The Shell Houston Open, Legacy and Impact
In the 26 years of Shell’s sponsorship of the lone PGA TOUR stop in Houston, Texas, the region has been treated to world-class golf delivered by many of the greatest golfers in the world.
The true impact is what the tournament has done for the Houston community. While generating millions in economic impact, over $62M alone has been raised for children’s charities through the tournament and its year-round related activities. That money has supported well over an estimated 1 million children in the Houston community.
The golf theatre is spectacular and the community support is extraordinary. The quarter century partnership forged between the Houston Golf Association and Shell allowed for the rapid growth of the tournament and positive impact on the Houston community.
What has the Shell Houston Open Helped to Achieve?
- The First Tee of Greater Houston added nearly 100,000 new participants due to funds raised from the 2016 tournament. Now the largest The First Tee chapter in the worldwide network serving more than 300,00 youth annually, The First Tee of Greater Houston offers programming in 455 elementary schools in 29 school districts, classes at nine green grass facilities and partner youth organizations.
- Programming and new facilities at Chinquapin Prep were funded – providing inner city youth with opportunities to gain acceptance and scholarships to attend top-tier colleges.
- The local chapter of the Cenikor Foundation, Inc. has helped thousands of people win the fight against addiction to become productive citizens.
- Project Joy and Hope has given thousands of families a place to live without added financial stress while caring for their children with life-limiting conditions.
- HGA Junior Golf offered participants ages 7-18 an affordable path to grow in the game and become more competitive.
- The Houston Golf Association had the financial stability to pursue a municipal golf initiative – a program aimed at saving/improving Houston’s public golf courses for the enjoyment of all. Shell directed funding to Houston Golf Association’s restoration of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course, which will provide the East End with a new community center at the course.
Shell Houston Open Through the Years
1992 Shell Houston Open Champion-Fred Funk. Funk won the first Shell sponsored tournament at the TPC of the Woodlands, shooting a final score of 272. He established a single round course record of 62 along the way
2001 Shell Houston Open Champion Phil Mickelson. Mickelson won the 2011 Tournament with a total score of 268 at the Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston. Mickelson celebrates with some of the young volunteers at the tournament
2016 Shell Houston Open crowds sent attendance records. Many ran to get the best viewing spot.
2016 Shell Houston Open Champion Jim Herman. Herman won his first PGA TOUR event when he held off a stellar field to win the 2016 Shell Houston Open
Jordan Spieth at the 2016 Shell Houston Open. The multi-major winner remains a crowd favorite and he thrilled some of the kids with a long autograph session
The First Tee of Greater Houston is the largest First Tee chapter in the world. 300,000 kids actively participate each year in the programs many programs. Featured here are just a few.
2016 Shell Houston Open-set attendance records.
The iconic Shell logo floating adjacent to the 18th green at the Shell Houston Open
Phil Mickelson prepares for one his final shots during his 2011 championship run.
More about Shell in the Community
Shell fuels meals on wheels in Houston to fight hunger
Act. Donate. Share. Tell. Stand. just a few of the things we can do in our community
Getting 25,000 kids ready
The Houston Mayor’s Back 2 School Festival demonstrates what happens when community, education and business all work together.
Shell Joins the United Negro College Fund Walk for Education
Shell and Motiva employees in Houston turn out for the United Negro College Fund Walk for Education to benefit students and the community.