By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA
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March 25, 2026
STPGA 2026 Q2 UPDATE A Message from the President: Building the Future of the STPGA Dear STPGA Members and Associates, Fresh off our March Board of Directors meeting at the STPGA home office, I am energized by the momentum we are building together. Every conversation we had centered on one thing: you . Our goal is to ensure that our PGA Members and Associates remain the focal point of every initiative we launch. We’ve had a productive start to the year, but we are just getting started. Here are a few highlights from our meeting: Refining Our Flagship Event: We conducted a deep dive into the 2026 Education Summit and Annual Meeting. While it was a success, we are already laying the groundwork to make 2027 even more impactful. Celebrating Excellence: We discussed enhancements to our awards process and brainstormed fresh ways to showcase the incredible talent within our Section. I’ll give you a quick "teaser"—the Board is working on a very exciting project to highlight our members, and I can’t wait to share more details with you soon! Education & Growth: From the recent ADM Education Summit to the upcoming Coaching & Teaching Summit and Specialized Workshop, we are committed to providing world-class professional development. Legacy & Competition: We received an update from Alli Jarrett, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. As one of the six permanent organizations of the TGHOF, we remain proud of our ties to the history of the game in Texas. We also discussed exciting enhancements to our Championship schedule, including the Golden Nugget events and upcoming captaincy announcements for the Joe Black, Levy Cup, and Texas Junior Cup. Fiscal Stewardship: We reviewed our investment strategies to ensure we remain good stewards of our Association’s resources, securing a strong financial future for the STPGA. Your Turn to Lead: Get Involved! As we solidified our election process for the upcoming cycle, I had a personal realization: my term as President is already halfway through. This journey has been one of the absolute highlights of my career. Serving as an Officer and leading this Section has been immensely rewarding, and I want that same experience for you. Our Association is only as strong as the leaders who step up to guide it. If you are passionate about the Southern Texas PGA and want to help shape the future of our profession, I strongly encourage you to consider running for a board position. Whether you have a specific vision or simply a desire to give back to the game, we need your voice and your leadership. I promise that the professional and personal growth you experience in these roles is well worth the investment. As always, my door is open. If you have questions about the election process, our recent board initiatives, or how you can get more involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.
