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The Valero Texas Open has announced that Rory McIlroy has committed to play in the 2022 tournament, scheduled for March 28 - April 3, a week preceding The Masters tournament.
McIlroy has 20 career PGA TOUR victories, including four major championships, and he will be making his first appearance at TPC San Antonio’s The Oaks course since 2013, when he finished solo second to Martin Laird by two strokes.
“I am looking forward to returning to San Antonio and being a part of the 100th Anniversary of the Texas Open,” said McIlroy, the No. 5 ranked player in the world. “I have fond memories of my last time competing there.”
McIlroy has spent 106 weeks at World No. 1 during his career. He has been voted PGA TOUR Player of the Year three times, in 2012, 2014 and 2019. McIlroy also won the FedExCup points title twice, in 2016 and 2019 and is a six-time member of the European Ryder Cup team.
McIlroy’s most recent PGA TOUR victory came during the fall swing of this season when he won THE CJ CUP @ SUMMIT.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rory back and excited for the fans as another extremely popular player adds his name to the field,” said Larson Segerdahl, Executive Director of the Valero Texas Open. “Rory’s presence will certainly help elevate the stature of our 100th Anniversary Tournament this year.”
2021 champion and World No. 14 Jordan Spieth will defend his title and attempt to become the first Valero Texas Open champion to win back-to-back since Zach Johnson accomplished the feat in 2008 and 2009.
Currently, there are four players among the top 20 in the world scheduled to appear—McIlroy (5), Scottie Scheffler (6), Spieth (14) and Abraham Ancer (18).
Several legendary players and Hall of Fame members will be on hand during tournament week to help commemorate the 100th anniversary. Deane Beman (1969 Texas Open Champion), Ben Crenshaw (1973 & 1986 Texas Open Champion), Hale Irwin (1977 Texas Open Champion), Lee Trevino (1980 Texas Open Champion) and Tom Watson (1987 Texas Open Champion) are all scheduled to appear.
Crenshaw, Trevino and Watson will be featured speakers at the tournament’s annual Night to Honor Our Heroes presented by Boeing military appreciation banquet on Friday, April 1. Sponsorships and guest tables are still available for those interested in supporting the event.
PGA TOUR players have until Friday, March 25 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to commit and can withdraw from the 144-player field at any time.
Tickets to the Valero Texas Open are now on sale via Ticketmaster and ValeroTexasOpen.com. As is customary, all net proceeds from the event will go to support hundreds of charity organizations throughout South Texas and well beyond.
Given the significance of this year’s historic milestone, tournament officials are planning a variety of celebratory initiatives including the following:
- Valero Texas Open 100th Anniversary Concert presents Jason Aldean and Darius Rucker: The Valero Texas Open will host a one-of-a-kind concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary on Saturday, April 2 with the three-time ACM “Entertainer of the Year,” Aldeanand three-time GRAMMY award winner, Rucker. Walker County will kick off the concert following tournament play. All ticket holders attending Saturday’s third round competition will also be able to attend the concert.
- It’s Been A Journey - The True Story of the Oldest Golf Tournament in Texas: Tournament officials are collaborating with award-winning sportswriter and author Kevin Robbins, to tell the story of Texas Open from its origins to present day. This incredible commemorative volume will be complete and available for purchase in time for the tournament.
- Historical Golf Course Markers: Tribute historical markers will be placed at the golf courses that have hosted the tournament through the years including Brackenridge Park, Willow Springs, Fort Sam Houston, Oak Hills Country Club, La Cantera, and TPC San Antonio. These historical markers will feature the writings of Kevin Robbins highlighting the tournaments contested along with the years and storied champions for each respective course.
- Commemorative Artwork: Graeme Baxter, official artist to some of the world’s most important golf tournaments such as The Ryder Cup, The Open Championship and The Presidents Cup has been commissioned to paint a commemorative lithograph of Valero Texas Open‘s tournament course, The Oaks at TPC San Antonio.
Visit www.ValeroTexasOpen.com for all tournament news, updates, information and to purchase tickets.