First Community STPGA Team Announced for 2025 PGA Professional Championship!

Southern Texas PGA • April 1, 2025

SPRING, TEXAS (April 1, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) is proud to announce the nine PGA of America Members who have earned their place on the inaugural First Community STPGA Team. Based on their outstanding performances in the 2024 STPGA Section Championship, these elite professionals will represent the Section at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, from April 27-30, 2025.


We will showcase this team throughout April, with the support of First Community Credit Union.

MEET THE FIRST COMMUNITY STPGA TEAM

Jesse Droemer, PGA
Teaching Professional, Riverbend Country Club


Jesse Droemer, originally from Sealy, Texas, began playing golf at the age of 12 and went on to play for the University of Houston from 2010 to 2014, becoming a PGA Member in 2016. His playing accomplishments include Houston Golf Association Player of the Year, Texas Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year, AJGA Champion, and victories at the 2023 TPX Player’s Cup, the 2023 Veritex Bank Spring Classic, and the 2022 Memorial Championship. Jesse has competed in numerous prestigious events, including the 2025 VidantaWorld Mexico Open, 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, and 2018 Valero Texas Open, as well as five PGA Professional Championships. Jesse achieved four top-five finishes in 2024, including second-place honors at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic and Southern Texas PGA Section Championship.

Darrell Fuston, PGA

General Manager, Westwood Golf Club


Darrell Fuston, a Dallas native and former collegiate golfer at North Texas State University, has dedicated over three decades to the golf industry as a 33-year member of the PGA of America. His career spans prominent roles, including positions with Four Seasons Hotels, Troon Golf, and leadership at elite clubs such as The Woodlands Country Club and Kingwood Country Club. He has directed operations for nine PGA Tour events, including the Byron Nelson Classic and Insperity Invitational, and continues to compete as an accomplished player, having qualified for numerous PGA and Senior PGA Professional Championships. Darrell has qualified to represent Team STPGA in 11 Texas Joe Black Cup Matches. Currently serving as the STPGA Vice President and has been a proud member of the Board of Directors since 2013.

Bobby Gates, PGA

Director of Instruction, Summit Golf School


A Gainesville, Florida, native, Gates developed into a highly competitive golfer during his youth. He played collegiate golf at Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 2008 with a degree in agriculture. Turning professional the same year, Gates played on the Gateway Tour, Canadian Tour, and Nationwide Tour, where he won the 2010 Michael Hill New Zealand Open. He later earned PGA Tour status through Q School and the Web.com Tour Finals, competing at the highest level for multiple seasons. His experience includes multiple PGA Tour events. Gates earned his spot on the First Community STPGA Team by finishing T6 at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and looks forward to showcasing his skills at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.

Greg Hiller, PGA

Director of Instruction, TPC San Antonio


Greg Hiller, originally from North Dakota, began playing golf on sand greens at the age of 11 and has been a PGA Member since 2014. His career includes six years as a Head Professional and nine years as a Director of Instruction at facilities ranging from public to private, currently serving as the Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio. An accomplished player, Greg has competed in two majors (the U.S. Open and Senior PGA Championship) and seven PGA Professional Championships. Highlights from 2024 include second-place honors at the STPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship, a sixth-place finish at the GolfStatus Tradition Championship, and top-ten finishes at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and TPx Player’s Cup.

Jared Jones, PGA

Director of Instruction, River Oaks Country Club


Jared Jones, originally from Kenova, West Virginia, was a scholarship player at The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in Personal Finance in 2008. Pursuing a career in golf, Jared gained experience at prestigious private clubs like Scioto Country Club, The Golf Club, Belle Meade Country Club, and PGA West under renowned instructor Jim McLean. In recent years, Jared has excelled in tournaments, qualifying for two PGA Championships (2022 – Southern Hills Country Club, 2024 – Valhalla Golf Club), finishing in a tie for second in the PGA Professional Championship in 2022 and 2024, and representing the victorious PGA Cup teams in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, he secured wins at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship in 2019 and 2024 and achieved top placements at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic and Boxto Memorial Championship in 2024.

