AT&T Byron Nelson Will Move In 2018

Statement from Jon Drago, AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament Director
We are deeply grateful to Irving, its residents and the Four Seasons for an incredible 35-year partnership. Since moving the tournament to Las Colinas in 1983, it has raised nearly $150 million for Momentous Institute, the tournament’s nonprofit beneficiary.  As a result, more than 100,000 lives in North Texas have been transformed. We will forever be proud of the great work we’ve done together and we will cherish the relationships we have made along the way. The 2017 tournament will be a celebration of our extraordinary partnership and one of our best tournaments yet.

Statement from Dirk Burghartz, Four Seasons General Manager and Regional Vice President
Over the last 30 years, we have been so honored to welcome the TOUR players, their families, spectators, media, sponsors and community partners into our Four Seasons family for tournament week.  Year after year we were blessed to be a part of the amazing work of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and the Momentous Institute.  Byron’s legacy will continue to live on at the Resort and we will always look back to the past with fond memories.  We treasure the un-breakable bonds and relationships with our partners and we wish them all the best with the future of the tournament.  And although the tournament is departing, rest assured that Four Seasons Resort will continue to provide an exceptional experience for its private members, guests and clients and remain focused on its core business, while maintaining their status as one of the premier resort destinations in Texas.

Statement from Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Mayor of the City of Irving
The AT&T Byron Nelson is and always has been a regional event. The tournament is bigger than any one city and benefits every community in North Texas. Irving has been honored to welcome the PGA TOUR for what will be the 35^th tournament. Together, we raised $150 million that allowed the Salesmanship Club to help 100,000 children through its education and mental health programs designed to build and repair kids’ social emotional health.  We thank the Four Seasons Resort and Club for delivering year after year a first-class experience for golfers, their families, media, sponsors and spectators. We wish the tournament well in its new location with the knowledge that money raised will continue to benefit important programs. Irving will continue to host the LPGA’s Volunteers of America Texas Shootout at the Las Colinas Country Club.

Statement from Peggy Nelson, wife of the late Byron Nelson
While Byron was humbled by the honor of having this tournament named for him, he was at the same time very proud that it would ultimately help so many precious children and hard-working families to succeed, both in school, at work, and in their future lives.  We were both so graciously welcomed by everyone at the Four Seasons and the City of Irving’s staff, and we appreciated all the security and fire protection on hand to serve and protect, in particular Captain Rick Cutler, who watched over Byron for six wonderful years.  Byron and I always looked forward to this highlight of our year as he welcomed the pros on the first tee and thanked them at the 18th green.  While he especially enjoyed congratulating each year’s champion, he was forever mindful that the proceeds from the entire week would be put to the best possible use for the kids.  And his respect for the Salesmanship Club’s dedication to this wonderful cause was unlimited.  It’s going to be exciting to see all the golfers and spectators at the new venue as we continue to bless the children and families who are at the heart of this great golf championship.

Statement from Michelle Kinder, Executive Director of Momentous Institute
Every day, our team interacts with kids and families who are working hard to achieve their full potential – some in the face of enormous challenges.  It is front of mind for us all the time that we could not do this sacred work without incredible partners.  Without question, the City of Irving and the Four Seasons are at the top of that long list of partners we cherish.  We simply could not be more grateful.

Statement from Maura Gast, Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director
After more than three decades working side-by-side to put on a first class event, we consider the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Momentous Institute and Four Seasons Resort and Club as so much more than partners.  While saying goodbye is never easy, we will continue our successful joint efforts to ensure the 2017 AT&T Byron Nelson is one of the most memorable in our 35-tournament history, while celebrating the legacy that is Byron Nelson himself.  Byron will always hold a special place in the history of Irving.