Fore the Community

Big names tee up for Texas Children's Houston Open golf tournament

For over seven decades, the Texas Children’s Houston Open has been a cornerstone event in the world of professional golf. But beyond the fairways and greens, this PGA TOUR tournament stands as a beacon of philanthropy, making a lasting impact on the community through its charitable efforts.

The details
Taking place March 27-March 30 at Memorial Park Golf Course, this year’s Texas Children’s Houston Open promises thrilling competition and an enhanced fan experience. Spectators will have the chance to witness elite golfers battle for supremacy while enjoying a variety of ticketing options.

Photo courtesy of Texas Children's Houston Open

The Venue Hopper pass is an excellent choice for those looking to elevate their tournament experience. This pass grants access to two exclusive venues strategically positioned at the most exciting holes on the course. Ticket holders can enjoy all-inclusive food, non-alcoholic beverages, and full-service bars where alcoholic beverages are available for an additional charge. The featured venues include:

Chord Energy Club – 15th Green: Known as the “loudest hole in Texas,” this venue offers a vibrant atmosphere with raised patio seating, multiple bars, and lots of food areas. Positioned just left of the challenging Par 3, it is a prime spot to watch key moments unfold.
Michelob Ultra Club – 16th Green: A double-decker venue located on the right of the green on the Par 5 16th hole, providing fans with an incredible view of golfers attempting to reach the peninsula-shaped green in two strokes or strategically laying up.

For those who prefer a more traditional golf experience, General Admission tickets provide access to all public areas of the course, allowing fans to follow their favorite players or settle into a prime viewing spot. There's also a fantastic perk for families: Children 15 and under attend for free!

Plan your parking in advance here.

A star-studded lineup
The Texas Children’s Houston Open is set to feature an incredible roster of world-class golfers, including Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1), Rory McIlroy (World No. 2), Wyndham Clark (World No. 7), Matt Fitzpatrick (past U.S. Open champion), Tony Finau (past champion and World No. 26), Nick Dunlap (Rookie of the Year), and fan favorite Rickie Fowler.

With such an elite field, fans can expect top-level play and unforgettable moments on the course. See the course map here.

A tournament that gives back
One of the defining aspects of the Texas Children’s Houston Open is its commitment to giving back. The tournament directly benefits a variety of causes, making a profound impact on the community. Through its charitable initiatives, the event supports educational programming for schools, scholarships for inner-city youth, financial aid for parents of children with life-limiting conditions, and improvements to golf courses for public enjoyment.

A significant highlight of the tournament’s philanthropic efforts is the “Birdies for Charity” program. This initiative allows donors to contribute and designate their donations to specific causes, ensuring that funds are directed where they are most needed.

The event also proudly partners with the Houston Astros, further strengthening its community outreach and impact.

Photo courtesy of Texas Children's Houston Open

It's a star-studded lineup.

For the fans
Throughout the tournament, fans can look forward to exciting giveaways:

Friday, March 28: First 2,500 fans receive a Cadence Bank bucket hat
Saturday, March 29: First 2,500 fans receive a Texas Children’s Hospital cooling towel

Additionally, fans can enjoy live music after the trophy ceremony on Sunday, March 31, with Adrian Michael and the Greenway Band closing out the event in style.

Join the excitement
Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or just looking for a fun and philanthropic way to spend a weekend, the Texas Children’s Houston Open — with its thrilling competition, premier hospitality, and a strong commitment to charitable giving — is the place to be.

Secure your tickets today and be part of a tournament that combines world-class golf with community impact.

charity golf golf tournament scottie scheffler memorial park golf course promoted

In Memoriam

Legendary Texas singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

In a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

As with many local legends, it's hard to tease out what specifically made Ely's time in Austin so great; Austin treasures its live music staples, so being around and staying authentic from the early days is often the most important thing an artist can do.

Ely got his local start at One Knight Tavern, which later became Stubb's BBQ — the artist and the famous venue share a hometown of Lubbock. He alternated nights with emerging guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughn. He built his own recording studio in Dripping Springs, and kept close relationships with other Texas musicians. Later in his career, Ely brought fans into the live music experience, publishing excerpts from his journal and musings on the road in Bonfire of Roadmaps (2010), and was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2022. Austin blues icon Marcia Ball was among Ely's friends who played the induction show.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings. [...]"

Read the full story at KVUE.com. CultureMap has added two paragraphs of context about the Austin portion of Ely's career.

obituary music country music

Fore the Community

Big names tee up for Texas Children's Houston Open golf tournament

Houston Mediterranean restaurant makes NY Times' best desserts list

New Houston cocktail bar serves up a house party fueled by music and martinis

Beyoncé-loved Houston brunch spot expands and more popular stories

In Memoriam

Legendary Texas singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78