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PHONE

(832) 442-2404


ADDRESS

22305 Gosling Rd, 

Spring, TX 77389


HOURS OF OPERATION

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM CT

Brent Blackburn

Corpus Christi Country Club

Golf Professional of the Year

  • With a focus on engaging members from the moment they drive on the property, Brent Blackburn serves Corpus Christi Country Club not only as the PGA Head Professional, but also as the CEEO, Chief Engagement and Entertainment Officer. Understanding that as PGA Golf Professionals we are in the entertainment business, Brent feels that is his responsibility to bring golf to life, and accomplishes this through three core areas, service, social events, and instructional programming.

    Brent has created a welcoming environment at Corpus Christi Country Club for all members by starting junior and ladies golf programming, neither of which existed prior to his arrival. Since then, Brent has been honored as a Top-50 Golf Coach in the United States by Operation 36 for his work in engaging these demographics. Brent has also been instrumental in starting a Men’s Golf Association and revitalizing the Women’s Golf Association at the club. He understands that to get members involved, all events need to be socially entertaining and run at the highest level and has executed on this vision as he engages with all members.


    Brent is no stranger to service, having served for six consecutive years on the STPGA Board of Directors to contribute to the growth of the game at a local level. This dedication to the game and service can be attributed to the lessons he learned from his mentors. From PGA Professionals Steve Shields, Gary Ray, Ed Sehl, and Lance Patterson, Brent has received a master’s education in how to treat people, run a golf shop, and teach this great game.


    Brent understands that as a leader at his facility and our organization that it is incumbent upon him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of golf professionals. He trains his staff to create a welcoming environment for members by addressing them by name, alert members when the club receives a new shipment of popular apparel, and simply inquire about their game. He encourages his team to pursue PGA Membership and mentors them along their journey. In the pursuit of serving his membership at the highest level, he instills a simple philosophy in his team, the golf department is the leader in fun service, and everything will be done with a handshake and a smile.


    Brent has a history of excellence and being recognized for his hard work, having previously received the Southern Texas PGA Media/Public Relations Award as well as the Special Service Award, in addition to four Chapter Awards. The Southern Texas PGA is thankful to have such a wonderful PGA Professional in our Section and is honored to introduce Brent Blackburn as the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year!

Awards Video

Tony Allen

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club


Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year

  • Having played most sports growing up, Tony Allen views the key moment in his life as when his father introduced him to the game of golf, starting a lifelong journey and passion. Not only did his father introduce him to the game, but he also assisted with Tony getting his first job at Bear Creek Golf World, where he had the good fortune of working for PGA Professional Dick Forester, the namesake for the Southern Texas PGA Quarter Century Award.

    Currently serving as a Teaching Professional at Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club where he has

    been for the last 16 years, Tony carries a simple teaching philosophy to help each of his students learn his five basic foundation fundamentals, grip, stance, posture, alignment, and spine angle. These five fundamentals are applicable for any golfer who steps on the lesson tee with Tony, who is proud to teach players of all skill levels, ages, ethnic backgrounds, and disabilities.


    Knowing from firsthand experience that golf is a game for a lifetime, Tony works to engage the entire family in golf starting with the junior and working to get mom and dad involved. He has many programs using the Operation 36 platform as a base, including a junior academy, teen classes, and adult classes. Through these programs he has been able to produce approximately 200 new golfers over the past four years, leveraging their success through his program as a vehicle for player retention.


    Tony understands that his impact on the enjoyment of the game does not have to be limited to those he is able to physically teach and has utilized the emergence of social media to touch those outside of his market. He is very active in producing TikTok videos to assist players with swing tips, and just as importantly, assist other Professionals hone their teaching skills to spread enjoyment of the game.


    The lessons that Tony learned from his father, who he will tell you is the most influential person in his life, did not stop with the game of golf, but carried on to molding Tony into the amazing person he is today. Tony loved to take things apart and put them back together, a skill his father valued and molded, leading to Tony’s love of reconstructing his students’ golf swing. Tony also learned one of his father’s most potent lessons, it is not the product that sells the customer, it is you that they are buying, and Tony has kept this with him throughout his career, firmly understanding now that success is how you treat people.


