SAN ANTONIO — UPDATE: Amid Gov.Greg Abbott's planned rollback on statewide COVID-19 restrictions, the Valero Texas Open says they will continue to enforce safety and health measures set in place, including a mask requirement and social distancing protocols.
"Our plans for spectators will not change due to PGA TOUR's protocols for all the tournaments," the organization said Tuesday.
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The Valero Texas Open is happening this year with fans in attendance – after being nixed last year due to the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. That's the word from the Bexar County Commissioners Court which gave the annual golf competition the green light Tuesday morning to have a limited number of fans in attendance for four days.
A mass gathering permit was approved for San Antonio's only PGA TOUR event to take place in March.
Some changes include:
- Masks will be required at all times unless eating or drinking.
- Completely changed structures/hospitality facilities will accommodate small, private, smaller gatherings (10-12 guests within venues)
- Eating/drinking not allowed within about 10 feet of rope line of golf course to keep spectators away from the players
- No enclosed structures – all open air
- Spaces created to allow for ample social distancing – accommodating for at least 36 square feet per individual in each venue
Sanitization: PPE will be available to spectators, staff, volunteers, etc. and for those who cannot wear masks for a medical reason – face shields will be provided.
The tournament will be open to the public for four days and they are planning to have a maximum of 5,000 people on each of those days.
The Valero Texas Open is the third oldest PGA TOUR tournament. It dates back to 1922, when it was called the Texas Open. San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corporation took over naming rights in 2002.
Plans also call for 1,000 volunteers to support the efforts to communicate messaging of masking up.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office will have a strong presence at event and will serve as the second line of defense – being prepared to escort people out if they do not abide by the protocols.