Amarillo native and four-time PGA TOUR winner Ryan Palmer said he plans to compete this summer in the inaugural OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank, a Korn Ferry Tour event that will bring nationally sanctioned professional golf back to Tascosa Golf Club for the first time in decades.
“Growing up here in Amarillo, this is truly my home,” Palmer said. “I’m excited professional golf is coming back and to be playing in front of my hometown community for the inaugural OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National.”
Tournament officials said the competition rounds will be played June 11-14 at Tascosa, part of a June 8-14 tournament week that includes practice rounds and ancillary events. The event is expected to feature 156 players competing for a $1 million purse, with $180,000 awarded to the winner.
Palmer’s participation is tied to a new partnership with The OccuNet Company, headquartered in Amarillo, that will make him a brand ambassador during the 2026 season. He is expected to wear the company’s logo on his hat during competitions, including the Amarillo tournament, and participate in select company engagements.
“This partnership is especially meaningful because Ryan is one of Amarillo’s own,” said Alex Fairly, chairman of The OccuNet Company. “He represents what’s possible when talent, work ethic, and strong values come together. We’re proud to partner with Ryan and celebrate our shared commitment to giving back to our hometown.”
Drew Blass, the tournament director, said organizers are building volunteer support, hospitality participation and community involvement ahead of tournament week.
“We are truly excited to have Ryan Palmer’s commitment and support of this event and the community,” Blass said. “He has had an incredible career on the PGA TOUR and to bring his success to our inaugural event in his hometown is huge. We hope everybody will come out and give him a warm welcome home at the OccuNet Classic presented by Amarillo National Bank.”
Palmer said the week is “on the calendar,” adding he expects to formally commit and return to the course where he first learned the game.
“It’s a blessing to be here — exciting for what professional golf has to hold for the community here at Tascosa Golf Club where I grew up playing as a kid,” Palmer said.
He also recalled attending a prior professional event in Amarillo as a youth volunteer.
“I remember watching professional golf here in 1991 … and I actually was a sign bearer carrying a sign,” Palmer said. “To bring that back to this great city — truly excited.”
Blass said that history is part of the effort to recruit youth volunteers, noting Palmer once filled the same role now being offered to young participants this summer.
During a visit to the course Wednesday, Feb. 11, Palmer said the layout — and West Texas wind — could challenge players in ways they might not expect.
“Just to see the golf course, see the terrain out there — I’ve forgotten how much character there was to this golf course,” Palmer said. “These players are good, but they’re going to see a golf course they’re not expecting.”
He said recent work lengthening holes and adjusting tee placements will affect scoring and strategy.
“They’ve put some length. There’s a couple that I’ll have to discuss … to see which tees they really want to use,” Palmer said, joking that one change might require a carry he no longer wants to attempt.
Palmer added that conditions — especially wind — will likely determine the winning score.
“You never know the crosswinds and the way it can blow,” Palmer said. “The wind will definitely be a big defense for this golf course.”
Organizers said the tournament will rely heavily on volunteers, corporate hospitality partners and host families, and Palmer encouraged residents to consider housing players during the week.
“It’s a great way for young guys to save money,” Palmer said, noting he stayed in private housing early in his career and remains in contact with some host families.
Tickets went on sale Thursday at 10 a.m., with juniors 17 and under admitted free, tournament officials said. Prices are expected to rise closer to tournament week.
Advance options include $20 single-day tickets for Thursday and Friday, $25 for Saturday and Sunday, $30 for an any-day pass and a $75 weekly pass for all four days. Clubhouse hospitality tickets are listed at $250 per day or $900 for the week and include food and beverages, indoor air-conditioned space, upgraded restrooms, televisions and soft seating. Organizers said ticket prices include taxes and fees.
The tournament will also include an exemption tied to the Michelob ULTRA City Championship, allowing a local player to compete alongside tour professionals. Palmer called the exemption a meaningful opportunity for a young golfer or accomplished amateur.
“They get to come see where their game stacks up,” Palmer said. “To see how hard it is.”
Palmer said his participation depends on his PGA TOUR eligibility and schedule but he intends to play if available.
“My status is what it is,” Palmer said. “I’m a past champion on the PGA TOUR. I’ve got conditional on the PGA TOUR, which gives me full status on the Korn Ferry. As of now, I won’t be playing the Canadian Open, so I’ll be eligible to play in this — which is what I plan on doing.”
Organizers also highlighted Palmer’s philanthropic work through the Ryan Palmer Foundation, which supports dental care for children, breast cancer initiatives and scholarships for young golfers. Palmer said his efforts reflect his upbringing in Amarillo.
“It was my way of saying thank you,” Palmer said.
Palmer, who turns 50 on Sept. 19, said he expects to begin PGA TOUR Champions competition in October, with his first event scheduled in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
For information on tickets, volunteering, sponsorships and player housing, organizers directed fans to the tournament website, OccuNetClassic.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Ryan Palmer returning home for Amarillo’s OccuNet Classic
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
