HOUSTON – Astros owner Jim Crane has stepped up with financial backing from sponsorships and a five-year agreement in principle with the PGA Tour to run the Houston Open beginning with the 2019 event.
“Our team is committed to the continued growth of the Houston Open and making a positive impact in the city of Houston,” Crane said. “The Astros Foundation has always committed to giving back to our community. The funds raised through this tournament will allow us to continue our commitment to serving the people within our county and city and help improve our parks.”
The commitment is in place through 2023 with the support of local sponsors.
“The PGA Tour has a rich history in Houston dating back to 1946, and we’re thrilled to share this great news today regarding the Houston Open,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. “The event has always made a significant charitable impact by virtue of tremendous partners and outstanding community support, and thanks to the Astros Foundation and Jim Crane, these works, including support of The First Tee of Greater Houston, will continue.”
The 2019 tournament will be held at the at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble for the immediate future, with a plan involving a move to historic Memorial Park Golf Club in a few years.
To the host the tournament there, Memorial Park must undergo major renovations with the city and Mayor Sylvester Turner must step up to offer financial support.
One major change to the PGA Tour calendar is affecting several tournaments, including the Houston Open, which will now move to early October 2019 during the fall portion of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Season with a $7.5 million purse and 500 FedExCup points awarded to the winner.
Early projections had the Houston Open moving to May or early June on the PGA Tour schedule.
The Houston Open has been a part of the Bayou City since 1946 and has had a longstanding reputation for raising charity dollars and for making the First Tee of Greater Houston, as well as prioritizing growing the game with children.