Battle on the Links Precedes Reenactment

For the first time, a battle on the links will precede the annual Reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto. Participating duffers will face the onslaught of the Twin Sisters “cannons”—a 187-yard, par-3 hole armed with a potent combination of a pond at the front of the green and sandtraps protecting its right and left flanks, as well as its rear guard—during the inaugural San Jacinto Monument Classic Golf Tournament on Tuesday, April 16, 2002, at The Battleground at Deer Park Golf Club. The course, with San Jacinto-themed holes, was designed by Tom Knickerbacker and is known for its treacherous water hazards, unforgiving narrow fairways and undulating greens.

Sponsored by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association as a benefit for the museum, the tournament will honor Houston’s diplomatic corps. While many associate the San Jacinto Museum of History Association with its efforts to preserve and portray Texas history, few realize that part of the association’s mission is to “promote and perpetuate peace, friendship and sympathetic understanding between the people of Texas and the people of Mexico, Spain, France and the Latin-American Republics.”

“Houston is fortunate to have diplomatic representatives from 75 countries as its distinguished guests—representatives who facilitate the worldwide business activities key to our economic vitality, thereby ensuring Houston’s continuation as a hub of international trade,” explains George Donnelly, President of the San Jacinto Museum of History Association. To salute the diplomats’ role, an International Diplomatic Reception will be held for the consular corps, elected officials, civic and business leaders and tournament participants from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the San Jacinto Monument on Monday, April 15.

On Tuesday, April 16, famed “golf doctor,” Charlie Epps, will offer players a clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the first tee-off time in the Florida scramble at 12:45 p.m. When it has been determined whether the final foursome is up to par with the par-4, 18th hole—with its elevated green fronted by water and flanked by sand meriting it the name of “The Monument,” appropriately “monumental”—San Jacinto Monument-themed awards will be presented to the victors.

Team sponsorships are available, and individual entry fees are $125 per player, including two mulligans, green fees, cart, range balls, prizes, snacks, lunch, refreshments and the Monday night cocktail reception. The Battleground at Deer Park Golf Club is located at 1600 Georgia Avenue in Deer Park. For more information, contact Karrie Higgs, 281/479-2421.