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

Uresti Wins Back to Back Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open

By Southern Texas PGA • October 10, 2025
MONT BELVIEU, TX (October 10) – What a week, what a playoff, and what a Champion! Congratulations to PGA Life Member Omar Uresti for winning back-to-back Energy Transfer Texas Senior Opens presented by the City of Mont Belvieu, OPD, Vortech Contracting and Riceland. With this win, Uresti becomes the first ever back-to-back winner of this prestige Championship. Known as the largest State Senior Open in the country, this year’s event once again drew some of the nation’s best senior professionals and amateurs to Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu, Texas. With competitors representing 21 different states and traveling a combined 62,000 miles to be here, this year’s field showcased depth, high quality golf, and a remarkable Champion. The 54-hole Championship was not enough to crown a Champion as the event needed to go into a three-way playoff between Uresti, Guy Boros from Plantation, FL (2022 Champion), and Wes Short from Buda, TX. The playoff hole was the par-5 18 th hole and Uresti was first to play. “My mindset was to attack,” said Uresti, who is now heading to the Senior PGA Professional Championship in Florida as his next event. “I wanted to apply as much pressure as possible to the other two players with hitting high quality shots and I am happy I was able to do that.” Uresti had 51 yards to the flag for his third shot and hit an unbelievable shot to 10 inches to make birdie to win the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open. “It feels great to win as this is the highlight of my year. I have not played that well this year and it was great to get off to a fast start on Wednesday and then deliver in the playoff for the victory.” Uresti was leading the event from the beginning of the week when he shot a low tournament round of 7-under 64. While the leaderboard saw lots of people trying to catch Uresti, Boros and Short were the only two but fell just a little short in the playoff. Eagle Pointe Golf Club and the City of Mont Belvieu have served as home to the championship since 2014, and their continued partnership with the Southern Texas PGA has helped elevate the event to new heights. This year also marked the continued growth of a strong alliance between Energy Transfer, the City of Mont Belvieu, Eagle Pointe, and the Southern Texas PGA, which recently extended its collaboration for another three years, ensuring the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open will remain in Mont Belvieu through 2028. Earlier in the week, the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open Pro-Am officially kicked off the festivities, featuring 23 teams in support of PGA REACH Southern Texas and the Energy Transfer Scholarship Fund. The Pro-Am exemplifies the community spirit that drives the event, uniting players, partners, and supporters to make a lasting impact through the game of golf. The Southern Texas PGA extends its sincere gratitude to Energy Transfer, the City of Mont Belvieu, Riceland, Vortech Contracting, OPD, and Scott Olsen, PGA Head Professional, alongside his entire team at Eagle Pointe Golf Club for their continued hospitality year after year. This year’s event featured a purse of $100,000 with $20,000 going to the winner. This purse along with the Pro-Am and its partners showcases why this is the largest State Senior Open in the country. The 30th Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open will take place October 7-9, 2026 with the Pro-Am taking place October 6. Thank you again to Energy Transfer and congratulations to Omar Uresti. We will see everyone again next year. Click here for the final results.

Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open Week Begins and the Legacy Grows!

By Southern Texas PGA • October 7, 2025
MONT BELVIEU, TX (October 7, 2025) – The stage is set and players are ready to go. It is officially the week of the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open! For the 29th time, over 120 Senior Professionals and Amateurs are set to play in the largest State Senior Open in the country. Hosted at Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu, TX, since 2014, players will be faced with a golf course in fast and firm conditions. The event commenced today with the famous Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open Pro-Am. This featured 23 incredible teams that support the event and the philanthropic initiatives of the PGA of America REACH Foundation Southern Texas. We would like to congratulate the winning team of Barbers Hill Education Foundation, featuring Fred Skinner, George Barrera, Clay Fullick, and Clint Pipes, led by Anthony Rodriguez.  Prior to the Pro-Am starting, the STPGA, in partnership with Energy Transfer and the City of Mont Belvieu, announced a partnership extension for the next three years, keeping the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open at Eagle Pointe each October. “We could not be more excited to continue our relationship to host this event, but also give back to the local community,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director for the STPGA. “This partnership with Energy Transfer started in 2015 and continues to grow each year, and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – 2026 SCHEDULE UNVEILING

By Southern Texas PGA • October 1, 2025
2026 looks to continue record participation from 2025, but also find new ways to engage with PGA Members throughout the year! SPRING, TX (October 1, 2025) – As we enter the final quarter of an amazing 2025 year, the Southern Texas PGA is excited to announce our schedule and important dates for the upcoming year. When building this schedule, the Southern Texas PGA continued to keep our Members as our top priority, considered the overall flow with many moving parts, and tried a few new ideas. While not all host facilities are finalized, we felt it was important to share as much as possible at this point in the year. Opening Stretch – Hello 2026! January and February are filled with an exciting start to the year with new Chapter offerings, high-quality education, one-day events, our very popular Golden Nugget Pro-Pro-Am-Am events, and our new STPGA Merchandise Suite Show.

