60 Years Later: A Riverside Reflection with David Muñoz

Today (April 23rd) we celebrate a rare milestone—David Muñoz, longtime San Antonio radio personality and devoted golfer, marks exactly 60 years since his very first round of golf. Even more special: that first round was played at Riverside Golf Course, where he returns today to honor the occasion.

We sat down with David to reminisce about that first round, the changes in the game, and the lifelong connection he’s had with golf and Riverside.

ACGT: So your first round of golf was here at Riverside, and today marks 60 years. Do you remember much about that day?

David: “Yes, yes. 60 years to the day. I remember that it was dark. We could barely see. My father knew the man in the clubhouse, so he knew he would be able to pay for the round at the turn. We teed off on the first 11 holes. It was nine holes that were 100 yards or less along with two par fours. I shot a 111, and I was 11 years old. . Unfortunately, I was only 11 and did not think about saving things at the time, so I don’t have a copy of that scorecard. But I do know that it was a 111 and I was very happy to play with my father.”

ACGT: That was before the back nine opened across the river?

David: “Yes, this was in 1965. They didn’t open the nine holes on the south side of the river until 1973. The day after they opened them, I came out and played by myself. That’s the only time I’ve ever broken par. I shot a 71 that day.”

ACGT: Do you remember what clubs you used back then?

David: “No, I wish I did. But I do remember I made a birdie on what’s now the par five 12th hole. I hit a driver and a two wood, ended up on the green, and two-putted. I also birdied number six on the front side, driver and an iron to within a foot.”

ACGT: How has your game changed over the years? Any advice for golfers who want that same kind of longevity?

David: “Stay healthy. I’ve had back issues, but thankfully overcame them. I always go back to what Jimmy Valvano said: ‘Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.’ That’s my mindset. Only one person knows what I’ll shoot today, and that’s the man way upstairs. But I’m playing today in my father’s honor.”

ACGT: Do you still feel his presence when you’re playing?

David: “Oh, he’s with me all the time. I recall in 2003 my first trip to New York. You know, back in the 60s, my dad and I would watch a baseball game. Saturday afternoons. it was called the Major League Baseball game of the week. Most of the time, it was a Yankee game, so I became a Yankees fan, and in 2003, I took my first trip to New York with my wife Betty. and as I’m walking up the ramp, you see more and more of the field, and I feel his presence there. I feel his presence whenever I’m playing golf.”

ACGT: What does golf mean to you after all these years?

David: “Golf gives me peace of mind. Yes, it’s the most frustrating sport there is. I’ve seen it all—guys throwing clubs, breaking them. But for me, it’s calm. It’s about looking forward to the next shot, the next round. My father introduced the game to me, and it’s given me so much. Again, because my father introduced the game to me way back when, I’ve had the pleasure of having played so many courses, not only here in San Antonio, I played courses out of town. Andy Everett, my good friend from iHeartRadio, the host of the Golf Show on Ticket 760. He and I made a pact in 2010 to do what we could to take the golf trip every year. We played several of the famous courses all over the country as well. and it has been an honor to be able to take those golf trips with him. But golf itself, it can be a very calming you know, factor or it could be a very frustrating factor but you got to do your best to do what you can to play your best game.”

ACGT: You’ve had an impressive radio career as well. What’s that been like alongside your golf life?

David: “I started in radio in 1974. Been in it 51 years now. I host Smooth Jazz San Antonio on 101.9 HD2 and fill in on the golf show on Ticket 760. I’ve done 15 or 16 shows a year. I’ve also been in advertising sales for 24 years. It’s been a good ride.”

ACGT: What’s your first thought when you arrive at Riverside today?

David: “It’s like coming home. This course has always held a special place in my heart. I remember during my father’s funeral procession, we passed Riverside. It was like he got one more visit to the course. That meant something.”

ACGT: The course has changed over time, especially with the recent renovations. What are your thoughts?

David: “I like the renovations. The old number 16 was one of the most disliked holes in San Antonio. Now it’s a short par four, not as tough. The course looks beautiful. It’s a gift to still have this course here on the south side.”

Final Thoughts

David’s story is more than a walk down memory lane, it’s a heartfelt reminder of golf’s power to connect generations, provide calm in chaos, and build lasting friendships. As he celebrates six decades of golf, we’re honored that his journey began and continues right here on the Alamo City Golf Trail.

Thank you, David, for sharing your story. Here’s to the next chapter, and the next round.