James Brown - Member Spotlight

Southern Texas PGA • February 24, 2021

James Brown, PGA

President, Southern Texas PGA
Head Golf Professional | Royal Oaks Country Club

What are five words that best describe you?
Ambitious, Dedicated, Passionate, Loyal, Family


What is your favorite thing about working in the golf industry?
The people! We work in an industry where people are connected in so many ways and we, as Professionals, are providing a lifelong sport where juniors, families, friends, coworkers, businesses, golfers of all abilities, the list goes on and on, all come together to socially interact and compete playing a game like no other…GOLF.

What is your favorite golf memory?
Taking my dad to The 2012 Masters.


List the five most influential people in your life.
My mom and dad, my grandfathers, Dale Morgan, PGA and Steve Wheelis, PGA.

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Play more golf. When I got into the business, working any job I could, course maintenance, outside staff, etc., all I wanted to do is work and learn as much as I could to become a PGA Professional. I would not trade my work experiences for anything, but I have passed up some opportunities to play golf.


If you weren't a PGA Member, what would your profession be?
Golf Course Superintendent or an Accountant


If you could play a round of golf with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Definitely my dad…he taught me the game and that was what he and I did together almost every weekend.

And, my wife, son and daughter…I know I have so many rounds yet to play with them, but I promise, it will never be enough.

I know you asked about “a” round, but here’s my second and dream round…

Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples, my dad and me…these were my childhood golf idols.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Before having children, it was traveling, playing hockey and softball. Now it is still traveling, but spending time with family and watching my children grow up participating in what activities they enjoy.


What is your personal motto?
“Work Smarter, not Harder” My grandfathers and dad instilled in me to think first, then react to a situation/problem. Reaction without thought can potentially create bigger problems.


What/Where is the coolest golf course you've played at?
I hate this question. There are so many courses and each have their own beauty and characteristics, which makes this game so special. I will say that one of my all-time experiences was meeting Bob Ford at Oakmont CC before playing the course for the first time.

What is your favorite part about being with the Southern Texas PGA?
Being a part of the Southern Texas PGA has been a rewarding move for me and my family. The Professionals that make up the Southern Texas PGA are so much larger than most realize. The friends, colleagues and mentors that I have gained in all three Chapters, (East, West and South), is something that I never realized was a possibility, before I became involved.


What is something you admired of past Section Presidents that you hope to continue?
Being around so many of our Past Presidents, I hope that I will be able to have the same level of passion and commitment to our Section, our Association and our PGA members.


What is the best piece of advice you have received from Past President Doug DeSive?
He has always encouraged me to continue being me, as I do not always follow the crowd. I feel he and I complement each other very well and cannot thank Doug enough for his time as President, especially having served during a pandemic and other local disasters to our Communities. 

You are president now. What do you hope to accomplish?
Honestly, I do not have a personal agenda or list of items that I had ever hoped to accomplish if I became the Section President. When I decided to get involved, my decision was made because I wanted to know more about the Section and how we can make things better for ourselves and our fellow Professionals. Most of us enjoy playing in golf tournaments and maybe feel obligated to sit in the back of the room for a meeting, because we need the points, but being a PGA Member is and should be so much more. Getting involved, at whatever level you can, or that your time allows, can be very rewarding. It is easy to be a Monday morning quarterback, but being involved in our Section and Association takes personal time, patience and understanding. I hope that with the support of my fellow Officers, the STPGA Board, the Section Staff and our Committees, that we can continue to improve our PGA brand in our Communities, continue to build our Junior Golf Program, keep building on the successes of recent years for our Section and most importantly give back to our Section Professionals and Associates.


Describe in less than 20 words, how your next 2 years as president will look.
I hope…no disasters/pandemics and I want to listen and give back to our membership.

