According to David Craig, Chairman of Craig International and developer of Craig Ranch, the inaugural year of TPC Craig Ranch hosting the AT&T Byron Nelson in McKinney in 2021 was a dress rehearsal due to limited capacity since the tournament was cancelled due to COVID. Fast forward to 2022, the tournament was held at full capacity and buzzing with the excitement of hosting 7 of the top 13 golfers on the tour including North Texas favorites, Jordin Speith, Masters Champ Scottie Sheffler and another up and coming golfer from Dallas, Will Zalatoris
David Craig’s vision for bringing the AT&T Byron Nelson began over 20 years ago. However, he could not have successfully attracted the tournament without the incredible support of business and community leaders in McKinney. Just days before the 2022 tournament kicked off, David and his friend, SRS President and CEO Dan Tinker hosted a VIP Major Investor event in conjunction with the McKinney Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the success of this community wide effort.
The Veteran's Auditorium at SRS Distribution shared a feeling charged with excitement on Thursday May 5th at the McKinney Chamber’s Major Investor VIP Event. Dan Tinker and David Craig broke the news that the AT&T Byron Nelson had just sold out. This year marked the second in a row the AT&T Byron Nelson was held at its new home, the TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney. David Craig expressed gratitude for many individuals in the room including Dan Tinker, CEO of SRS Distribution; McKinney Mayor George Fuller; Brian Loughmiller, former Mayor of McKinney, the AT&T Byron Nelson Host Committee, The City of McKinney, John Drago, Tournament Director of the Byron Nelson and all the corporate sponsors in the room. He also expressed appreciation to The Salesmanship Club of Dallas including Mike McKinley former President & John Jenkins Golf Board Chair. McKinley and Jenkins also addressed the audience, thanking McKinney leaders for their unwavering support and the community spirit that McKinney is known for. The Byron Nelson has not sold out since 2008 until this year, which made the news even more exciting.
This weekend of golf isn’t just exciting for the leaders of McKinney, it also means a weekend of golf will make a record setting difference for the lives of children in the greater Dallas area and beyond with Momentous Institute as the AT&T Byron Nelson official beneficiary. The AT&T Byron Nelson is owned and operated by The Salesmanship Club of Dallas, a 100+ year old nonprofit service organization with more than 620 business leaders committed to programs of the Momentous Institute.
The Salesmanship Club members, also known as the “red pants”, are responsible for all aspects of sponsorship and ticket sales in addition to running and staffing the annual AT&T Byron Nelson Championship. This year’s tournament is expected to break all records in fundraising and help the club surpass $168+ million in total funds raised since 1968.
To remind the community about the important work of Momentous Institute during Mental Health Awareness Month, the McKinney Chamber hosted a CEO Series on May 6th featuring Dr. Jessica Gomez, the Executive Director of Momentous Institute. Dr. Gomez shared about the impact this fundraising has on children’s lives. The funds raised go toward providing quality education, mental health services, and the training of professionals by providing solutions that integrate mental health and best practices into school systems. “Momentous wants to be the champions in the corners for children that need our services the most,” says Dr. Gomez.
Just ask David Craig about what its like to work with the many red pants behind the AT&T Byron Nelson. Combine their tireless efforts with McKinney leaders embracing the tournament and their cause and you have a winning combination.
To learn more about Jessica Gomez and the Momentous Institute watch her full video from our CEO Series on our YouTube Chanel: https://youtu.be/8KtoIR_RgCo
