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

Gray and Uresti Win the 2026 Player's Cup

By Southern Texas PGA • August 26, 2026
CORPUS CHRISTI (August 25, 2026) – Bret Gray, PGA Assistant Coach at Sam Houston State University and Omar Uresti, PGA Life Member emerged victorious at the 2026 Player's Cup at Corpus Christi Country Club. Gray claimed the Open Division title at 9-under par, while Uresti won the Senior Division at 8-under after defeating Carl Baker, PGA Life Member, in a playoff. Gray and Uresti both opened the championship with bogey-free rounds to take control of their respective divisions. Gray finished Round 1 at 6-under to lead the Open Division, while Uresti put himself in a strong position atop the Senior Division leaderboard at 7-under to lead by three.  Conditions became more difficult during the second round as the wind picked up across Corpus Christi Country Club. Gray entered the final day knowing bogeys could happen in the tougher conditions, but remained committed to his game plan and focused on bouncing back whenever mistakes occurred. That approach helped him maintain his lead and complete a wire-to-wire victory at 9-under par. “Leading after the first round, I didn’t want to change my approach,” Gray said. “I knew that if I played my game, that would allow me to play my best. At the same time, I knew the winds were going to pick up and that bogeys could happen, so I was more focused on bouncing back and recovering when they did.” During the final round, Grey got off to a fast start with 4 birdies in the first seven holes but as he was expecting made a couple of bogeys on the back nine. His birdie on the reachable par-5 15 was critical to winning the title. In the Senior Division, Uresti carded four bogeys on the front nine of Round 2 and briefly surrendered the lead as Baker closed the gap. Baker birdied five out of six holes starting on hole seven to take the lead, but Uresti responded with four birdies on the back nine to eventually tie Baker. While both players had birdie putts on 18, extra holes were needed with Uresti making a birdie on the first playoff hole to secure the Senior Division title. “I had a rough start to the day, and Carl played great, so I knew I was going to have to play extremely well on the back nine to keep it within reach,” Uresti said. “Carl’s putting was lights out, and thankfully I started getting birdies to drop. It was a lot of fun out there today with some great competition.” The Southern Texas PGA extends its appreciation to Joe Mitchell, PGA Head Professional, and the entire staff at Corpus Christi Country Club for hosting the championship. The Section also thanks Vortex, Prize Possessions, Clubessential/ForeUP/BlueGolf, GT Golf Supply, Club Car, HUB, PRG, Hole-in-One USA, and AndersonOrd for their support of the Player's Cup. The STPGA would also like to thank the Port of Corpus Christi, Kleberg Bank, Buick GMC North, andAnderson Alexander Law for their support of our Pro-Am prior to the event and the overall championship.

Nominations Open for the Inaugural Class of the STPGA Hall of Fame!

By Julia Doucet • August 5, 2026
The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce the launch of the STPGA Hall of Fame , established to honor PGA Professionals whose leadership, service, mentorship, competitive excellence, and instructional impact have helped shape the legacy of golf across Southern Texas. Candidates will be evaluated through five core pillars: Leadership Recognizing those who have inspired their peers, strengthened the profession, and maintained a distinguished professional reputation. Service Honoring PGA Professionals with a sustained record of service to the Association, their communities, and the growth of the game. Mentorship Celebrating those who have dedicated their careers to educating, supporting, and advancing fellow PGA Professionals. Competitive Record Recognizing individuals with a proven and sustained record of excellence in competitive play. Instructional Leadership Honoring those who have made a meaningful impact on player development and elevated performance at any level of the game.

Meet the Member: Chris Martinez, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • July 29, 2026
Chris Martinez, PGA – Creating Connection Through Golf

