I’ll be honest: I don’t know much about golf. I know the basic rules, and I know an amazing shot when I see one, but I’d be lying if I said I was a golf expert. But because we were invited to check out the Shell Houston Open this week by a good friend, and I knew it was something my husband would enjoy, it seemed like an offer we couldn’t refuse. This is not the stuffy golf tournament of the past; what really surprised me about the invitation is that not only did they invite Naomi, a 1.5 year old, but they encouraged it. Naomi is good at many things. Being quiet is not one of them. I was a little apprehensive about it, but came fully stocked with snacks, prepared to exit immediately, lest she mess up someone’s $1 million dollar shot with her screaming.

Thank goodness it didn’t come to that. In fact, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. I hadn’t been to the event in many years, and was surprised to see what a casual, easygoing crowd it was. Naomi has never met a stranger, and she made sure to wave to everyone walking by. She even made a friend, who didn’t mind sharing the roster with her. She almost took off onto the green once, but we caught her just in time.

There’s plenty of food, clean restrooms, and places to run around. There are spots to take practice swings for fun, and I can tell this is a great event to bring kids who are a little older to. What you also might not know is that the Houston Golf Association’s volunteers have generated more than $58 million for local worthy causes through the Shell Houston Open and other golf-related activities. Many of those dollars directly benefit children.

 

The Shell Houston Open is going on all weekend right here in Houston. You can buy tickets at the door, and there’s plenty of parking. Check it out this weekend!