    His drive and passion for helping others enjoy the game of golf at its highest potential makes the Southern Texas PGA proud to call Tony Allen the Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year!

Awards Video

Derrick Dixon

Briggs Ranch Golf Club

Bill Strausbaugh Award

  • Having created a culture of openness at Briggs Ranch Golf Club that allows all team members to progress not only in leadership ability but also professionally and personally, Derrick Dixon understands that developing a team starts with creating an environment of growth. Derrick understands that leadership is trusting your team to accomplish a common goal and demonstrates this by empowering his team to make decisions without micromanagement, while creating a culture in which all team members know they can come to him with any challenge and that they will find solutions together.

    Serving as the General Manager at Briggs Ranch, Derrick makes every decision with the

    betterment of the club and ownership’s vision in mind, but also focuses on his team during the decision-making process. Derrick is an incredibly open and direct individual who is not afraid to disclose his short falls, a component of leadership that he feels is critical to true growth. He holds his team accountable in many ways, and encourages them to do the same with him, a practice that cultivates a positive and collaborative culture for all involved.


    Derrick understands the value of quality team members, and the importance of assisting them with pursuing their career goals. He always explores ways to develop service team members into mid-level managers, and his mid-level managers into department heads. Through this vision, multiple Briggs Ranch team members have gone on to grow their careers by taking elevated positions throughout the Dormie Network, of which Briggs Ranch is encapsulated. This practice also leads the facility to have a “bench” of qualified team members that allows for internal growth and promotion when a position opens. Derrick is proud to have Briggs Ranch be the first club that is called when there is an open position within the Dormie Network, as the team he has developed is ready to take on the next challenge.


    The biggest lesson that Derrick has learned from the game of golf is to never give up. A round of golf, just like in life, can be rerouted with one good decision or execution, a hard learned lesson that Derrick instills in his team. Derrick knows that mistakes are inevitable in life, and he has made many along his journey, but the most important aspect of these mistakes is that Derrick has not allowed them to drag him down or give up, he keeps grinding. 


    Derrick’s unwavering dedication to his entire staff, regardless of position or stature, and his

    passion for developing them into the best version of themselves, make us proud to call him the 2023 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient!

Awards Video

Alayne Lee

Austin Country Club

Assistant Professional of the Year

  • Inspired by the joy that golf brings to anyone that plays it, Alayne Lee cherishes the opportunity to assist students in achieving a level of success that leads them to loving the game as much as she does. Knowing that you must take the good kicks with the bad ones in life as well as the game, Alayne keeps at the forefront of her mind the idea that there is always another hole or round to play, and that dwelling on the past only impacts the present.

    Alayne was originally drawn to golf due to the golf courses always being built in beautiful

    locations. She and her twin sister, Olivia, found their passion for the game together, integrating the sport into their competitive spirit. Originally, Alayne played purely to beat her sister, but was soon enchanted by the self-reliance and honesty that govern the game, creating a lasting impression. This passion led to what she considers as a key moment in her life, being able to play competitive collegiate golf at Midwestern State University together with her sister, where Alayne competed in two NJCAA National Championships.


    Alayne’s focus is never on herself, but on the members at Austin Country Club where she serves as Senior Assistant Professional. A driving force behind her passion is to leave an impact on the game similar to the one it has left on her, and her hope is to grow enjoyment of the game for all of her students, members, and fellow golf professionals.


    Alayne aspires to be a Head Golf Professional in the next 5-10 years at a family-oriented facility that will enable her to provide great experiences that exceed expectations, and where she will strive to represent her facility and the PGA of America in a positive light, both on and off property. Alayne’s dedication, passion, and commitment to the game are what make the Southern Texas PGA proud to call her the 2023 Assistant Professional of the Year!

Awards Video

Alan Hodde

Axis Golf Academy

Professional Development Award

  • With a focus on providing other professionals with the opportunity to learn from him as he did with other great professionals, Alan Hodde keeps an open-door policy at Axis Golf Academy where he serves as the Director of Instruction and Co-Owner. Alan firmly believes that learning and progressing is essential for the betterment of your students and demonstrates this through his service to fellow golf professionals and his pursuit of knowledge.

