Crane pushed for a move to the fall because Houston's summer weather would not attract sizeable galleriesGETTY IMAGES
The PGA Tour has "accepted in principle" a "sponsorship-package proposal" from Astros Owner Jim Crane to take over the Houston Open, according to sources cited by Dale Robertson of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. A finalized deal would "ensure the 72-year golf tournament will continue for at least five more years." The next event "will be played the second week of October at the Golf Club of Houston," where it has been held since '06, "meaning it's moving to the fall for the first time on a regularly-scheduled basis." A vacant pre-U.S. Open slot "had been discussed, but Crane was insistent that Houston's sultry summer weather wouldn't be conducive to attracting sizeable galleries." Instead, the tournament will "apparently be the first or second event" of the '18-19 PGA Tour season. Crane has admitted he "hopes to parlay personal friendships with elite players such as Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson into a stronger field than might be expected for an early fall event" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/12).
