OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Astros owner Jim Crane makes major league save of Houston Open golf tournament
Steven Devadanam
Jun 12, 2018, 4:41 pm
Crane (right) announced that his Astros Foundation is taking over the Houston Open. Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan
This story originally appeared on CultureMap/Houston.
Houston’s most iconic golf tournament has a new benefactor, thanks to a major league move by Astros owner Jim Crane.
Crane’s Astros Foundation announced on June 12 that it has a five-year agreement with the PGA Tour to run the Houston Open starting in the fall of 2019. The date of the tournament was not announced. The prize money will be $7.5 million.
The Astros Foundation — the team charity of the Houston Astros — will use a consortium of local sponsors for financial support of the tournament, according to a statement from the foundation.
“The Astros Foundation has always committed to giving back to our community,” said Crane, in a statement. “The funds raised by this tournament will allow us to continue our commitment to serving the people within our county and city and help improve our parks.”
Fans, followers, and organizers of the nationally relevant tournament have expressed concerns over the Houston Open’s future, as it was without a title sponsor — since Shell Oil declined to renew its contract after the 2017 tournament.
The Houston Golf Association ran it without a title sponsor this year, and the tour struggled to find a replacement. The announcement also means the Houston Golf Association is no longer the host organization of the Houston Open after 72 years.
Next season will be the first time the Houston Open is not part of the PGA Tour season since 1969. The Houston Open dates to 1946 when Byron Nelson won at River Oaks Country Club. The always nattily attired Ian Poulter won this year.
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The game was delayed for 80 minutes before being called. It was the White Sox’s second series victory of the season and their first series win against the Astros since July 2021. Chicago had lost or split its last six series with Houston.
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Key moment
With two outs in the sixth and a rain delay looming, Robert dropped a 2-1 pitch into center field for a single. Chase Meidroth came around to score from second, tying it at four. Robert stole second, enabling Quero to bring him home on what turned out to be the winning base hit.
Key stat
Entering Sunday, Chicago was 30th in the majors with runners in scoring position, hitting just .202 this season. The White Sox initially struggled, but finished the game 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position. All five of the team’s runs came with two outs.
Up next
The Astros will continue their road trip in Milwaukee, while the White Sox head to Kansas City for a four-game series against the Royals. Both series are scheduled to begin Monday.