    Alan was instrumental in creating the Coaching & Teaching Round Table program for the Southern Texas PGA, which brings together PGA Professionals from across the Section for a digital conversation in which ideas, successes, and failures are shared for the betterment of all that are involved. Alan is known for genuinely caring about people and always finding the time to spend with any who seek his counsel.


    Due to Alan’s focus and drive to improve the skills and knowledge of his fellow professionals which ultimately leads to an improvement in the skills and enjoyment of the game with their students, the Southern Texas PGA is proud to call Alan Hodde our 2023 Professional Development Award winner!

Morgan DeSive

Westwood Golf Club

Player Development Award

  • With a focus on building relationships with her students, Morgan DeSive makes it a point to find something positive from each session to focus on and finds fulfillment when receiving word of mouth recommendations from her students. Morgan has always been passionate about junior golf and growing the game with the next generation in mind. This led to her finding her calling in golf while teaching with her father, a fellow PGA Professional and Past President of the Southern Texas PGA, during their tenure working together.

    Driven by advice given to her from a fellow PGA Professional, Morgan understands that knowing your student and treating them as the most important person for the time you have together is what creates relationships and lifetime golfers. This advice has led to Morgan’s personal motto of building a relationship with everyone she teaches, and by doing so it provides her with the ability to relate to her students and allows her to teach them in a way they understand and fits into their goals.


    The first program Morgan created when she came to Westwood Golf Club, where she serves as Assistant Professional, was a six-week ladies’ clinic that has grown 250% since its inception with 12 participants. She has also created an After School program for the facilities juniors that started with 8 juniors and has grown 300% since.


    With a legacy of close relationships and respect with her students, a driving passion to increase enjoyment of the game in her students, and a dedication to making all of those around her better, the Southern Texas PGA is proud to call Morgan DeSive our 2023 Player Development Award winner!

Awards Video

Marci Bozarth

Pine Forest Country Club

Youth Player Development Award

  • Marci Bozarth looks at junior golf as the future of the game and sees it as her responsibility to create those players and instill in them a lifelong passion. Offering a variety of programs at Pine Forest Country Club where she is the First Assistant Professional, Marci ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of whether they are just starting the game or want to take it to a competitive level.

    Marci understands that the game is difficult enough as it is, and therefore believes in approaching it with as much simplicity as possible, focusing on the fundamentals of the swing, short game, and mental game that lay the foundation for lifetime enjoyment. She knows that golf is a shelter from the storm that is the crazy world around us and strives to create a safe space where her students trust and can talk to her about anything should they need, transcending her relationship with her students beyond that of merely a teacher.


    Marci’s personal motto is one that we can all relate to, leaving everything a little bit better than she found it, and being grateful. For Marci, she is grateful for the time she has spent at Pine Forest and for the increase in the number of juniors she sees around the club now.


    Due to her unwavering passion for growing the game, and the depth of care and love she has for each of her students, the Southern Texas PGA is honored to present Marci with the 2023 Youth Player Development Award!

Jonathan Shoffner

Clubs of Kingwood

Patriot Award

  • With a teaching philosophy that anyone can learn the game at any age under any circumstance if given the opportunity, Teaching Professional at The Clubs at Kingwood Jonathan Shoffner has embraced the values of PGA HOPE and service to our veteran community. Jonathan has found a passion in giving back in a small way to those who have made sacrifices for our country by introducing them to golf and fostering a passion for the game.

    Jonathan is driven by the desire to provide opportunities and life experiences for our veterans and is proud to have made an impact on 100+ veterans’ lives through the PGA HOPE program. Entering 2023, Jonathan had a goal to not only impact veterans through PGA HOPE programming, but to provide a post-graduation experience to keep these veterans on the golf course. Jonathan executed this goal by creating the first Annual Veteran Cup that featured over 70 veterans in its inaugural playing.


    Jonathan does not stop there with his service to veterans, as he has worked over the years to provide as many opportunities to veterans as possible. Through this mission, Jonathan has supported Folds of Honor by raising over $50,000 in donations, competed in a 100-hole golf marathon to raise funds for veterans’ organizations, and provides free 30-minute lessons to veterans at the club.


