Introducing your 2026 First Community STPGA Team!
SPRING, TEXAS (March 19, 2026) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce the Second Annual First Community STPGA Team, recognizing ten of the Section’s top-performing PGA Professionals who have earned the opportunity to represent the STPGA on a national stage.
The team is comprised of accomplished professionals who exemplify excellence in playing ability, leadership, and dedication to the game, with each member earning their position through standout performances at the 2025 STPGA Section Championship.
This year’s roster features a blend of seasoned veterans, rising competitors, and accomplished instructors who will showcase the strength of the Section at the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, April 26-29.
MEET THE FIRST COMMUNITY STPGA TEAM
Jesse Droemer, PGA
Teaching Professional, Riverbend Country Club
Jesse is a Teaching Professional at Riverbend Country Club and a proven competitor at the state and national levels. Originally from Sealy, Texas, he played collegiate golf at the University of Houston from 2010 to 2014 before becoming a PGA Member in 2016.
Jesse continued his strong form in 2025, recording top-five finishes in five of the eight events he competed in, further solidifying his reputation as one of the Section’s most consistent performers.
That performance carried onto the national stage, where he earned a spot in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow following a runner-up finish at the PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club. Showcasing remarkable passion and perseverance while battling through an injured back during the final round.
Jamie Fraser, PGA
Head Professional, Darmor Club
Originally from Oban, Scotland, Jamie began his golf journey at Glencruitten Golf Club before continuing his development at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Dornoch. He later completed his British PGA qualification at The Renaissance Club.
From 2013 to 2019, Jamie split time between Scotland and Houston before fully transitioning to Texas. Now the Head Professional at Darmor Club, he has been a consistent competitor in the Southern Texas Section since 2020, recording a 34% Top-10 finish rating in the events he plays.
This year marks a major milestone as Jamie qualifies for his first PGA Professional Championship while representing the First Community STPGA Team. Off the course, he recently welcomed his first child, a baby boy.
Bobby Gates, PGA
Director of Instruction, Summit Golf School
Bobby brings elite-level experience to the First Community STPGA Team. A Gainesville, Florida native, he played collegiate golf at Texas A&M before turning professional and competing on the Gateway Tour, Canadian Tour, and Nationwide Tour.
His professional career includes a victory at the 2010 Michael Hill New Zealand Open and earning PGA TOUR status through Q School and the Web.com Tour Finals. He competed in multiple PGA TOUR events before transitioning into teaching.
Now Director of Instruction at Summit Golf School, Bobby earned his spot on this year’s First Community STPGA Team with a T15 finish at last year’s PGA Professional Championship. He looks forward to once again competing on one of the game’s biggest stages at the 2026 PGA Professional Championship.
Greg Hiller, PGA
Director of Instruction, TPC San Antonio
Greg brings a wealth of experience both as a player and instructor to the First Community STPGA Team. Originally from North Dakota and a Texas resident since 2001, Greg enjoyed a successful playing career that included 10 years competing full-time, seven mini-tour victories, and qualifying for the 2003 U.S. Open. As a PGA Professional, he has continued to compete at a high level, earning two Southern Texas Section titles, qualifying for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship, and competing in nine PGA Professional National Championships.
Now serving as Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio for over nine years, Greg has studied under some of the game’s most respected minds, including PGA TOUR winner Bill Rogers and GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher John Dahl. A certified club fitter and AimPoint Express instructor, he blends elite playing experience with technical expertise. Greg and his wife Anne, have twin sons, Payton and Preston, who are both currently playing college golf.
Alan Hodde, PGA
Director of Instruction & Co-Owner, Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center
Alan is the Director of Instruction and Co-Owner of Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center. Raised in Brenham, Texas, he built his career through a strong work ethic and a passion for teaching, becoming a PGA Member in 2013.
A decorated professional, Alan was named the 2019 STPGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year and the 2023 STPGA Professional Development Award recipient. He also served as Captain of the 2024 Levy Cup Team and Vice Captain in 2025, helping lead the team to victory.
With 34 top-10 finishes, 26 top-5 finishes, and nine wins in Section events, Alan will make his second appearance at the PGA Professional Championship.
