What's better than playing 18 holes on a weekday? Playing 18 holes with Texans players while raising money for those in need.
On Tuesday afternoon, Texans players, coaches and charitable golfers shot a round at the 14th annual Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic presented by BMW at the River Oaks Country Club.
Thanks to the generosity of participants and sponsors, the event helped raise a record $390,000 for the Houston Texans Foundation's Champions For Youth, which supports the Houston Food Back, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Texans YMCA.
Since its inception, the Charity Golf Classic has raised over $4.5 million for the Texans Foundation.
"It's a great event because it really brings out a large number of people from Houston," Texans chairman and CEO Bob McNair said. "Golfers get to play with our players and our coaches and get to know them. It's a great time to interact with the community and of course raise money for the foundation. Everybody's a winner."
"It's a big day," head coach Bill O'Brien added. "Everything we do in the community, it's huge. We really enjoy representing this city and days like this are vitally important."
The day began with lunch and was followed by a chance to warm up with Texans on the driving range before each player or coach paired up with a quartet of golfers from around Houston for a round of 18. The event concluded with a dinner reception.
While defensive end J.J. Watt realizes his skills are better utilized on the football field, he appreciates the chance to raise money for a good cause.
"It's great," Watt said. "It's a lot of fun. The coolest part is that we are raising a whole bunch of money for a lot of people."
Which players have the strongest golf game?
"We are all pretty understanding that none of us are that good," Watt said. "Generally the quarterbacks and special teamers are pretty solid at golf. Lechler, of course. I'm not going to claim to be a good golfer. If I shoot my jersey number, I'm having a darn good day."
For defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, it's all about the driver.
"Golf game going to be good," Wilfork said. "I'll probably hit a 450 (yard) drive today. I'll take the long drive competition, probably get a hole in one."
