Limited attendance granted for Valero Texas Open
The 2021 Valero Texas Open in April will be attended by a limited number of spectators, tournament officials have announced.
After being canceled a year ago because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s tournament is set for April 1-4 — the week before the Masters — at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course.
Bexar County Commissioners Court paved the way for the tournament by recently granting officials a mass gathering permit.
The tournament is planning to allow a maximum of 5,000 fans – about 25-30 percent of normal attendance — for each round of the four-day event with protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure the Valero Texas Open will be a great experience and continue to make a significant charitable impact in our community,” Larson Segerdahl, the tournament’s executive director, said in a release. “While we were disappointed with last year’s event cancelation, we couldn’t be more excited to come back stronger as we get one year loser to our 100th anniversary in 2022.”
The Valero Texas Open is the third-oldest PGA Tour tournament. San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corporation took over naming rights in 2002.
Health and safety guidelines spelled out for fans include the wearing of face coverings at all times unless eating or drinking; there will be no enclosed structures – all open air; spaces will be created for social distancing of at least 36 square feet per individual in each venue; PPE will be available to spectators, staff, volunteers, etc., and for those who cannot wear face coverings for medical reasons, face shields will be provided.
Plans also call for 1,000 volunteers to communicate the messaging of COVID protocols.
The Bexar County Sheriff ’s Office will assist in enforcement of
protocols and will escort people out if rules are not followed, officials said.
The traditional Pro Am events during tournament week will be contested with coronavirus protocols in place, including COVID-19 tests for all participants.
General admission tickets go on sale Monday.
Collegiate event: The Cabo Collegiate, an elite MCAA men’s golf tournament, will be held Monday-wednesday at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course.
Officials will offer an exemption to the medalist to compete in San Antonio’s PGA Tour event, April 1-4.
Due to international travel restrictions, the 16Division I team tournament was relocated from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to San Antonio.
Odds and ends
Brooks Koepka made three straight birdies on his way to a 6-under 66 and a one-shot lead Friday in the WGC Workday Championship in Bradenton, Fla. …
Brandon Wu birdied the final two holes for a 5-under 67 and the secondround lead in the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. …
Lydia Ko posted a 3under 69 and took a oneshot lead in the Gainbridge LPGA in Orlando, Fla., an event where Annika Sorenstam also made the cut. …
Mike Weir shot 7-under 66 to take the first-round lead in the Cologuard Classic in Tucson, Ariz.