Steve Jurgensen, PGA
Teaching Professional, Westwood Golf Club
Steve brings decades of competitive experience, including four years on the PGA TOUR, to his role as a Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club. Having played competitively around the world through the age of 40, Steve now focuses on helping students achieve their goals while continuing to compete himself.
His competitive success within the Southern Texas PGA Section is highlighted by 44 top-five finishes and 20 victories in Section events. In 2025 alone, he delivered a standout season with first-place finishes at the TPx Player’s Cup, Texas Team Championship, and multiple strong finishes across the Section
Gilbert Mendez, PGA
Teaching Professional, Performance Golf Klub
Gilbert’s journey in golf began in Kingsville, Texas, where he first picked up a club at age 13, inspired by Tiger Woods. After earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M–Kingsville, Gilbert chose to pursue his true passion and attended the Golf Academy of America in Carlsbad, California.
His career has been defined by a commitment to growth, from teaching at GOLFTEC to gaining experience at Blackhawk and Sun City, and now helping lead a startup facility at Performance Golf Klub. Along the way, Gilbert has built an impressive competitive record within the STPGA, highlighted by 42 top-10 finishes, 28 top-5 finishes, and four victories.
Driven by a love for both playing and teaching, Gilbert finds his greatest fulfillment in helping others improve and enjoy the game at a higher level.
Casey Russell, PGA
Director of Golf, Pine Forest Country Club
Casey serves as the Director of Golf at The Covey at Big Easy Ranch, where he leads with a focus on service, competition, and player development. A lifelong competitor, Casey has been playing tournament golf since the age of 13 and continues to perform at a high level.
A two-time Southern Texas PGA Section Champion (2016, 2025), Casey has also qualified for multiple PGA Professional National Championships, with this year marking his sixth appearance. One of his career highlights includes competing in the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black.
Off the course, Casey takes the most pride in his family. He and his wife, Ashley, support their daughter Charly, who is heavily involved in competitive volleyball. His competitive mindset and leadership have shaped the culture at Big Easy Ranch and will continue to guide him in his transition to Director of Golf at Pine Forest Country Club.
Robert Scott, PGA
Teaching Professional, Royal Oaks Country Club
Robert is a Teaching Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club and serves as Assistant Director of Instruction. A native of Sugar Land, Texas, Robert began playing golf at age 14 and has since developed into both a skilled competitor and a dedicated coach.
He is passionate about helping players of all skill levels improve and solve challenges within their game. His competitive record within the Southern Texas PGA Section includes 27 top-five finishes and five victories, underscoring his consistency and ability to contend. In 2025, he recorded a T4 finish at the STPGA Section Championship and a T3 at the TPx Player’s Cup.
J.T. Taylor, PGA
Teaching Professional, Woodforest Golf Club
J.T. combines high-level playing experience with a passion for teaching in his role as Lead Teaching Professional at Woodforest Golf Club. A standout collegiate player at McLennan Community College and Sam Houston State, J.T. earned All-Conference honors and won the 2015 Southland Conference Individual Championship, helping lead SHSU to a regional appearance.
Following college, he spent five years competing professionally on tours, including the All Pro Tour and Swing Thought Tour. Since joining the STPGA, J.T. has continued to compete successfully, recording 13 top-10 finishes, five top-5 finishes, and two victories. He and his wife, Brenna, reside in Montgomery, Texas, with their twin boys, Sam and Tate.
The First Community STPGA Team represents the highest level of professional golf within the Southern Texas PGA Section. As these accomplished professionals head to Oregon 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 1000 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 who are experts in the game and business of golf and are located at over 350 facilities throughout Southern Texas. Our Members are proud to wear the PGA badge and work in all aspects of the industry, including golf operations, teaching and coaching, and executive management.
The STPGA Headquarters are in Spring, TX, and employ 16 full-time employees and over 100 part-time employees. The STPGA also focuses its time and resources on managing a 501(c)3 organization called PGA of America REACH Foundation Southern Texas, best known as PGA REACH Southern Texas. This Foundation has a mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf.
We look forward to watching the First Community STPGA Team compete at the 2026 PGA Professional Championship and wish them the best of luck!
Click here to view the photo gallery of our First Community STPGA Team Media Day.