    Due to his passion for serving those who have served and desire to bring the joy and love of the game to our veteran community, the Southern Texas PGA is proud to call Jonathan Shoffner our 2023 Patriot Award recipient!

Jeff Strong

PGA Life Member

Dick Forester Quarter Century Award

  • PGA Life Member Jeff Strong has been an integral part of the leadership and direction for the Southern Texas PGA for the better part of two decades. Serving on the Board of Directors from 2006-2017, including a tenure as President, as well as serving on the PGA of America Tournament and Membership Committees, Jeff’s legacy is prevalent in the success of these organizations.

    Not only has Jeff served our organization through leadership, but he has also been a forerunner in fundraising, generating over $500,000 through his Pro-Am and over $100,000 in scholarships for deserving juniors. Jeff further demonstrated his dedication to the Association by resurrecting the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open, now the largest Senior Open in the country, and assisted with the procurement of the building the Southern Texas PGA Office is now housed in.


    Jeff loves being a PGA of America Member, he loves the Southern Texas PGA, and most importantly he loves the game of golf. Jeff looks out for fellow Members and always has the best interest of the Member and game at the forefront of his mind.


    Jeff’s steadfast commitment to the PGA Professional, Southern Texas PGA, and PGA of

    America are evident to any who interact with him, and the Southern Texas PGA is honored to present Jeff with the 2023 Dick Forester Quarter Century Award!

Justin Phillips

Levelwear

Golf Sales Representative of the Year

  • As a Boy Scout, Justin Phillips was introduced to the game of golf through his pursuit of the Golf Merit Badge. Justin had exclusively played baseball growing up, until his eyesight led him to switch to a sport in which the ball would remain stationary. His newfound love for the game led him to the opportunity to work seasonally at Diamond Creek in North Carolina and Floridian in Florida as an associate golf professional and as the buyer / merchandiser.

    Justin's journey from working seasonally at Diamond Creek and the Floridian to diving headfirst into the world of sales is a testament to his drive, creativity, and passion for the game. He has successfully transformed the Southern Texas region from having zero accounts to becoming the highest-grossing territory for Levelwear. Justin's top priority is to satisfy his customers by delivering a product that exceeds their expectations. He is also actively involved in the Southern Texas community, where he volunteers and donates products for golf charity and fundraising events such as the Texas Children’s Houston Open, Valero Texas Open, and WGC Dell Technologies Match Play. Additionally, Justin has provided uniforms for the Texas Junior Cup and Levy Cup Matches and has sponsored the Boxto Memorial Championship. 


    Justin's meticulousness and dedication to crafting customized products that align with the needs and vision of his clients have been instrumental in his success. With his focus on outstanding customer service and creating strong relationships with PGA Professionals throughout the Southern Texas PGA, we are delighted to announce Justin Phillips as the 2023 Golf Sales Representative of the Year!

Wildcat Golf Club


Merchandiser of the Year - Public

  • Wildcat Golf Club is committed to providing a memorable experience for its customers with a combination of great products and a fun atmosphere. The golf course draws insights from historical data, customer feedback, and market trends to offer a range of products that cater to its customers' preferences.

    Wildcat places a great emphasis on catering to its tournament clients and also offers a "mobile pro shop" several times a year to offer a distinguished experience to guests and members. In 2022, Wildcat Golf Course's gross sales were $686,758, and they are projecting $770,365 in sales for 2023.

BraeBurn Country Club


Merchandiser of the Year - Private

  • BraeBurn Country Club is committed to offering its members and guests the finest quality and unique merchandise. To ensure that their members always have a fresh and exciting shopping experience, the club consistently rotates the products in their golf shop.

    BraeBurn strategically places its products by utilizing traffic flow patterns and main displays to attract customers to specific areas despite having limited floor space. By actively seeking feedback from surveys and interactions, they are able to customize their product line to meet the members’ needs and keep up with the latest trends. Their dedication to creating a personalized approach to merchandise is reflected in their impressive gross sales of $946,810 in 2022, with projected sales of $1,025,690 for 2023.

Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort


Merchandiser of the Year - Resort

  • At Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort, customer satisfaction is a top priority. They strive to provide a remarkable shopping experience by staying up to date with the latest trends and taking customer feedback into account when making ordering decisions.

    The resort offers unique products to its guests and members, featuring its distinctive sunburst logo and nicknames "Tap" and "El Tap". Tapatio empowers each member of the team to “make their mark” on the golf shop and to keep up with the current trends, while considering the diverse range of shoppers and making informed decisions about product placement and ordering. Their gross merchandise sales were $518,120 in 2022, and they are projecting $525,000 in gross merchandise sales for 2023.

John Solis


Junior Golfer of the Year

  • John Solis is currently a Senior at St. Augustine High School where he holds a 4.0 GPA and plays on the school golf team. John is a stellar example of overcoming any hurdles that are put in front of him and achieving his dreams. Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis, John is now set to continue his golfing career at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor thanks to his work ethic and passion for the game.

    John has been a member of the STPGA Junior Golf program since 2018, during which he has

    had sixteen Top-5 finishes, with a recent victory at the 2023 Srixon Billiard Factory Prestige Tour Alamo City Shootout at Brackenridge Park Golf Course. Some of John’s other achievements in golf include being 1st on the Prestige Tour points list in 2022 and playing in the Torrey Pines/IMG World Championship, which bodes well for his goal in 2024 of qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur.


    John is beyond his athletic abilities; he is a person of integrity and character. He exhibits

    qualities of leadership, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility. His dedication to the sport combined with his character aligns perfectly with the values upheld by our Section, making us honored to recognize John Solis as the 2023 Junior Golfer of the Year!

Danica Lundgren


Junior Golfer of the Year

  • Danica Lundgren is a Senior at Vandegrift High School, where she is part of the girls’ golf team and Vandegrift’s National Honor Society Chapter. One goal Danica has before graduating is to win a second State Championship with her friends on the Vandegrift Girls Golf Team. After graduating High School, Danica will be continuing her golf journey as part of the collegiate golf team at the University of Nebraska.

    Danica has been a part of the STPGA Junior Golf program for eight years and has since

    participated in over 160 events. Danica boasts 58 total victories within the STPGA Junior Golf

    Program with one of the most recent being at the 2023 Srixon Billiard Factory Prestige Tour

    Alamo City Shootout at Brackenridge Park Golf Course.


    Danica is dedicated to her pursuits both on and off the course. In her free time, Danica volunteers her time to the First Tee - Greater Austin and has become the ‘quintessential’ First Tee participant. For Danica, golf is the thing that makes her who she is and something no one can take away from her. Her personal motto is a quote by Rocky Balboa, “Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.”  With Danica’s unwavering determination, work ethic, and commitment, we are honored to recognize Danica Lundgren as the 2023 Junior Golfer of the Year!

Jesse Droemer

PGA Member

Rolex Player of the Year

  • PGA Professional Jesse Droemer claimed the top of the points list following an impressive 2023 season that featured two consecutive Section Major victories, two Top-10 finishes, and a Top-25. His remarkable season earned his place on the 7 th Levy Cup Matches team where he holds an impressive record of 3-0 in Singles Matches and an overall record of 6-3-0.

Omar Uresti

PGA Life Member

Rolex Senior Player of the Year

  • PGA Life Member Omar Uresti had a dominant season in 2023 highlighted by claiming four Section Major victories in addition to the Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship, and a runner-up finish at the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open. Topping off his remarkable year, Omar made his fourth appearance at the Levy Cup Matches, finishing with two match wins and one tie, bolstering his lifetime record to 8-1-2.

Camille Enright

Boot Ranch Golf Club

Rolex Women's Player of the Year

  • In her first year as a PGA Member competing in Section events, Camille Enright charged onto the scene. With three Top-25 finishes including a Top-10 at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic, the Southern Texas PGA is no stranger to seeing Camille’s name on the leaderboard. Serving as Assistant Professional at Boot Ranch Golf Club, Camille stands out as a truly exceptional player and notable representative of the talented women within the Southern Texas PGA!

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