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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2014
Early Commitments to Valero Texas Open Include Defending Champion Martin Laird
World No. 8 Matt Kuchar, No. 21 Jim Furyk & No. 35 Jimmy Walker Part of Field
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Tournament officials announced today some early player commitments to the 2014 Valero Texas Open, scheduled for March 24-30, at TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Oaks Course.
2013 champion Martin Laird will defend his title. Last year, the three-time PGA TOUR winner, shot a course-record-tying 63 on Sunday on his way to a two-stroke victory over Rory McIlroy. In addition to the defending champion, recent past champions scheduled to compete include Ben Curtis (2012), Brendan Steele (2011) and Justin Leonard (2000, 2001, 2007).
Matt Kuchar, currently ranked No. 8 in the Official World Golf Rankings, leads a group of players in the field who are among the top 40. Kuchar tied for 22nd in last year’s tournament. His best finish at the Valero Texas Open was a tie for second in 2001.
Two third place finishers from the 2013 edition of the Valero Texas Open will also be making their return to San Antonio. Jim Furyk, 2010 FedExCup Champion, is currently No.21 in world rankings while Billy Horschel is currently No. 41. Following his strong finish in the event last year Horschel went on to capture his first PGA TOUR win three weeks later at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Boerne, TX resident, Jimmy Walker, winner of two PGA TOUR tournaments this season (Frys.com Open and Sony Open in Hawaii) and current FedExCup Points leader, is ranked 35th in the world.
“With the Valero Texas Open practically in my backyard, it makes competing that week much more enjoyable for me and my family,” explained Walker. “I’m looking forward to teeing it up again in front of my hometown crowd and would love to be the tournament’s next champion.”
Additionally, several past Major Champions have committed to participate, including Padraig Harrington (2007 Open Championship, 2008 Open Championship and PGA Championship) who finished tied for 10th in last year’s tournament, Retief Goosen (2001 and 2004 U.S. Open Championship) who made his Valero Texas Open debut in 2013, and Mark Calcavecchia (1989 Open Championship).
“With just under two months until tournament week, we are excited to see some of the top players in the game already making plans to attend the Valero Texas Open,” said Executive Director, Larson Segerdahl. “We have been actively talking with players the past ten months and are encouraged we will have another great field for the sports fans of the greater-San Antonio region.”
Players have until 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, March 21 to commit to the Valero Texas Open and can withdraw at any time.
Tickets are on sale and are $15 through the tournament’s Chip In for Schools program that runs through March 30. Or, fans can purchase advance daily tickets for $20 each online at ValeroTexasOpen.com. Admission to the tournament is FREE for children 12 and under compliments of SeaWorld of San Antonio and active military and their families are admitted FREE compliments of USAA.
For the cost of an upgraded ticket ($75/person), spectators can also enjoy the all-new, multi-tiered Shiner Patio at 17 hospitality venue, which provides great views along with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. A more complete menu along with alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase within the venue.
A limited number of Valero Texas Open sponsorship packages are still available. Those interested in securing their place within the event should contact the tournament office on (210) 345-3818 or visit the tournament’s website ValeroTexasOpen.com.
ABOUT VALERO
Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries (collectively, Valero), is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products, and sells its products primarily in the United States (U.S.), Canada, the United Kingdom (U.K.), Ireland and Latin America. Valero owns 15 petroleum refineries located in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.2 million barrels per day. Valero is a joint venture member in Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC, which owns two renewable diesel plants located in the U.S. Gulf Coast region with a combined production capacity of approximately 1.2 billion gallons per year, and Valero owns 12 ethanol plants located in the U.S. Mid-Continent region with a combined production capacity of approximately 1.6 billion gallons per year. Valero manages its operations through its Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol segments. Please visit investorvalero.com for more information.
ABOUT VALERO IN THE COMMUNITY
Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries (collectively, Valero), and the Valero Energy Foundation are committed to improving the quality of life in communities where Valero has major operations. In 2023, Valero, its employees and the foundation collectively generated more than $77 million in charitable support through direct/in-kind donations, fundraising and volunteerism. Valero employees logged more than 127,000 volunteer hours in 2023 for hundreds of projects in their communities. Valero provides funding to a variety of nonprofit agencies for programs and services supporting education, basic needs, health care and civic initiatives. Through the overwhelming support of sponsors, the foundation’s signature programs, the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children, generated more than $23 million raised in 2023 for charities across the United States.
ABOUT THE VALERO TEXAS OPEN
The Valero Texas Open is the sixth-oldest professional tournament in golf worldwide, the third-oldest on the PGA TOUR and the longest held in the same city. In 2022, the tournament celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Its list of champions includes some of the greatest names in golf history: Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Hale Irwin, Lee Trevino, Nick Price, Justin Leonard, Zach Johnson, Adam Scott, Jimmy Walker, Jordan Spieth and 2019, 2023 champion Corey Conners to name a few.
Since Valero became title sponsor in 2002, the tournament has become a leader in charitable fundraising among PGA TOUR events. The Valero Texas Open, together with its Benefit for Children and Champions fore Charity initiatives, has contributed more than $232 million to hundreds of worthy charities since inception. Please visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com for more information.
Media Contacts
Stephanie Sage
Valero Texas Open
Director, Marketing & Community Relations
210.345.3839 office
Lee Patterson
Valero Texas Open
Director, Media Relations
704.913.1088 mobile
