Valero Texas Open 2026 Draws Record Crowds Amid PGA Tour Shakeup
Valero Texas Open 2026 Draws Record Crowds Amid PGA Tour Shakeup...
The 2026 Valero Texas Open is making headlines as attendance surges to unprecedented levels during Thursday's opening round at TPC San Antonio. Tournament organizers confirmed over 35,000 spectators on-site, marking a 22% increase from last year's event and setting a new Thursday record for the PGA Tour stop.
Golf fans are flocking to the event following the PGA Tour's controversial schedule changes that moved several marquee players to this week's tournament. World No. 3 Sam Burns leads a stacked field that includes seven of the top 15 ranked players, many adjusting their schedules after the Tour reduced overlapping events with LIV Golf's Miami tournament.
Local businesses in San Antonio report a significant economic boost, with hotels near the course sold out through Sunday. "We haven't seen this kind of excitement since the tournament moved to TPC San Antonio in 2010," said Valero Texas Open executive director Larson Segerdahl during a midday press conference.
The surge comes as the PGA Tour implements its new "elevated event" structure, with the Valero Texas Open now offering increased FedEx Cup points and a $9.5 million purse. First-round leaderboard surprises include 21-year-old amateur phenom Jake Holbrook sitting just two strokes back after shooting a 6-under 66.
Television ratings are also trending upward, with early reports showing a 17% increase in viewership for ESPN's afternoon coverage. The tournament runs through April 10, with Sunday's final round coinciding with the Masters' traditional practice round week for the first time in tournament history.
