GOLF

A local golf program is teaching kids about the fundamentals of the golf swing, the game and teaching them different skills, like goal-setting and self-management.

Patrick Rodgers took a step toward his first PGA Tour victory — and his first Masters appearance — on Friday, shooting a 5-under 67 to take a three-stroke lead midway through the second round of the weather-delayed Valero Texas Open.

Defending champ J.J. Spaun joins a long list of prior champions returning to San Antonio this year for the 101st Valero Texas Open as TPC San Antonio.

In addition to delicious pasties, smoked whitefish, beautiful acreage, waterfalls and coastline, the U.P. does golf better than anyone else in the state.

With St. Andrews fresh on people’s minds after seeing the images this weekend, one might wonder the following: How hard is it to play a round at the Old Course, the home of golf?

The Old Course at St. Andrews is to golf what the Mona Lisa is to art or the Holy Grail is to archeologists.

The term has been thrown around a lot because of what people perceive is taking place with the new LIV golf league.

Improve your golf game in the comfort of your own home with this golf simulator.

It's the first state championship in golf program history for NEISD school.

The Masters was only the beginning to some signature golf events and storylines of 2022.

In addition to the storyline of it likely being Tiger Woods' first tournament since a car accident, this year also marks the 25th anniversary of his first Masters and major tournament win that forever changed the game of golf.

After 11 months and four million dollars, the Olmos Basin Golf Course is open and ready for business.

The USGA and R&A now offer a local rule that would allow tours to limit clubs to a maximum of 46 inches.

Here are some key takeaways after the U.S.’s historic 19-9 rout of Europe during this weekend’s Ryder Cup in Wisconsin.

One of last year’s many casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic was the Ryder Cup, which had to postpone its biannual event one year, to this fall.

One of golf’s more entertaining events, the Ryder Cup, begins on Friday and figures to be a lively and must-see event, once again, for golf and sports fans throughout the world.

As most golfers age, there becomes one big goal they want to pursue: To shoot one’s age or lower.

It’s nicknamed “The Himalayas,” and for good reason.

What started as a sunny day at Topgolf with friends and family quickly turned into a dangerous situation for San Antonio teen Tomas Gomez.

Last week, the field of 60 who will compete in the men’s golf competition at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics was announced, and it will be a decorated field with six of the top-10 golfers in the world rankings included.

Prior to this weekend, it’s not too farfetched to believe that even casual golfers hadn’t heard of Harris English and Kramer Hickok.

Golf is a notable Father’s Day pastime that’s not going anywhere any time soon.

Did that really happen? Yes it did, and it was one of the most memorable moments in recent golfing memory.

The reaction was one that any casual golfer could certainly relate to, and it maybe even brought about some chuckles.

SAN ANTONIO – One year after the tournament canceled outright due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valero Texas Open is expected to host fans in a limited capacity and will present a completely new on-site experience while taking into account social distancing and other health and safety protocols. Tickets are on sale right now at ValeroTexasOpen.com. The Tournament will begin on Thursday, April 1.

Ortiz was one of the first golfers out on the tees Wednesday at Alamo City Golf Trail, but he was far from the only one. We’ve seen more golf this past year than we’ve seen ever at any other time, inside the Alamo City Golf Trail. We were up about 30 percent in rounds and in revenue,” Andrew Peterson, President and CEO of Alamo City Golf Trail said. AdThe increase in people and revenue will help local projects with Alamo City Golf Trail in the future. Alamo City Golf Trail is a nonprofit 501c3 and revenues go back into making the facilities better and nicer.

SAN ANTONIO – After it was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valero Texas Open is back this year and will be held from March 29 to April 4 with limited spectators.

Even at 45, Woods is among the more recognizable sports figures in the world and remains golf's biggest draw. Briefly Tuesday, the world paused and worried that Woods might be critically injured or worse. It was the 10th surgery for Woods, who has suffered knee, back and neck problems for more than a decade. The crash happened about 7:15 a.m. on a sweeping, downhill stretch of a two-lane road through upscale suburbs. The news put a damper on the World Golf Championship in Florida, where Woods was eligible to play.

By now, Tiger Woods is a household name. It didn’t show the bright-eyed, wide-grinning Tiger we’d all come to know and love. Tiger Woods, 15 years old at the time, poses with his father, Earl Woods, while celebrating Tiger's victory at the 1991 USGA Junior Amateur Championships on at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Florida. Finally, Earl Woods didn’t just want Tiger to be a golf prodigy. “It’s always been, ‘Rachel Uchitel, Tiger Woods’ mistress,’” she said.

Tiger Woods and son Charlie Woods during the PNC Championship. Tiger Woods and son Charlie Woods during the PNC Championship. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann) (Getty Images)Tiger Woods and son Charlie Woods during the PNC Championship. (Getty Images)Tiger Woods and son Charlie Woods during the PNC Championship. (Getty Images)Tiger Woods and son Charlie Woods during the PNC Championship.