Steve Jurgensen, PGA

Teaching Professional, Westwood Golf Club


Steve Jurgensen, a proud Member of the Southern Texas PGA, played competitively through the age of 40, travelling the world playing golf, including four years on the PGA Tour. Now dedicated to teaching, Steve finds immense joy in helping students achieve their goals while continuing to compete himself. In 2024, he earned five top-five finishes, highlighted by victories at the Texas Senior Open Qualifying Series at Landa Park and the STPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship. He also secured a second-place finish at the Golf Status Tradition Championship, a T3 at the Boxto Memorial Championship, and fifth at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship.

Robert Scott, PGA

Teaching Professional, Royal Oaks Country Club


Robert Scott, a native of Sugar Land, Texas, now residing in Richmond, Texas, began playing golf at the age of 14 to continue his passion for sports prior to a growth spurt. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Instruction at Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, Robert loves coaching players of all skill levels to help them achieve their goals and solve challenges in various aspects of the game. As a player, he has achieved personal highlights such as shooting 63 three times and will compete in his third PGA Professional Championship in four years. In 2024, Robert secured a T6 placement at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and a T15 finish at the Boxto Memorial Championship.

Ben Willman, PGA

Teaching Professional, Axis Golf Academy


Ben Willman, Co-Owner of Axis Golf Academy, was born and raised in England, where he began playing golf at the age of 13 and turned professional at 21. A Member of the British PGA since 2004, Ben achieved his dream of playing professionally by earning his European Tour Card in 2006, competing on prestigious tours like the PGA Tour and European Tour before transitioning to coaching in 2009 as a Member of the PGA of America. Ben has been recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Every State in 2022-23 and 2024-25. Despite focusing on instruction, Ben remains a competitive player, securing titles such as Southern Texas PGA Player of the Year in 2014, 2016, and 2019. While qualifying for events like the Shell Houston Open, Valero Texas Open, and Mexico Open. In 2024, he achieved five top-ten finishes, including T3 placements at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and TPx Player’s Cup. Ben has also competed in two PGA Professional Championships.

JJ Wood, PGA

Director of Instruction, Golf Performance Group


JJ Wood, originally from San Diego, California, excelled as a junior golfer with a top 25 national ranking, earning golf scholarships to Pepperdine University and the University of Oklahoma, where he was ranked in the Top 75 World Amateur Golf Ranking and obtained his master's degree in sports psychology for peak performance. His professional career includes playing on the PGA Tour, participating in one major championship, and founding Golf Performance Group as its Director of Instruction. Renowned for his coaching philosophy shaped by insights from elite instructors like Chris Como and Neale Smith, JJ has guided over 100 players to college scholarships and professional careers. A two-time Southern Texas PGA Player of the Year, he achieved standout tournament placements, such as T3 at the TPx Player’s Cup, T3 at the STPGA Section Championship, and T9 at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic, and will compete in his sixth PGA Professional Championship in 2025.

The First Community STPGA Team represents the highest level of professional golf within the Southern Texas PGA Section. As these accomplished professionals head to Florida in April, they will showcase the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship that define the STPGA.

About First Community
First Community was founded in 1954 with Spring Branch ISD as their founders. Their corporate office is in Houston, TX. First Community has over 455 employees serving over 170,000 members with 18 locations in Texas and over $2.5 billion in assets. First Community is a full-service, federally insured financial institution serving Texas counties from Houston to the DFW area. To find a First Community location near you, please visit FCCU.org.

First Community membership is open to anyone that lives, works, attends school or worships in one of the Texas counties we serve, FCCU.org/counties, any person employed by a Select Employee Group, FCCU.org/seg-list, or any relative or family member of an FCCU member or employee.

About the Southern Texas PGA

The Southern Texas PGA is a member-based organization with a mission to serve its 900 PGA of America Members and Associates, grow the game through STPGA programs, and elevate the Association. We are part of the PGA of America and one of 41 Sections across the country.


Our PGA of America Members and Associates are world-class professionals that are experts in the game and business of golf and are located at over 250 facilities throughout Southern Texas. The STPGA Headquarters is in Spring, TX, and employs 14 full-time employees and over 100 part-time employees.


We look forward to watching the First Community STPGA Team compete at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship and wish them the best of luck!

