Professionals discuss playing PGA TOUR venues at a young age

The return of the summer golf schedule also means the return of one of the longest-running Open events conducted by the AJGA: the Valero Junior Texas Open. With the application deadline (June 6) approaching, see the attached video from PGA TOUR professionals at the Valero Texas Open discussing the excitement of playing a TOUR venue as a junior golfer. 

The Valero Junior Texas Open has been a staple on the AJGA schedule since 1992, when 16-year-old Tiger Woods won the event during his storied junior career.  

Since then, the tournament has grown into a top AJGA Open event at a PGA TOUR venue. Since being moved to TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Oaks Course in 2015, players have been treated to the full TOUR experience. The same hole locations are used as the Valero Texas Open. The trophies are replicas and lockers have personalized nameplates. Prior to the event is a Media Press Conference similar to the TOUR event. Juniors even participate in a putting contest comparable to the traditional Caddy Putting Contest at the Valero Texas Open.

The AJGA Qualifier for the event is also held at Brackenridge Park Golf Course, the original host site of the Valero Texas Open beginning in the 1920s.  

In 2015, Jimmy Walker became the first winner of both the Valero Texas Open and the Valero Junior Texas Open (1996). Other PGA TOUR mainstays have competed at both. Patrick Reed, who finished runner-up at the 2016 Valero Texas Open, competed in the 2005 Valero Junior Texas Open.

Juniors in the Girls Division have also gone on to enjoy extended success on the LPGA Tour. Reigning US Women’s Open champion Brittany Lang won the Valero Junior Texas Open in back-to-back years in 2001-02. Major champion Morgan Pressel also won in San Antonio at the 2004 edition.

In 2017, TPC San Antonio will host the AJGA July 10-13. The tournament application deadline is Tuesday, June 6.

See the above video featuring AJGA alumni and current PGA TOUR players who talk about the unique experience of playing on a PGA TOUR venue.