After a grueling four-week stretch of FedEx Cup Playoff events and one day after finishing fourth in the TOUR Championship playoff finale, Garcia came to San Antonio to walk the Norman course. As the player consultant, Sergio's role is to share his experiences as a player who has played courses the world over, mix in what his peers on the PGA TOUR expect of a championship course, and balance that with features that will be exciting to amateur golfers who will play the course year-round.

Garcia has played the Valero Texas Open on the Resort Course at La Cantera and loved every minute of it. Since tournament dates in recent years conflicted with the Ryder Cup and major European Tour events (Garcia has membership on both the PGA TOUR and European Tour), he has not been a regular visitor to San Antonio. With his active involvement in the TPC San Antonio project, those visits in coming years will likely be much more frequent, and may provide him with a competitive advantage.

"I'm trying to set it up for me," he said with a smile. And he feels that without a doubt, "it could definitely change the way that people think about coming in to play the Valero Texas Open." With an emphasis on fitting the course within the natural topography, TOUR pros and amateurs will experience a course that looks as though it was always a part of the landscape instead of something manufactured.

One thing is for sure: the TPC San Antonio and the Norman course have the potential to excite PGA TOUR players and fans and to fuel another era of tremendous growth for the Valero Texas Open. The new resort, complete with a stellar second course being designed by Pete Dye and player consultant Bruce Lietzke and an incredible 1,000-room J.W. Marriott resort, will certainly not disappoint. The future couldn't be brighter for the Valero Texas Open and golf tourism in San Antonio.

WHEN THE PGA TOUR COMES TO TOWN, EVERYONE KNOWS THERE WILL BE AMAZING
golf to watch. What some people don't realize is that the golf is only the beginning of the fun to be had at the Valero Texas Open. This year's Valero Texas Open, to be held Oct. 4-7 at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, promises some great action on the greens as well as a variety of fun family activities off the course.

There will be activities for all ages during the tournament's Aquafina Family Fiesta, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the La Cantera driving range. The fiesta will include a free picnic lunch for children and a charity chip 'n' putt contest that raises money for local charities. There will also be face-painting, games and caricatures. Junior golfers will also enjoy the Starting New At Golf (SNAG) equipment – large, colorful plastic clubs designed to help introduce the game of golf to young players.

And Saturday isn't the only day that you can find fun above and beyond golf. From Thursday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 7, the Pepsi Pavilion, which is open to all spectators, features a variety of interactive games and activities. Young and old alike can pretend to be a sports announcer in the broadcasting booth, participate in simulated long-drive and closest-to-the-pin contests, play video games and have their photos taken. XM Radio will even be on hand to offer spectators the chance to test out their cutting-edge technology.

Spectators also will want to visit the virtual Valero Corner Store, featuring games, product samplings, giveaways and appearances by costumed characters. They can also purchase ICEEs, with proceeds going to charity.

The Oasis at No. 9 green will also be a hot spot from Thursday through Sunday. With its glass walls and patio overlooking the action on the course, this open-to-the-public facility will also show college and pro football all weekend long, allowing avid sports fans to keep up with the Valero Texas Open live and still enjoy the traditions of football season. Fans can also get a sneak peak at another great San Antonio event slated for December, the always exciting Valero Alamo Bowl.

On Sunday, Oct. 7, at 8 a.m., before the final round of the Valero Texas Open, spectators are invited to attend a non-denominational religious service on the scenic ninth green, followed by a complimentary breakfast for the congregation. Robert Emmitt, Senior Pastor of Community Bible Church, will be leading the service and will be joined by our featured speaker Nick Vujicic of "Life Without Limbs".

After the final putt on Sunday, the 2007 Valero Texas Open champion will be presented with the trophy during the closing ceremonies. The festivities will take place immediately following play on the 18th green. There will be brief remarks by the champion and other festivities to mark the tournament's conclusion.

Tickets for the tournament can be purchased through schools participating in the Chip In for Schools program by calling the GSA office at (210) 345-3818 or online at www.golfsanantonio.org. Chip In for Schools gives area schools and school programs the opportunity to sell tickets at a discounted price of $10 (advance tickets are $15 and tickets sold at the gate are $20). Every dollar collected by the schools will go back to the schools.

Tickets, priced at $15, also are available at area Valero Corner Stores through the end of tournament week. For a list of participating stores, visit www.golfsanantonio.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the tournament gate for $20. Children (17 and under) and spectators with a valid military ID will receive free admission.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Valero Texas Open, where there truly is something for everyone!

As with many great traditions, one important element has remained constant: the significant role of individual citizens in the growth of the tournament. This is especially evident in the soaring success of Birdies for Charity, a unique pledge-based fund-raising program linked directly to the Valero Texas Open.

