Astros Foundation signs deal to protect future of Houston Open

The PGA Tour has teamed up with the Astros Foundation, the charity arm of Major League Baseball team the Houston Astros, to support the annual golf event in the Texan city.

The five-year partnership begins with the 2019 edition of the Houston Open and runs until 2023.

The Astros Foundation will operate the event and serve as the host organisation. It will be supported by a consortium of local sponsors.

“Our team is committed to the continued growth of the Houston Open and making a positive impact in the city of Houston,” Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane said.

“The Astros Foundation has always committed to giving back to our community. The funds raised through this tournament will allow us to continue our commitment to serving the people within our county and city and help improve our parks.”

The Houston Open has been without a title sponsor since oil and energy company Shell ended its long-running partnership with the event following last year’s tournament. Shell had title sponsored the event since 1992.

The 2019 Houston Open will be held at the Golf Club of Houston during the fall portion of the PGA Tour’s 2019-20 FedEx Cup season, and so will not form part of the 2018-19 schedule.

Next year’s event will feature a purse of $7.5m (€6.4m). England’s Ian Poulter (pictured) is the defending champion having edged out Beau Hossler in a playoff at this year’s event back in April.