It usually requires a full year for organizers of a PGA TOUR event to get things ready, but Valero Texas Open tournament director didn’t
have that luxury this year. His crew is putting on its second event in seven months — not that anyone is complaining. “It’s been a fast and furious seven months,” Smith said. “But I feel good about where we’re at and where we’re going.” In making the move, the PGA TOUR created a Texas Swing, with three consecutive competitions in the Lone Star State. And now the tournament will be covered on the weekend by CBS. It should get more attention than it had been during the middle of college football season. “It’s been a part of our strategy with Valero and to help grow the overall event,” Smith said. “It’s great for San Antonio, and it’s great to have network coverage of the event.” “We’re building long-term relationships,” Smith said. “And if we don’t get players this year, we’ll get them next year.” Next year, things change again. The tournament will leave LaCantera Golf Club, which has hosted the event since 1995, and move to TPC San Antonio. The new venue was built with a tournament in mind and includes two layouts, one designed by and one designed by Pete Dye. In addition to the new venue, Smith is looking for ways to make the tournament a special place for the players and the community. He sees how the Phoenix community has turned the FBR Open into a must-attend event and visualizes how the same transformation is possible in San Antonio.
“It’s a bad pun, but we’re trying to think outside the ropes,” Smith said.