TOUR Wife Travels: Walkers head home to San Antonio

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Hello and welcome to TOUR Wife Travels! My name is Erin and I am the wife of PGA TOUR player Jimmy Walker. My husband and I make it a point of exploring every city we visit, whether it's our first visit or our 10th, and finding new places to eat, shop, stay and explore has become our hobby. And now, TOUR Wife Travels would like to share those spots with you. If you ever find yourself in one of our "TOUR Stop Cities," I want to give you the insider information on all the places the pros, their wives and kids enjoy while they are in town. Visit my site tourwifetravels.com and follow me on Twitter @tourwifetravels for up-to-date tidbits from me and other golf families.

Is there such a thing as "home field advantage" in golf? We would like to think so! And this week we are excited to welcome everyone to our hometown, San Antonio, for the Valero Texas Open!

Walker

Jimmy has been a San Antonio resident since grade school and, I moved here reluctantly when we were married in 2005. After almost six years, though, I have become a big fan of the city, the people and really feel like San Antonio is home.

Jimmy and I are ready for a full week of family, friends and a little golf, too! We are also excited to share with you a few places we consider our hometown "favorites."

EAT.

San Antonio is known for its charming downtown Riverwalk and if you are going to be spending an evening exploring downtown, there is no better place to stop for dinner than Boudro's. A self-proclaimed "Texas Bistro," this trendy place is always packed and a favorite among locals braving the Riverwalk crowds. The pink Prickly Pear Margarita may look and sound girlie but don't let it fool you. This tart little concoction should probably come with a two-drink limit or you may find yourself at the bottom of the San Antonio River. (Don't panic, it's only about 3 feet deep!)

The second must-have item on Boudro's menu is the Tableside Guacamole. Simply put, it's the best. I'm willing to stand by my statement and will give away some sweet golf swag to the person proving me wrong!

The entire Boudro's menu is great, and the atmosphere is fun and festive. Be sure to make it a priority stop on your trip to San Antonio.

There aren't many restaurant signs designed to keep the masses away but that's exactly what "Rudy's: Worst B-B-Q In Texas" tries to do -- and fails miserably. After traveling to some of the self proclaimed "best" barbeque joints in the country, Rudy's worst is better than the best's best. When pulling up to the gas stations that house Rudy's you will undoubtedly question our suggestion but one bite of anything on the menu and you will understand why Rudy's is basically a religion around here. Be sure to sample a little bit of everything but don't forget the "sause."

SHOP.

For premiere shopping in San Antonio be sure to head to the Shops at La Cantera. The beautiful outdoor shopping and dining experience is perfect this time of year when mild weather is at a premium in South Texas. With tons of shops and restaurants to choose from, it's easy to lose track of time enjoying the mall.

STAY & GOLF.

Open only a year, the JW Marriot San Antonio is not only the host hotel for the Valero Texas Open, it is also the largest Marriott property in the world. The 1,002 rooms and 85 suites are a beautiful blend of Texas Hill Country and contemporary elegance, with every inch of the property total luxury.

While all the restaurants live up to great expectations, the Vegas-inspired High Velocity Sports Bar should not be missed. No matter which team you root for, the 120 foot-long high definition video wall makes you feel as you are right in the middle of the action.

Don't feel like heading down to the Riverwalk? Don't worry, the JW Marriot San Antonio has built its own! The River Bluff Water Experience, a six-acre water park, is one river you will actually want to swim in. Parents, try to keep your excitement under control and not push your kids out of the way when you see everything that the JW Marriot has to offer.

If you can tear yourself away from the massive hotel, be sure to book tee times at two championship golf courses located about a 9-iron away at TPC San Antonio. The Pete Dye-designed AT&T Canyon Course and Greg Norman-designed AT&T Oaks Course, which hosts the Valero Texas Open, are among the two newest additions to the TPC network.

The Oaks Course may be the first you choose to because, let's face it, everyone wants to play where the TOUR pros play. But absolutely do not overlook the fabulously designed Canyon Course. When Jimmy and Cameron Beckman, another San Antonio resident and TOUR winner, aren't hard at work prepping for the Valero Texas Open, the Canyon Course is on the top of their list to play.

Being a private golf club, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity JW Marriot guests have and play these two awesome tracks.

ETC.

Party with a purpose? That is exactly what this week's Fiesta San Antonio is all about -- with more than 100 events, each produced by a nonprofit organization. With an economic impact of over $200 million, the funds raised provide services to San Antonio residents throughout the year.

This is the first year Fiesta and the Valero Texas Open dates have coincided. With events ranging from parades to food and wine tastings to art shows and symphonies, Fiesta is another reason we love San Antonio.

We are so excited to have the TOUR in our town this week and hope you enjoy San Antonio as much as we do. With wind coming from all directions this time of year and the AT&T Oaks Course a rolling, whopping 7,522-yard monster, it's sure to be an exciting week of tough golf.

Cheers!