Astros, Memorial Park prepare to welcome fans for Houston Open

HOUSTON – Some of the biggest names in golf will make their way to Memorial Park for the Houston Open.

The list is exciting for Giles Kibbe, President of the Astros Golf Foundation.

“Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia,” said Kibbe, naming a few.

The Astros Golf foundation has worked tirelessly to make this event special, and the impact long-lasting. For example, the new players' clubhouse will serve as a STEM education center after the tournament.

“We’re wrapping up a few things here,” explained Kibbe. “We have a great fire pit that’s going in, which is nice for this weather right now. It’s modeled after a golf trophy with all the winners of the Houston Open on the base around it.”

This will be the first tournament in the U.S. that will allow fans on the tour since COVID-19 hit in March. The Astros say health will be the number one priority.

“Everything is going to be very safe,” said Kibbe. “We’re going to spread people out. We’re going to have a lot of people monitoring. There’s going to be a lot of people out telling the fans to put their masks on, to separate a little bit. It’s a great opportunity for the fans to come out, and we’ll make sure everyone’s health and safety (are) protected.”

And, how excited are people to watch golf in-person? Well, tickets are already sold out.

“It’s going to be a wonderful event,” said Kibbe. “I’m so happy that we’re going to get 2,500 fans a day to see some great players on this great course.”