Alright, so the Valero Texas Open, that 2024 show. Yeah, I went. Figured, what the heck. Needed to get out, see some sun, maybe some decent golf. It’s not like I’m a die-hard, you know? But sometimes you just gotta go see what the fuss is about. Been cooped up, working on stuff, and this seemed like a good enough reason to stretch my legs.
Getting There and Settling In
So, the decision was made. I got up, not too early, not too late. Just right. Made sure I had a few things:
- My old comfy hat, the one that’s seen better days.
- Sunscreen, because that Texas sun ain’t no joke.
- And my phone, mostly for telling time, not for taking a million pictures like some folks.
Good thing too, especially the hat. The drive to TPC San Antonio, well, it was what you’d expect. A bit of a crawl once you got close. Everyone and their brother heading the same way. Parking was an adventure in itself. Ended up a decent walk away, but hey, fresh air, right? At least that’s what I told myself. The shuttle bus line wasn’t too bad, surprisingly. Got on, got dropped off, and then you’re in.
First impression? Lots of green, lots of people. It’s a big place. You hear the buzz straight away. Announcers in the distance, a roar from a crowd somewhere. It gets you going a little bit, even if you’re just there to wander.
What I Saw and Felt Out There
I didn’t have a strict plan, you know? Just wanted to see some golf. Tried to catch a glimpse of some of the well-known guys. Man, it’s tough. You’re peering over shoulders, trying to find a gap in the crowd. Sometimes you get a great view of a swing, other times you just see the ball flying. But the sound, that crack when they hit it just right, that’s something else. You don’t quite get that on TV.
Walked around quite a bit. From one hole to another. Saw some amazing shots. Saw some… well, not so amazing shots. Makes you feel a bit better about your own game, if you play, that is. These guys are pros, and even they duff it sometimes. It’s relatable, in a weird way.
Grabbed some food eventually. The lines were, well, lines. Prices were event prices, you know the drill. Paid more for a bottle of water than I care to admit. But the burger I got wasn’t half bad. Found a spot on the grass to sit for a bit, just watching people. Families, groups of friends, serious golf nuts with all the gear. It’s a whole scene.
One thing I remember, there was this kid, maybe ten years old, who got a high-five from one of the golfers. The look on his face? Priceless. That’s the good stuff right there. It ain’t all about the scores and the winning, sometimes it’s those little moments.
The sun really started beating down by the afternoon. That hat I mentioned? Lifesaver. Saw a few folks looking pretty red. Always pack a hat, people. My feet were starting to complain after a few hours. It’s a lot more walking than you think, going from hole to hole, finding a good vantage point.
Winding Down
As the day wore on, I started to feel it. Good tired, though. The kind of tired where you know you’ve been out and about, doing something. The crowds started to thin a little as some groups finished up. I didn’t stay right till the very, very end. Figured I’d beat some of the traffic heading out. Smart move, I think.
So, that was my Valero 2024 experience. It wasn’t some life-changing event, you know? It was a day at a golf tournament. I saw some incredible athletes do their thing. I walked a lot. I probably got a bit too much sun, even with the hat. Would I do it again? Yeah, probably. It’s just one of those things. You go, you see, you get a feel for it. It’s real, not like watching it on a screen. And that’s worth something, I reckon.