If you’re clicking around on the remote control while watching TV this weekend, odds are, you’ll stumble on som sights of Augusta National Golf Club. Yes, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, that will be the case for the first time in the history of the illustrious tournament. Paul Casey of England plays a shot on the second hole during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on November 09, 2020 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith) (Getty Images)One of the reasons the Masters is often the most-rated golf tournament is the stunning sight of azaleas and other flowers throughout the course. No fansThis won’t be any different from any other golf tournament or major sporting event this year.

Folks on Twitter certainly couldn’t, even after it happened Tuesday afternoon. Rahm skips to a hole-in-one on No. Rahm succeeded when the ball took four skips on the water and reached the green -- but the shot only got better from there. The ball then went into the hole, which would have sent any fans into a wild eruption, except fans aren’t allowed on the course due to the pandemic. Still, it was captured in the video and sent Twitter into a frenzy.

While a birdie is 1-under par on a hole and an eagle is 2-under par, a step better than that is an albatross, which is 3-under par on a hole. In the four major tournaments, it has only happened 18 times since 1870, according to GolfLink. An albatross has happened the most times at golf’s oldest major, the British Open, which has seen an albatross occur eight times in its history. The U.S. Open and PGA Championship were the last to see three, by Nick Watney in 2012 and Joey Sindelar in 2006, respectively. Maggert has two of the 18 albatrosses at major tournaments, collecting one at the 1994 Masters and one during the 2001 British Open.

SAN ANTONIO With the COVID-19 pandemic many children are not able to participate some of the sporting events they normally would like to right now. As a result, directors at First Tee Greater San Antonio want to give all kids an opportunity to get outside and play and still do a sport safely. Registration for First Tee Greater San Antonio is open and their programming launches Sept. 14. Directors reiterate that golf is an inherently social distancing sport, and that theyve added additional measures for safety. Directors said the program is already discounted, but that they do not turn children away.

HORSESHOE BAY – Boerne Champion senior Zach Heffernan became the first golfer in 25 years and just the third in the Texas Junior Amateur’s 94-year history to win back-to-back titles. And how he did it is just as impressive: after leading the first day, Zach didn’t play quite as well day two and found himself with a challenge on the last day of competition. “After the first day playing good, being in the lead and then the second day – it’s nice being in the lead I guess after the first day but not really. “And then went from there.”By the 18th hole, Zach had not only drawn even, but was one stroke up. “When I have the confidence and feel like I’m going to win, I just always play good golf.”

Are you ever flipping around on TV and you come across some sort of golf tournament? Golf looks pretty fun, and somewhat less strenuous than some of the other professional sports. Plus, golfing seems like an enjoyable group activity or a bucket-list item for a scenic vacation.

But if you’re in need of more ideas, how about this one: Have you tried taking your kid golfing? Depending on which part of the country you golf, other wildlife such as deer and alligators can also easily be present on a golf course. On a side note, you don’t have to have your kid hit EVERY shot. Golf courses know the value of introducing the game to youngsters, and thus, will often offer heavy discounts for kids to play, if they even charge them at all for a round. Some golf courses also will offer discounts for families who want to play.

Here are five reasons why a round of golf on Mackinac Island’s Jewel Golf Course is an experience like no other. The ferry rideSome ferry rides to Mackinac Island will take you underneath the Mackinac Bridge. Spectacular viewsViews from the Jewel Golf Course on Mackinac Island. The Jewel Golf Course on Mackinac Island. The Jewel Golf Course on Mackinac Island.

Of course, both were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it does lead to one question: Why were both events outright canceled and not simply postponed? Theres a two-pronged answer as to why Wimbledon and the British Open wont take place in 2020: Insurance money and incredible foresight. Just like the AELTC, the R&A had an insurance policy protecting against a global pandemic, and the British Open was reportedly the most insured of all the tournaments, according to Golf Digest. Unlike Wimbledon, it is unclear what the insurance payout was for canceling the British Open. It was the first time since 1945, when World War II was in its final stages, that Wimbledon and the British Open werent played in the same year.

Bryson DeChambeau won his first major title by not only conquering an elite field and a treacherous course during this weekend’s U.S. Open at Winged Foot, but obliterating both. But since golf started back up, DeChambeau has been the talk of golf, and arguably, sports. Here are five reasons why DeChambeau just might be golf’s next big thing. DeChambeau eats four eggs, five pieces of bacon, toast and two protein shakes for breakfast, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, two protein shakes, a protein bar and snacks for lunch, and steak, potatoes and two shakes for dinner. During the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit earlier this year, DeChambeau hit 19 drives that went 350 yards or further.