Help Support the Hill Country at Riverhill Country Club

By Southern Texas PGA • July 30, 2025
Sunday, August 17, 2025 Come join us for a Great Event. An exciting Day of Golf, Live Music, Auctions, and Special Appearances. 100% of all funds received will go directly to benefit the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram, Texas, to help them rebuild from devastating flood damage. Golf Tournament at Riverhill Country Club - the home of legendary Byron Nelson 8:00 am Registration 10:00 am Shotgun Start $500 per player (limited to 120 players) Golf at the Historic Riverhill Country Club Two Concert Tickets at Arcadia Live All-inclusive Food and Drink on the Course Player Gift Bags Live Concert at the Beautiful Arcadia Live Theater Featuring; 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm $100 per ticket (only 600 tickets available) Acts to be Announced coming soon due to security concerns and limited seating To Enter and for More Information , go to the website (working on) or Contact Jeff Hunter, PGA at (830)-896-1400 ext. 2260 or jhunter@riverhillcc.com John Junker at (830-896-1400) ext. 2260 or jjunker@riverhillcc.com Checks and donations can also be sent to Riverhill Country Club, made out to: Guitars and Greens for the Guadalupe

Meet the Member: John Gibson, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • July 29, 2025
John Gibson, PGA – From Tee Times to Timberland

Meet the Member: Wes Skaggs, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • July 24, 2025
Wes Skaggs, PGA – Finding Purpose in the Heart of the Game

Uresti Wins 2025 Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship at Bay Oaks

By Southern Texas PGA • July 22, 2025
HOUSTON, TX (July 22, 2025) – Omar Uresti, PGA Life Member, claimed victory at the 2025 Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship, firing rounds of 67-73–140 ( -4 ) at Bay Oaks Country Club to secure the title of Senior Section Champion. This is Uresti's Fourth Senior Championship, with his last win coming in 2023. This year’s championship served a dual purpose, determining not only the Southern Texas PGA Senior Champion but also acting as the Section’s qualifier for the 2025 Senior PGA Professional Championship, to be held at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, later this fall. "It feels good to come out and get a win against a strong field and a tough golf course. The first round I was hitting good shots and making good putts, but today wasn't the same, and I had to balance my mental game a little bit throughout the ups and downs," said Uresti. In the final round, Uresti needed to battle back after a slow start on the front nine with 3 bogeys, but took the lead with 1 eagle and 2 birdies on the back nine to secure the win. The leaderboard finished with Uresti winning by three over Billy Sitton, PGA Executive from Triumph Golf, and four over Darrell Fuston, PGA General Manager from Westwood Golf Club. Heading into the tournament, Uresti, Robert Thompson, PGA, and Eric Bogar, PGA, were already exempt. The five additional qualifiers are: Billy Sitton, PGA Golf Executive at Triumph Golf Darrell Fuston, PGA General Manager at Westwood Golf Club Darek Franklin, PGA Assistant Professional at Austin Golf Club Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club David von Hoffman, PGA Director of Golf at Spanish Oaks Golf Club 

Meet the Member: Eric Bogar, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • July 15, 2025
Eric Bogar, PGA – Right Where He Is Meant To Be

STPGA Q2 UPDATE Member Outreach, Mentoring, and More

By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • July 14, 2025
Dear STPGA Members, I hope this message finds you well and enjoying a wonderful summer! Following our second board meeting on July 10th, I wanted to provide you with some important updates. We're incredibly enthusiastic about a few new initiatives we're rolling out, building upon the strong foundation of our existing successful programs. Below are three key areas we focused on during the meeting: Member Outreach Program: Your Voice Matters We have launched a new Member Outreach Program designed to ensure your voices are heard directly by our leadership. Before each quarterly board meeting, every board member will personally contact three STPGA professionals. These assignments will rotate, allowing us to connect with a diverse group of members over time. The goal of these calls is simply to have an informal, open conversation to understand what's on your mind. At the start of each board meeting, we summarize the key themes and feedback gathered. This direct input will be invaluable in shaping our decisions, enhancing our programs, and ultimately better serving all STPGA professionals. Please don't be surprised if a board member reaches out, and we truly encourage you to share your thoughts! New Associate Development and Mentoring Initiative The STPGA is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Associate Mentoring initiative, which the board thoroughly discussed and voted to approve. This program will focus on three key goals: Enhanced Onboarding Communication: We'll be sending updated and more in-depth communications to all new and transfer-in associates, providing comprehensive information about the Section and all available resources. Pro-Associate Events: We're introducing two new Pro-Associate events, with the first scheduled for October. These events aim to introduce Level 1 associates to the STPGA, featuring guest speakers, sharing best practices, and providing essential information about the PGA of America and the STPGA. Our goal is to keep their excitement for the golf industry high and maintain their motivation. Following this, Level 1 associates will have the unique opportunity to play golf with an existing PGA member, helping them expand their network and gain a valuable mentor. Associate Orientation Program: We will also implement a new, mandatory Associate Orientation program. This orientation will educate associates on the STPGA and the PGA of America, reinforcing their motivation within the industry. It's also a great way to introduce them to our dedicated STPGA staff, ensuring they know who to contact for support. Completing this orientation will be a prerequisite for associates to participate in any STPGA golf tournaments. Strategic Plan Refresh Underway The board of directors had a very robust and constructive conversation about our strategic plan. This plan has been an incredibly valuable tool for our staff and board, guiding our initiatives over the past several years. We've identified some exciting ideas to improve it further and will be sure to share these with you once they are finalized. Lastly, our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected by the flooding in the Hill Country. If you know of a facility or PGA Member or Associate that has been directly affected, please reach out to either me or Thomas Hutton, our Executive Director. The PGA of America remains committed to the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund that provides assistance to members who are faced with temporary financial problems due to serious medical emergencies or the impact of natural disasters. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Please know that I am always available and welcome any comments or concerns you may have. Sincerely,

