100 years in Texas

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Arnold Palmer at the 1960 Texas Open

Century Strong

The Valero Texas Open, the third oldest tournament on the PGA Tour beyond the majors, celebrates its 100th anniversary next March

THE VALERO TEXAS OPEN, which marks its 100th anniversary next March on the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio, has one of the most impressive tournament histories in world golf.

Its roster of champions is defined by greatness spanning generations, with Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Lee Trevino and reigning champ Jordan Spieth having all lifted the trophy. And that’s before we mention Arnold Palmer, who remains the only golfer to have won the Valero Texas Open three years in a row, which he achieved in 1960, ’61 and ’62.

Palmer loved playing in Texas, where the often windy conditions and firm golf courses suited his naturally low, bazooka-like ball flight.

The only golf tournaments in American golf that pre-date the Valero Texas Open are the major pair of the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, and the Western Open and Canadian Open. A record no other can touch, though, is that the Valero Texas Open is the oldest professional tournament to have been played in the same city throughout its history, with all 92 events unfolding in San Antonio, in the heart of Southern Texas.

Compliments of Valero Texas Open