded up the vehicles and made the short trip to the resort.
 |
| The GPS says the golf course is just over there! |
Upon checking in and getting to our rooms (more on the resort accommodations in an upcoming article), we met up for a nice quick lunch and headed to the golf course.
I’ve been fortunate to play a variety of courses around the globe, and from my experience, there is no other golf course like Black Jack’s Crossing anywhere in Texas. I only know a bit about the former layout that was washed away for good in the “500 year flood of 2008”, which was the third in less than 100 years! From what I have been told, the previous layout was very flat and unexciting. I can tell you this, the Lanny Wadkins version is neither!
Tony Vaught is an international golf writer based in Texas. He currently serves as Vice President of the Texas Golf Writers Association and has been a special contributor to Golfer’s Guide for over 10 years.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa
Ok, so I am using this as a teaser for the upcoming series of articles I am doing on Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa and Black Jacks Crossing Golf Club.
Stay tuned ... really!
Stay tuned ... really!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Couples Wins AT&T by Seven Shots
Fred Couples ran away with the Champions Tour’s AT&T Championship, shooting a bogey-free 6-under 66 on Sunday for a seven-stroke victory — the largest margin on the 50-and-over tour this year.
RELATED Leaderboard
Schwab Cup
Money List
Couples opened with rounds of 65 and 62 and finished at 23 under on TPC San Antonio’s Canyons Course. He won for the second time this season and sixth time in two seasons on the tour.
“I haven’t had a seven-shot lead since ‘92 or ‘90 or whenever the heck it was,” said Couples, who teed it up ahead by seven to start the day. “I probably may never ever get another one. It’s a weird feeling, and I was kind of unnerved (on the front side). But once we got to the back nine I played much better and I pulled away to a lead that was plenty.”
Mark Calcavecchia shot a 66 to finish second. Charles Schwab Cup points leader Tom Lehman and John Cook tied for third at 14 under. They also closed with 66s.
The closest anyone came in the final round was four strokes when Calcavecchia holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole, but Couples birdied five of the last eight holes, including the final two. Last year at The Woodlands outside Houston, he also had a seven-stroke victory.
Couples’ 54-hole total of 193 broke the tournament record of 195 set by Mark McNulty in 2005 on the par-71 Oak Hills Country Club course.
Couples earned $270,000, giving him $957,753 in nine starts on the Champions Tour this year. He’s the U.S. captain for The Presidents Cup next month in Australia.
Couples birdied the first three holes to start each of the opening two rounds. On Sunday, he parred the first five holes. His first birdie came on the par-5 sixth, but Calcavecchia matched it to stay six back.
Calcavecchia, second in the Schwab Cup standings, made it a bit interesting. After Couples lipped out a birdie putt from about 5 feet on the seventh, Calcavecchia stuck his tee shot on the par-3 eighth to 10 feet and sank the putt. And his 12-footer on No. 10 cut Couples’ lead to four.
“Even then I knew I was in a battle for second,” Calcavecchia said, “and that’s what I was aiming for.”
Calcavecchia left a birdie putt on the edge on No. 11 from 15 feet, and Couples made his from 8 to get the lead back to five. He holed a 10-footer No. 12 to go to 20 under and six ahead.
“Nos. 11 and 12 are very good driving holes and those were probably two of the best drives I hit all day and I birdied them both,” Couples said. “Unless (Calcavecchia) was going to birdie every hole, the odds were against him catching me.”
It was the final full field on the Champions Tour. The top 30 in the point standings are headed to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Nov. 3-6 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
RELATED Leaderboard
Schwab Cup
Money List
Couples opened with rounds of 65 and 62 and finished at 23 under on TPC San Antonio’s Canyons Course. He won for the second time this season and sixth time in two seasons on the tour.
“I haven’t had a seven-shot lead since ‘92 or ‘90 or whenever the heck it was,” said Couples, who teed it up ahead by seven to start the day. “I probably may never ever get another one. It’s a weird feeling, and I was kind of unnerved (on the front side). But once we got to the back nine I played much better and I pulled away to a lead that was plenty.”
Mark Calcavecchia shot a 66 to finish second. Charles Schwab Cup points leader Tom Lehman and John Cook tied for third at 14 under. They also closed with 66s.
The closest anyone came in the final round was four strokes when Calcavecchia holed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole, but Couples birdied five of the last eight holes, including the final two. Last year at The Woodlands outside Houston, he also had a seven-stroke victory.
Couples’ 54-hole total of 193 broke the tournament record of 195 set by Mark McNulty in 2005 on the par-71 Oak Hills Country Club course.
Couples earned $270,000, giving him $957,753 in nine starts on the Champions Tour this year. He’s the U.S. captain for The Presidents Cup next month in Australia.
Couples birdied the first three holes to start each of the opening two rounds. On Sunday, he parred the first five holes. His first birdie came on the par-5 sixth, but Calcavecchia matched it to stay six back.
Calcavecchia, second in the Schwab Cup standings, made it a bit interesting. After Couples lipped out a birdie putt from about 5 feet on the seventh, Calcavecchia stuck his tee shot on the par-3 eighth to 10 feet and sank the putt. And his 12-footer on No. 10 cut Couples’ lead to four.
“Even then I knew I was in a battle for second,” Calcavecchia said, “and that’s what I was aiming for.”
Calcavecchia left a birdie putt on the edge on No. 11 from 15 feet, and Couples made his from 8 to get the lead back to five. He holed a 10-footer No. 12 to go to 20 under and six ahead.
“Nos. 11 and 12 are very good driving holes and those were probably two of the best drives I hit all day and I birdied them both,” Couples said. “Unless (Calcavecchia) was going to birdie every hole, the odds were against him catching me.”
It was the final full field on the Champions Tour. The top 30 in the point standings are headed to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Nov. 3-6 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Texas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2011
Texas top teachers Smith, Hardy among Hall of Fame inductees in Monday gala
Two of Texas’ greatest golf instructors, a former major championship and multiple PGA Tour winner, a top amateur and the daughter of Lone Star golf royalty were inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame Monday night at a lavish, sold-out ceremony..
Teachers Dallas’ Randy Smith and Houston’s Jim Hardy, who both guided their students, professional and amateur, to greatness and Austin’s Rich Beem who achieved greatness for himself winning the 2002 PGA Championship, were among the Lone Star individuals honored at San Antonio Country Club, capping a day of celebration including the dedication of the Walk of Fame at the new hall facilities..
“I was certainly always aware of the Hall of Fame, but to look at it now and the many inductees, I never thought I would be here,” Smith said. “I’ve been teaching in Texas for 40 years. I hope I’ve helped somebody out.”
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