FUSTON & JURGENSEN GO WIRE-TO-WIRE TO CLAIM THE 2025 TEXAS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

By Southern Texas PGA • July 8, 2025
HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS (July 8, 2025) - The 2025 Texas Team Championship saw Darrell Fuston, PGA General Manager at Westwood Golf Club, and Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club, take home the trophy with a two-day total of two-day low score of 59-64-123 (-20). This year's event featured 116 2-person teams made up of PGA Members and Associates from both the Southern Texas and Northern Texas PGA Sections. Fuston and Jurgensen came in on a hot streak after winning the STPGA 9/9/9 Championship last week. The team took the lead after day one and never looked back! They shot an impressive 59 (-12) on Monday when they played the Ram Rock course at Horseshoe Bay, giving them the lead by three strokes after playing the harder of the two golf courses. When asked about day one, Fuston said, "We just played really solid golf—almost like a scramble. We were in sync all day, hitting it together and keeping it stress-free. We know each other’s games well, and it just clicked out there". When day two started, they looked to continue their consistent play and were able to do just that with a bogey-free round and eight birdies on the Apple Rock course. They started out their final round with four birdies on the front nine. Following the final round, the pair said, "Today felt tough, but once we birdied 10 and 11, we were great. Checking the leaderboard helped us refocus — we weren’t chasing, so we just stuck to our game and kept the momentum going”. Thomas Devanna, PGA, and Keith Harris, PGA, made a remarkable climb up the leaderboard in Round Two, jumping 12 spots with an impressive bogey-free round on the Apple Rock Course that featured nine birdies. Their strong performance secured them a share of runner-up honors at 16-under-par, alongside the STPGA’s Wes Skaggs, PGA, and Omar Uresti, PGA. The Texas Team Championship is the one event a year outside of the Ryder Cup events where both STPGA and NTPGA Members and Associates compete together. While the competition remains the main priority, the networking, camaraderie, and meeting new professionals is also very important. The Southern Texas PGA extends a sincere thank you to all of our 2025 sponsors, including Adidas, YETI, BlueGolf/Clubessential/ForeUp, Fairways and Fundays, Elijah Craig, Kohler Wisconsin, Bad Birdie, E-Z-GO, Heritage Creations, Redvanly, and XXIO. Thanks to their generous support, the total purse for this year’s event reached $59,475, which included a $57,975 overall purse and $1,500 awarded through special contests. This year, we also had the fan-favorite Putting Contest at the Whitewater Putting Course at Horseshoe Bay Resort following Round One. For the 2025 edition of this storied contest, the duo of Patrick Buhrmann, PGA, and Jeff Hughes, PGA, claimed the title with an impressive 34-under finish, edging out the competition by three strokes. The laid-back setting provided a great opportunity for Elijah Craig as well as other event sponsors to connect with PGA Professionals while enjoying a fun and social evening on the unique course. The Texas Team Championship was played on the 6,858-yard Apple Rock and 6,702-yard Ram Rock Courses at Horseshoe Bay Resort. To view the final results, CLICK HERE . To view the photo gallery, CLICK HERE .