SAN ANTONIO PGA Hope which stands for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere is the PGA foundations flagship military program. The PGA Hope initiative connects golf with Veterans, many with disabilities and the program is currently being offered locally at the Mac Wylie Golf Center to the benefit of all involved. A recent San Antonio transplant, Josh Belendez is a member of the Individual Ready Reserve and felt the PGA Hope program would be a great opportunity to meet new people and practice a sport he enjoys. I think golf is a tremendous outlet. I think its great.Air Force Veteran Maureen Forbes said PGA Hope has given her an outlet during the pandemic and is helping her achieve her golfing goals.

SAN ANTONIO – The UIW golf program might have been cut short, but that didn’t mean that recent graduate, John Hill, didn’t shine. Hill was a Southland men’s golf All-Academic first team selection two years in a row as well as a first team All-Southland Conference selection last season. Hill won three tournaments outright his junior season – the most individual wins in a single semester for the Cardinals. Hill was also named the Southland Conference Men’s Golf Student Athlete of the Year for the 2019-20 season – also a program first. “You just kinda have to learn to go out and shoot a low number each time and just kinda go fight against a lot of really good players so I’m excited to do that – I love playing against good players.

SAN ANTONIO – Municipal golf courses in San Antonio and Bexar County have been given permission to reopen after they were closed on April 3 to limit the spread of COVID-19. Alamo City Golf Trail posted on its Facebook page Monday that all eight of its golf facilities will reopen Tuesday for walking golfers only. The City of San Antonio confirmed the news to KSAT on Monday. RELATED: Private golf courses reopen in San Antonio; Here’s what to know before hitting linksThe ACGT posted several policy changes that include the temporary closures of clubhouses and clubhouse bathrooms. This follows the city and county’s amendment of its “Stay Home, Work Safe” orders which reopened San Antonio area private courses in on Thursday.

SAN ANTONIO – Private golf courses in San Antonio and Bexar County have officially reopened following a nearly two-week closure but municipal courses are still temporarily closed. The closure was initially part of an order placed on golf courses and other recreational activities in Bexar County and San Antonio on April 3 to limit the spread of COVID-19. However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a letter on April 11 that outlined new guidelines that allowed golf courses in the state to reopen as long as they are implementing certain social distancing restrictions. On Thursday, the City of San Antonio made an addendum to its order that stated private courses can operate if there are no equipment rentals, caddies or other personnel involved and social distancing guidelines are maintained. The city’s addendum added that private courses may continue using groundskeepers and can sell food if consistent with restaurant rules.

LAS VEGAS – Nobody would have given odds on this. Inside the glittering casinos that line the Las Vegas Strip, the slot machines were turned off and the sportsbooks were dark. Oddsmaker Jay Kornegay would be in the middle of it all at the Westgate Las Vegas, one of the most popular sportsbooks to watch March Madness. But the massive hotel, like all others in Las Vegas, is closed because of the new coronavirus and the huge televisions in the sportsbook are dark. Oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro said it didn’t make much sense to offer betting online when only obscure sports in faraway places are available to wager on.

SAN ANTONIO – Editor’s note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. Count Tapatio Springs Resort furloughed its workers counting it among other businesses in the area hospitality industry hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Boerne-area golf and lodging destination began furloughing 55 full-time and three part-time workers on a rolling basis on March 23, according to a notice filed with the Texas Workforce Commission obtained by the Business Journal. Tapatio Springs officials said they are hopeful the furloughs are not “long-lasting,” but added that the duration is unknown at this point. Read the full story at the San Antonio Business Journal.

San Antonio – The golfing landscape on the southeast side of San Antonio is going to look different after May 3 as the 212-acre property that encompasses The Republic Golf Course is being sold by Foresight Golf. He said he was particularly saddened to learn the news as a similar course on the south side, Pecan Valley, had closed in 2012. Our students will utilize other golf courses within Foresight Golf along with area golf courses for their internships.”The course fulfills an important need in the community as it is one of the only golf offerings on the city’s south side. Paul Espinoza has been visiting The Republic bimonthly and names both the course maintenance and affordability as factors that draw in local golfers. A press release from the ownership goes on to say that the closing “...follows national trends: approximately 100 to 200 golf courses closed across the U.S. annually since 2009.

San Antonio – Opportunities to play sports – even recreationally – have been severely limited to combat the spread of COVID-19 and Monday evening San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff introduced a ‘Stay Home, Work Safe’ order set to go into effect Tuesday at 11:59pm, running through April 9. However, per the City of San Antonio, area golf courses remain open during the length of the order as long as staff and patrons practice social distancing, allowing locals to partake in one of the few sports still available. Andrew Peterson is the President and CEO of the Alamo City Golf Trail and believes traits inherent in golf make it a safe activity. “It’s self-isolation and social distancing so I’m kind of on my own and don’t go near anybody really,” Smithson said. It’s one thing I can do by myself.”With many people staying home from work and school to reduce the spread of the virus, the San Antonio golf courses have provided a much-need opportunity for leisure and exercise.