And the Winners Are... Southern Texas PGA Unveils 2025 Section and Chapter Award Honorees

Sarah Lummus • October 14, 2025

SPRING, TX (October 14, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce that Jim Nittoli, PGA Director of Golf at San Antonio Country Club, has been named the 2025 STPGA Golf Professional of the Year.

This prestigious honor recognizes Nittoli’s exceptional leadership, dedication to growing the game, and his impactful contributions to both his facility and the broader golf community. He leads a distinguished group of award winners honored at both the Section and Chapter levels, each exemplifying the values, professionalism, and service that define the Southern Texas PGA.

Elected to PGA Membership in 1993, Nittoli has dedicated more than three decades to elevating the private club experience and shaping the next generation of golf professionals. For the past 16 years at San Antonio Country Club, he has led the club as they have seen record growth in rounds played, tournament participation, and golf association membership, while also building a golf culture that members and staff alike are proud to call their own.

Just as importantly, Nittoli has mentored countless interns and assistants, many of whom have gone on to thrive as Head Professionals and leaders across the PGA.

“Jim has truly become one of the leading voices within our industry and section,” said Andrew Peterson, Chair of this year’s Awards Committee. “I have seen firsthand his ability to lead a very active club while also involving himself with grow the game and Section initiatives. He represents all that the Southern Texas PGA stands for.”

At the center of Nittoli’s career is a simple but powerful philosophy: to make a difference in people’s lives every day. He believes that one of the keys to a fulfilled life is doing what you love — and for him, that love has always been being a PGA Member. His visible passion for the game and genuine care for others create lasting relationships, from members at San Antonio Country Club to colleagues across the Section.

Lastly, golf is not just a career but a family passion, shared with his wife, Kelley, and their two children, both scratch golfers. Whether competing in their annual Christmas matches or traveling for family golf trips, the game continues to bring them together in meaningful ways. That same love and joy for golf is what he brings into his work each day, inspiring those around him to play, lead, and grow.

Derek Hooper, PGA Director of Instruction at Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, TX, has also been recognized with the high honor of being named the 2025 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year. Named after the legendary PGA Professional and teacher Harvey Penick, this award is presented to an individual who demonstrates overall excellence in golf instruction.

Hooper, who has been at Royal Oaks since 2016, leads a team of three full-time coaches that deliver valuable programs and structure to a very busy membership. His approach is rooted in student-centric instruction, beginning with an innovative on-course New Student Assessment that evaluates every aspect of a player’s game and helps design a personalized roadmap for improvement. This philosophy has resulted in long-term coaching relationships and a culture of growth that impacts players of every skill level.

While staying extremely busy at the facility, Hooper has also found time to help contribute his expertise and time with the PGA of America and its continued growth in education and platforms to help fellow instructors. From PGA.Coach to Coaching and Teaching Seminars to Coaches within Southern Texas, Derek wants to not only help his students but help fellow PGA Members be the best teachers they can be!

For Hooper, the heart of teaching lies in connection and the STPGA knows that Harvey would be proud to call him our Teacher of the Year! Congratulations to Derek Hooper.

In addition to these two awards, the STPGA is also announcing 8 other individual Section Awards, 2 Facility Awards, and 4 Chapter Awards. These individuals represent the best of the best and each award highlights specific aspects of the business and game of golf that showcase the unique characteristics that make STPGA Members world class PGA Professionals.

The selection process includes nominations, applications, and an Awards Committee made up of STPGA Board Members and prior year Award Winners. The STPGA would like to thank our Awards Committee for their time and energy in selecting these winners and the lengthy conversations about each award and their selection.

Section Award winners will be formally presented with their honors during the STPGA’s 58th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 9, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, while Chapter Awards will be presented at their respective Chapter Meetings later this Fall.

While announcing each award winner below, we have listed a short phrase or sentence that helps speak to what each award is all about.

Congratulations to all award winners!

2025 Southern Texas PGA Section Awards

Jim Nittoli (San Antonio Country Club) - Golf Professional of the Year Award

Derek Hooper (Royal Oaks Country Club) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year Award

Jimmy Terry (Travis Club) - Dick Forester Quarter Century Award - This award, named after long time PGA Member Dick “Pro” Forester, is presented to a 25-year Member who has promoted golf, inspired fellow professionals, provided leadership and service to the Section and the Association. This award is the equivalent to a lifetime achievement or distinguished service award for the Southern Texas PGA.

Ricky Lyons (Big Easy Ranch)- Bill Strausbaugh Award - This award is presented to a PGA Member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Members and Associates, building a talented team environment at their facility, and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Members.

Camille Enright (Boot Ranch) - Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award - This award is presented to an Assistant Golf Professional that demonstrates high moral character and leadership and performs his or her duties at their facility at an elevated level.

Andrew Miller (Sun City Texas) – Professional Development Award - This award recognizes dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the golf industry.

Greg Hiller (TPC San Antonio) – Player Development Award - This award honors a PGA Member who has made outstanding contributions to player development, playing a pivotal role in initiatives to grow the game. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding access to golf and inspiring new and seasoned players alike.

Jennifer MacCurrach (First Tee of Greater Austin) - Youth Player Development Award – This award recognizes a PGA Member who exemplifies leadership in junior golf, embodying a deep commitment to fostering youth development through the game.

Nick Trice (Golfinity) – Patriot Award – This award honors a PGA Member whose exceptional, ongoing dedication to PGA HOPE and other initiatives supporting Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and their families has made a profound and lasting impact.

Shelly Stone (AHEAD) – Golf Sales Representative Award – This award honors an industry representative who exemplifies outstanding support for PGA Members and Section initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and a genuine passion for the game.

Horseshoe Bay Resort (Public/Resort) & Bluejack National (Private) – Merchandiser of the Year Award – This award celebrates Southern Texas PGA facilities that excel in promoting the game of golf through outstanding merchandising practices.

2025 Southern Texas PGA Chapter Awards

The Section is split into two Chapters where additional engagement takes place with fellow PGA Members. A Chapter Award recognizes local commitment while also showcasing a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and ability to hold your position to a high standard.

Eastern Chapter
Casey Russell (Big Easy Ranch) - Golf Professional of the Year
Kenneth Mesimer (Lakeside Country Club) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
Bobby Gates (Summit Golf School) - Youth Player Development Award
Big Easy Ranch (Columbus, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year

Western Chapter
Steve Termeer (University of Texas Golf Club) - Golf Professional of the Year
Bryan Gathright (River Crossing Club) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
Brent Blackburn (Corpus Christi Country Club) - Youth Player Development Award
South Padre Island Golf Club (Laguna Vista, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year

The 2025 STPGA Junior Golfers of the Year will be announced Tuesday, October 28th!

Congratulations again to all award winners!

2025 SECTION AWARD WINNER PHOTOS

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