Shell Houston Open

April 23, 2003
Long been recognized as a leader in charity on the PGA TOUR, the Shell Houston Open last year generated $5.2 million for local Houston agencies. That figure ranks second among the 40-plus PGA TOUR events.

A driving force behind the tournaments success is the Houston Golf Association. The HGA is a volunteer group that operates numerous activities for the benefit of residents in the greater Houston area, including an extensive schedule of tournaments, clinics and other junior events.

The HGA is also the promoting organization for the annual Shell Houston Open and has been instrumental in the event, which donated more than $28 million to charity since Shell Oil Company became title sponsor.

During this year's edition of the PGA TOUR event, the tournament impact has already been felt in the Houston community. The HGA, in conjunction with the Shell Houston Open and Redstone Golf Club, sponsored the delivery of eight Feed The Children semi-tractor trailer trucks of food to benefit thousands of children and families in need.

"PGA TOUR golf is the professional sport in which every event generates funds for charity," said Gary Hill, President of the Houston Golf Association. "Using our golf-related activities to help feed hungry people is certainly a worthwhile objective."

Representatives from over 30 community service agencies arrived at Greenspoint Mall in Houston at various times throughout Tuesday morning, each to receive approximately 10,000 pounds of food to be used in their regular feeding programs.

"On behalf of Feed The Children, I want to personally thank the HGA for joining us in this event to help fight hunger in the Houston area," said ChuckSchilling, senior-vice president of Feed The Children. "Working together we can make a difference for families in need."

The Feed The Children is a non-profit, Christian, charitable organization providing physical, spiritual, educational, vocational/techical, economic and medical aid to families, and persons in need in the United States and internationally.

Later in the day at the Shell Houston Open, a different type of event was staged for children. Over
300 kids arrived at the Redstone Golf Club to attend the PGA TOUR/USA Network Youth Golf Program.

After introductions by Master of Ceremonies Chris Wraggle, TOUR veteran Esteban Toledo put on an exhibition to teach kids the basic skills in golf.

"It's a great opportunity to get kids involved in the game and get them started on the right track," said Toledo, who is currently involved in raising funds to build a church in his hometown in Mexico. "I enjoy, and it is rewarding to get the chance to help kids."

To end the event, shot making trick artist Dennis Walters had the youngsters in awe with his golfbag of tricks. Walters hit shots with long clubs, off three-foot tees and even got his dog Hogan into the
act.

While the clinic was not nearly as important as distributing food to those in need, the two events
combined merely demonstrate the broad range of activities undertaken by both the HGA and Shell Houston Open to enrich the lives of Houston area youth.