The Open is open

The Shell Houston Open is open. For the last time, however, with Shell being the the major partner with naming rights.

I filled up at a Shell station today in tribute to their fund raising on behalf of several charities. We now must consider which Houston area outfit will step into the void. Perhaps the Torchy Taco Open, or the Killen's BBQ Open.

I always thought a TV or radio station should buy naming rights. Every competitor in town would have to mention their arch enemy. It could be the Graham Media Open. Better known in these parts as the CH. 2 Open. The other channels who take the time to cover the tourney would have to dance around the name.

I have several memories of the tourney including when it was called the INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT OPEN. By the time I said the title I was almost out of time. One year not so long ago the 1st round was cancelled despite not being a cloud in the sky. Could not have been sunnier. The wind was about 40mph and that has a chance to louse up some scores. I have also covered the tourney in the shade of a beer garden or the air-conditioned comfort of the media room. Free lunches and free beer. That is what makes the media love an event. I loved the Houston Open.

Corey Pavin won his first tourney ever in Houston. The event was at the Woodlands TPC then. I was doing a live report from the 18th green when a lady brushed by me. That happens quite a bit. However, she came back and handed me a small dog. She said her husband was about to win the tourney. I remember it being a dog leg right. I've got to see if Spec's Liquors might be interested in a sponsorship.