WESTWOOD VICTORIOUS AT 9/9/9

By Southern Texas PGA • June 30, 2025
The Woodlands, TX (June 30, 2025) — The Southern Texas PGA proudly hosted the annual 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship today at The Woodlands Country Club – Palmer Course, over 50 teams competed in a unique 27-hole stroke play event that tested teamwork and versatility. The format featured three distinct styles of play: King Nine – Scramble General Nine – Four-Ball Deacon Nine – Modified Alternate Shot Emerging victorious at 16-under-par (-16) was the duo of Darrell Fuston, PGA, General Manager at Westwood Golf Club, and Steve Jurgensen, PGA, Teaching Professional at the Westwood Golf Club. “The Four-Ball is where we started to put together some birdies and start catching a groove,” said Fuston. Jurgensen added, “Going bogey-free was a big help as well. There were still some opportunities we didn’t capitalize on, like the Par 5, where we had a birdie look but walked away with a par. Those things happen, and we just played well all day.” The pair now looks to carry their momentum into next week’s Texas Team Championship at Horseshoe Bay Resort, where they’ll once again team up in pursuit of another title. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our partners who made this event possible: Golf Scorecards, Inc., E-Z-GO, Joseph Elliot, Winston Collection, L2 Brands, and Bag Caddie. Their support continues to elevate our tournaments and the experience for PGA Professionals across the Section.

Meet the Member: Trent Peddy, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • June 20, 2025
Trent Peddy, PGA – Performance, Passion, and the Path to Professional

Nevius and Uresti are Victorious at Jets.com Tradition Championship

By Southern Texas PGA • June 17, 2025
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (JUNE 17, 2025) – The 2025 Jets.com Tradition Championship brought 143 PGA of America Members and Associates to Briggs Ranch Golf Club for two days of premier competition. The event featured exciting action in both the Senior and Open Divisions. In the Senior Division, PGA Life Member Omar Uresti posted rounds of 69-71 for a tournament total of 140 ( -4 ), coming from two shots behind to claim the title. Uresti and first-round leader Chad Donegan, PGA General Manager at Landa Park Golf Course, kept the leaderboard tight throughout the final round, with the battle going all the way to the final hole before Uresti sealed the win. "It felt really good to secure a victory here. I haven't had complete trust in my swing recently, but I still hit a lot of good shots and had some great putts that just didn't fall. The course was a lot firmer this year than it was last year, so it put more weight on each decision. All around, it was a lot of ups and downs, but I am excited to be back and win another major." The Open Division delivered plenty of drama as well, with strong play across the field on Day 1 that saw the Top-17 players finish under par. Austin Wylie, Assistant Professional at Mac Wylie Golf Center, entered the final round with a two-stroke lead and was aiming for back-to-back Major victories. However, after a day of great golf, Jeremy Nevius, Assistant Professional at Austin Golf Club, and Steven Chervony, Assistant Professional at Austin Country Club, would play their way to the top of the leaderboard. Fittingly, after spending the entire final round paired together, the two had the opportunity to head back out together for a playoff to decide the Championship. “I was excited for the chance. When Steven and I finished our round, I checked the scoreboard and didn’t think we were even in the mix,” said Nevius. “It felt like a blessing just to play Hole 18 one more time.” As the pair drove to the 18th tee, they took in the sunset over Briggs Ranch before heading into the playoff. After finding the fairway bunker with his drive, Nevius attacked the flag and gave himself a chance to apply pressure. “The putt was sweet. I think I just willed it in,” Nevius said. “I’d been in that bunker earlier, and the hole location set up perfectly for the shot shape I’d been playing all day. Steven is so good — he doesn’t miss. Playing with him all day and knowing it was him in the playoff added some nerves. I’m just so pumped to get this win.” The Southern Texas PGA extends its sincere thanks to Derrick Dixon, PGA General Manager, Mike Frost, PGA Head Professional, and the entire team at Briggs Ranch Golf Club for another incredible year of championship golf and outstanding hospitality. A special thank you as well to our Title Partner, Jets.com, and to our Presenting Partners: Levelwear, PRG, nexbelt, Hole-in-One U.S.A. Insurance, TurfHound, Vortech Contracting, Strackaline, Tournament Solutions, Zedcor, Bluemoon, and ZOA, whose support helps make this Championship possible. To view the photo gallery, click here . To view the final results, click here .
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