Omar Uresti Wins Back to Back STPGA Senior Championships

By Southern Texas PGA • July 22, 2026
This marks Uresti’s 5th Senior Championship title, tying Robert Thompson for most all-time in STPGA history. Bryan, TX (July 22, 2026) – For the last two days, 48 STPGA Senior Professionals took on the challenging Traditions Club in Bryan, TX with PGA Life Member Omar Uresti coming away with a win after shooting two rounds of 74-70 for an overall score of even-par. This is Uresti’s 5 th time winning this event which included going 2-under on the back-nine in the final round to win by one over Eric Bogar, PGA Assistant Professional at Golfcrest Country Club and two over Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club. Bogar and Uresti were paired together in the final round and could see what each of them were doing shot for shot. Bogar started off hot with birdies at three and four but it was Uresti’s three birdies in six holes on the back nine that clinched it. While all eyes were on the main title up for grabs, players were also competing for a chance to play in the Senior PGA Professional Championship set to take place later this fall when PGA Members from all 41 PGA Sections compete together for the national title. Uresti, as a former winner of the national event, was already exempt along with Robert Thompson, PGA Teaching Professional at Whispering Pines. Uresti and Thompson will lead six other STPGA Members to the national event October 22-25 at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Arizona. The six qualifiers include: Eric Bogar, PGA Golfcrest Country Club Steve Jurgensen, PGA Westwood Golf Club Lonny Alexander, PGA Onion Creek Club David von Hoffmann, PGA Spanish Oaks Golf Club Chad Donegan, PGA Kissing Tree Golf Club Chris Kaufman, PGA Spanish Oaks Golf Club The STPGA would like to recognize round one leader, PGA Life Member Steve Veriato, who shot an even par-72 on Monday at the remarkable age of 80 years old, being the oldest player in the field. While his round two did not go as planned, it was still fun to watch on Monday in Aggieland. The STPGA would like to thank PGA Head Professional Bryan Minnick and his staff for hosting this year’s event. The players played the course to a par-72 at 6,666 yards for the male professionals and 5,666 yards for the female professionals. This event would not be possible without support from PXG, PGA TOUR, and Golf Channel. Click Here for the Photo Gallery. Click Here for the Final Results.

Litwak and Knudsen Ride Six-Birdie Surge to Texas Team Title

By Southern Texas PGA • July 8, 2026
HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS – Jeff Litwak, PGA Head Professional at Lakeside Country Club, and Erik Knudsen, PGA Sales Representative at BagCaddie, captured the Texas Team Championship following a dramatic final-round climb at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The 36-hole, Four-Ball Stroke Play Championship featured 232 PGA Professionals and Associates from the Southern Texas PGA and Northern Texas PGA Sections. The field included 116 teams representing 91 unique facilities playing both Apple Rock, a par-72 layout, and Ram Rock, a par-71 course over two days.  Litwak and Knudsen began the final round tied for 11th place before mounting their charge up the leaderboard.

Meet the Member: Travis Short, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • June 26, 2026
Travis Short, PGA - Determination and Belief in Yourself

Milstead and Bryant Capture 2026 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • June 23, 2026
LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS (June 23, 2026) – Three countries, three formats and 27 holes later, Michael Milstead, PGA Associate at The Back Nine Golf (Houston Memorial), and Cooper Bryant, PGA Associate at Lakeside Country Club, emerged as champions of the 2026 Southern Texas PGA 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship at Magnolia Creek Golf Club. The one-day event featured nine holes of Scramble on the Scotland Nine, nine holes of Four-Ball on the Ireland Nine and nine holes of Modified Alternate Shot on the England Nine. Each format required a different approach, placing an emphasis on strategy, communication and execution throughout the 27-hole championship. Milstead and Bryant combined for a final score of 12-under-par, using strong iron play, timely putting and consistent teamwork to conquer the championship’s unique three-format test.  “We started with some good momentum,” Milstead said. “I didn’t make him putt much during the Scramble, which was the goal, but in Alternate Shot he made some long putts. On the first hole of the day, he made one from about 30 feet, maybe even farther.”

Meet the Member: Rich Barcelo, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • May 28, 2026
Rich Barcelo, PGA - Different Path, Always Golf

STPGA Section Awards Nomination Period is Now Open!

By Sarah Lummus • May 26, 2026
Each year the Southern Texas PGA recognizes fellow PGA of America Members for their outstanding work and achievements. Our 2026 Section Awards nomination period is currently open and will close on August 12th at 11:59 pm. Please note that only PGA Professionals may submit nominations for their fellow PGA Professionals in the Southern Texas Section. Nominees will be notified and sent their application on a rolling basis throughout the nomination period. All completed applications must be submitted by September 14th at 11:59pm. If you have any questions regarding the 2026 Section Awards and nomination process, please reach out to Sarah Lummus at slummus @pgahq.com . Head to the link below to read more about the awards process and nominate your fellow PGA members!

Sainz Jr. and Uresti Capture Omega Transactions Memorial Championship Titles

By Southern Texas PGA • May 20, 2026
COLUMBUS, TEXAS (May 20, 2026) — The Southern Texas PGA returned to Big Easy Ranch on May 18-19 for the 2026 Omega Transactions Memorial Championship, where shifting weather, difficult scoring conditions, and two strong closing performances defined the championship in Columbus. Round One brought heavy winds across Big Easy Ranch, forcing players to manage ball flight, stay patient, and grind through difficult conditions. Round Two began with light morning rain that delayed tee times, but the weather eventually gave way to a beautiful afternoon as the wind settled and scoring opportunities opened across the course. 
Show More