It’s quite possible the most entertaining professional sporting event in Northern California is also one of the most overlooked events each year.
The Safeway Open presented by Chevron – a PGA Tour stop – is back again this year, running October 3-7 at the Silverado Resort and Spa.
The tournament, in its third year in Napa, has become the premier event to combine many of life’s finer things – golf, food, wine and entertainment – at an affordable price.
August 28, the powers that be from the tournament took time from their busy schedules of getting ready for the tournament to meet with the media and talk about this years’ event.
Of course, last year’s Safeway Open, which was won by Brendan Steele for the second straight year, was overshadowed by what happened hours after the tournament ended.
It was late Sunday night when the wild fires in both the Sonoma and Napa Valley’s started, destroying property and taking lives. The resort, which still included players and tournament staff, was evacuated as Silverado suffered the loss of several homes and property.
This year the event is donating 100 percent of ticket sales to rebuilding the Napa Valley and ongoing relief efforts in the area.
“Supporting the communities where we live and serve our customers is at the heart of our company’s culture,” said Bob Miller, Chairman and CEO of Albertsons Companies. “Safeway and the Safeway Open golf event will continue to support those in the Napa Valley region as they rebuild from this tragedy.”
Daily tickets to the event are $40, with a five-day ticket available for $100. If you go to the Safeway Open web site, there are links to buy tickets through Safeway or Chevron for $30 for daily tickets or $75 for the five-day option.
It’s a great price for an event that will once again feature a quality field headed by Phil Mickelson.
This will mark the third consecutive appearance by Mickelson at the Safeway Open that has a $6.4 million-dollar purse, with $1.152 million to the winner.
Other popular commitments to the tournament include Fred Couples and John Daly. Former Oakland A’s pitcher Mark Mulder – a three-time winner of the American Century Celebrity event in Tahoe, has been granted a sponsors’ exemption and will compete this year as well.
Mulder is a scratch golfer and will look to make history by becoming the first professional athlete from another sport to make the cut in a PGA TOUR event.
“Mark has a deep connection with the sports community in the Bay Area and he’s got some serious game on the course too,” said Jeff Sanders, the Lagardere Sports Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the tournament. “We know the A’s fans will be out here supporting him and it will be fun to watch as he tests his game against PGA TOUR players and Silverado’s North Course.”
Fresh off his win at The Wyndham Championship, Brandt Snedeker has committed to the Safeway Open. He captured the golf world’s attention when he carded a first round 59, becoming just the ninth player in PGA TOUR history to do so. This will be the nine-time PGA TOUR winner’s first appearance in Napa since 2015.
All tickets to the tournament include complimentary access to the four on-course hospitality venues as once again there is no upgrade and no cover charge for any of the special sites.
The Safeway Food & Wine Pavilion is over 25,000 square feet of food and wine. Enjoy lunch in this giant air-conditioned tent or take your meal outside to one of two viewing decks to watch golf and soak up the sun. This venue will feature great food from the Safeway Signature Cafe and world-renowned chefs. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, a tasting flight or a beverage from the 360-degree sports bar.
The food in the Pavilion again features dishes from chefs such as Thomas Keller, Charlie Palmer and Morimoto.
The Coors Light Beers fore Birdies is back as well. Located behind the 16th green, Beers fore Birdies features discounted beer every time a player makes birdie or eagle on the 16th hole.
In the mood for a specialty cocktail? Watch your favorite players from the Spirits Lounge, greenside on the 17th hole and enjoy unique concoctions featuring over 10 popular spirits brands.
The Brew Loft is the final venue. Choose from more than a dozen beers on tap while you sit greenside on the exciting par-3 11th hole.
The concert series is back as well this year and could be the best the tournament has offered. Thursday night features the Red Rocker – Sammy Hagar and the Circle. Friday night offers Young the Giant, and finally Saturday night brings a close to the series with Billy Idol.
The concerts are included with a ticket to the golf tournament and will take place Chevron Stage on the mansion lawn following the completion of golf Thursday-Saturday.
For more information on the event please go to www.safewayopen.com
By Dennis Miller