Last year, Birdies for Charity raised an unprecedented $584,000. Through the efforts of more than 170 active charities, over 5,000 caring members of San Antonio and neighboring communities (people like you) pledged their support to this program. The record-setting result made a significant and lasting impact on children, disadvantaged individuals and families.

It's never too late for you to support San Antonio through an organization you believe in. The pledge period goes through October 2. Donations or pledges can be made at any time by visiting www.golfsanantonio.org and clicking on Birdies for Charity. Charities interested in participating next year can contact Stephanie Sage (stephanie@golfsanantonio.org) for enrollment information for 2008.

We are thrilled to report that 2007 looks like another record-setting year for Birdies for Charity. And there is still plenty of time to do your part and get involved!

While her friends were busy doing the things most kids do when summer arrives, Sara was traveling to Kansas State University to try to qualify for the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. She joined a select group of kids from around the country who were testing their golf talent and life skills knowledge for the chance to compete in a Champions Tour event at Pebble Beach alongside some of the greatest names in the game.

This wonderful experience has prepared Sara for her next adventure as she has been selected to join 50 high school students from around the world at the Future Leaders Forum in November at the Walt Disney World Resort in beautiful Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This once-in-a-lifetime, three-day immersion in the sport, business and science of golf holds career and leadership opportunities that could become the first step to successful career choices for Sara in the world of golf.

"Sara has really embraced The First Tee program and understands the breadth of what it has to offer all the children. She takes the time to understand how she can gain experiences that will benefit her as she gets older. We love using Sara's successes to illustrate to other participants that they too need to dream big ... nothing is beyond their reach," said Mary Carriker, director of The First Tee of San Antonio.

The Future Leaders Forum is an innovative, 360-degree educational program surrounding various topics in and outside of golf. The forum offers students an exclusive opportunity to learn about career opportunities in the golf industry by shadowing professionals involved at the PGA TOUR to discover what it takes to run a golf tournament. The kids also learn firsthand from industry leaders about career opportunities within the sport – and not just as an athlete.

Sara is just one of the amazing youngsters who participate in The First Tee of San Antonio. Get your child involved and encourage them to fully utilize the resources around them. The First Tee of San Antonio is operated out of The Polo Field Golf Facility in Brackenridge Park. Programs are available at no cost to children ages five to 17. Visit www.thefirstteesanantonio.org or www.golfsanantonio.org and click on The First Tee page.

The 2007 Texace Championship Series proved to be challenging both on and off the golf course. With eight events spread over a four-month schedule, chances are that bad weather would catch up to you somewhere along the way. But to have seven of the eight amateur championships delayed or postponed is nothing short of amazing. Despite the rain, all events were completed and more than 1,500 rounds of competitive golf where played.

When the last newsletter went out, the 4th Greater San Antonio Junior Match Play Championship had just gotten under way. Medina Valley freshman Curtis Reed won six matches at Brackenridge Golf Course to capture the boys' title. Simultaneously, Churchill sophomore Jessica Borth also won six matches to become the reigning girls' champion.

Just a week later, the American Junior Golf Association rolled into town as co-host of the Valero Texas Open Junior Shootout at newly renovated San Antonio Country Club. Robert Mayo of Austin won the boys' division with a wire-to-wire victory. He was able to overcome some final-round jitters and retain a lead he had held since the first round. Beginning the day at 5 over after seven holes, Mayo pulled it together on No. 8 and carded birdies on No. 16 and No. 17 to beat Juan Pablo Hernandez of Mexico City for the title.

Mary Michael Maggio of Conway, Ark., ran away with the title in the girls' division with an incredible 10-stroke margin over her nearest competitor. In the process, she also captured her first AJGA victory. Maggio nearly gave up her lead early in the round but came back with a vengeance by carding four birdies on Nos. 15 through 18, posting a final-round 1-under-par 71.

Wrapping up the junior events, again just one week later, was the City Junior Championship, which was played at Brackenridge Golf Course and Olmos Golf Course. The final junior event in the Texace Series brought out more than 225 junior golfers to compete for the title. Sam Jernigan notched a narrow one-stroke win over Dillon Kirk, Jadon Mehra and Timothy Paiz in the boys'e division. Flower Castillo, a standout golfer from Lee High School, claimed the girls' division title by four strokes over Junior Girls' Match Play champion Jessica Borth.

The amateur season came to a close in August with the Greater San Antonio Match Play Championship at Woodlake, with 120 players competing in the men's, women's and seniors' divisions. Jamie Amoretti captured six matches to take the title in the men's division. Miki Gardner beat a strong field to win the inaugural Greater San Antonio Women's Match Play. Tommy Brown, playing in his first event as a senior competitor, won the seniors' division.

Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2007 Texace Championship Series. A special thanks to our title sponsor, Texace, for its generous support of all the city championships! For more information on Texace, visit www.texace.com.

Look for the 2008 Greater San Antonio Amateur Championship schedule in the next few months. Please visit www.golfsanatonio.org for more information.