Presidential Points: STPGA Q3 Update

By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • September 23, 2025
STPGA Q3 UPDATE Mentoring, Chapter Growth, and More Dear STPGA Members and Associates, I wanted to provide an update following our September board meeting at The Big Easy Ranch. As your President, my goal is to keep you informed about our progress and the key initiatives we're working on. Associate Mentoring Program One of my top priorities has been to launch an Associate Mentoring Program to align with national PGA initiatives. I'm excited to announce our first Pro-Associate Event on October 6 at The Big Easy Ranch. This event is open to all Level 1 Associates and is a great opportunity for them to learn about industry best practices, the benefits of PGA membership, and the resources available to them. After the educational session, Associates will be paired with a select PGA member for a round of golf to help them build their network and form valuable relationships. Associates can learn more and register for this event below.

HOMETOWN GLORY AT THE 2025 STPGA SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

By Southern Texas PGA • September 16, 2025
COLUMBUS, TX (September 16) – Over the last two days, the Southern Texas PGA proudly hosted its premier event, the 58th STPGA Section Championship, at The Covey at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas. 112 PGA of America Members from across the Section competed in a two-day championship not only to crown the 2025 STPGA Section Champion but also served as the pathway to the national PGA Professional Championship, Player of the Year Honors, and the last opportunity to climb our points list and earn a spot on #TeamSTPGA for the Joe Black Cup Matches and Levy Cup Matches. Congratulations to Casey Russell, PGA Director of Golf at Big Easy Ranch, for winning this year’s Section Championship at Big Easy Ranch. The home-field advantage would serve Casey well as he would finish with a tournament total of 70-71–141 (-3) After round one, the leaderboard was extremely tight with a three-way tie for first at 2-under (70) between Alan Hodde, PGA Director of Instruction at Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center, Greg Hiller, PGA Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio, and Casey Russell, PGA, and another 16 people within three strokes of the lead. With the added pressure of a tie, Casey would be put at ease with his course knowledge and the perfect pairing to go to battle with.

Meet the Member: Ricky Lyons, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 11, 2025
Ricky Lyons, PGA – Building Community, On and Off the Course

STPGA Past President, Charlie Eskridge Passes Away

By Southern Texas PGA • September 9, 2025
A proud PGA Member that impacted so many people!

Meet the Member: Lisa Fleming Edgmon, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 5, 2025
Lisa Fleming Edgmon, PGA – Built on Mentorship, Driven by Heart

WIRE-TO-WIRE FOR KEENER & JURGENSEN

By Southern Texas PGA • August 27, 2025
AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 26) — The 2025 TPx Player’s Cup concluded today at Austin Country Club, where the Section’s top professionals battled across two competitive divisions — Senior and Open — for one of the Southern Texas PGA’s most prestigious titles. In the Senior Division, Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club, delivered a wire-to-wire victory, finishing at 3-under-par for the championship after rounds of 69-72. Jurgensen sealed the win in dramatic fashion, rolling in a birdie on the par-5 18th to close out his championship run. Reflecting on the victory, Jurgensen said,

Jake Sitterle Claims 2025 Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • August 18, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 18, 2025) – Mother Nature had different plans at Champions Golf Club, where drawn-out lightning delays ultimately forced the cancellation of Round Two and shortened the 2025 Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship to 18 holes. Taking advantage of his strong opening round, Jake Sitterle, Assistant Professional at Lakecliff Country Club, earned the victory with a score of 70 (-1) on the par-71 layout, securing his place at this year’s champion. “This wasn’t the way anyone wanted this championship to end. Gilbert was playing great in the second round, but I am happy I could get the win,” Sitterle reflected. “With how the last major ended, I was always confident in my game and that I could be up at the top, but this field is strong, and I just wish all the guys who qualified the best of luck.” The tournament, hosted at Champions Golf Club, featured over 50 Assistant Professionals from across the Section, competing for qualifying spots into the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, set to be played at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, November 13-16, 2025.
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