By Southern Texas PGA April 29, 2026
BANDON, Oregon (April 29, 2026) ー Jesse Droemer embraced the elements. With the Walter Hagen Cup and a berth into the PGA Championship within reach, Droemer expected Wednesday’s final round of the 2026 PGA Professional Championship to be a test of patience and control. Strong, brisk winds made Bandon Dunes an even greater challenge, but the Southern Texas PGA standout rose to the occasion. Droemer (Houston, Texas) fired a final-round 2-under-par 70 to finish at 4-under-par 283, securing victory by one stroke and earning his place among the game’s elite. “I knew it was going to be windy,” said Droemer, the fifth champion from the Southern Texas PGA Section and the first since 2021. “I knew the conditions were going to be tough, and I just really was trying to embrace the elements. I'm glad it was windy. I'm glad it was playing hard.” A PGA Teaching Professional at Riverbend Country Club, Droemer began his round with five consecutive pars before recording his lone front-nine bogey at the par-3 sixth. He quickly rebounded with his first of four birdies at the par-4 seventh and added another at the par-5 ninth to make the turn at 1-under-par 35. Carrying momentum into the back nine, Droemer birdied the par-4 10th and par-5 13th to strengthen his position atop the leaderboard. A bogey at the par-3 15th briefly tightened the margin, but three steady pars to close sealed the championship victory.
By Southern Texas PGA April 15, 2026
PEARLAND, TX (April 15, 2026) — The Southern Texas PGA Major season opened with drama and momentum at Golfcrest Country Club, where Jesse Droemer, PGA, and Steve Jurgensen, PGA, captured their respective division titles at the 2026 Huntington Bank Spring Classic, held over the last two days. The Open Division delivered a thrilling finish as Jesse Droemer, PGA Teaching Professional at Riverbend Country Club, secured the championship at 6-under-par following a playoff against David von Hoffmann, PGA Director of Golf at Spanish Oaks Golf Club. The two competitors replayed the iconic 18th hole to determine the champion after a tightly contested final round, where Droemer carded a steady two-putt par to decide the title. David von Hoffmann began Round Two tied for third before quickly surging into the lead after birdieing three of his first four holes. His early charge applied pressure throughout the round and set the tone for a dramatic finish. Meanwhile, Droemer, who began the day tied for fifth, battled through adversity after an early setback with a double bogey on Hole #7 before mounting a late push when it mattered most. A stretch of birdies on Holes 15, 16, and 17 ignited Droemer’s charge and ultimately forced the playoff showdown on the finishing hole.
By Southern Texas PGA April 8, 2026
Three Leaders. Three Cups. One Mission. Trevino, Kilian-Smith, and MacCurrach will lead Team STPGA into the 2026 season across the Joe Black Cup, Levy Cup, and Texas Junior Cup Matches.
By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA March 25, 2026
STPGA 2026 Q2 UPDATE A Message from the President: Building the Future of the STPGA Dear STPGA Members and Associates, Fresh off our March Board of Directors meeting at the STPGA home office, I am energized by the momentum we are building together. Every conversation we had centered on one thing: you . Our goal is to ensure that our PGA Members and Associates remain the focal point of every initiative we launch. We’ve had a productive start to the year, but we are just getting started. Here are a few highlights from our meeting: Refining Our Flagship Event: We conducted a deep dive into the 2026 Education Summit and Annual Meeting. While it was a success, we are already laying the groundwork to make 2027 even more impactful. Celebrating Excellence: We discussed enhancements to our awards process and brainstormed fresh ways to showcase the incredible talent within our Section. I’ll give you a quick "teaser"—the Board is working on a very exciting project to highlight our members, and I can’t wait to share more details with you soon! Education & Growth: From the recent ADM Education Summit to the upcoming Coaching & Teaching Summit and Specialized Workshop, we are committed to providing world-class professional development. Legacy & Competition: We received an update from Alli Jarrett, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. As one of the six permanent organizations of the TGHOF, we remain proud of our ties to the history of the game in Texas. We also discussed exciting enhancements to our Championship schedule, including the Golden Nugget events and upcoming captaincy announcements for the Joe Black, Levy Cup, and Texas Junior Cup. Fiscal Stewardship: We reviewed our investment strategies to ensure we remain good stewards of our Association’s resources, securing a strong financial future for the STPGA. Your Turn to Lead: Get Involved! As we solidified our election process for the upcoming cycle, I had a personal realization: my term as President is already halfway through. This journey has been one of the absolute highlights of my career. Serving as an Officer and leading this Section has been immensely rewarding, and I want that same experience for you. Our Association is only as strong as the leaders who step up to guide it. If you are passionate about the Southern Texas PGA and want to help shape the future of our profession, I strongly encourage you to consider running for a board position. Whether you have a specific vision or simply a desire to give back to the game, we need your voice and your leadership. I promise that the professional and personal growth you experience in these roles is well worth the investment. As always, my door is open. If you have questions about the election process, our recent board initiatives, or how you can get more involved, please don't hesitate to reach out.
By Southern Texas PGA March 20, 2026
Tyler Gammill, PGA - From Backyard Putts to Big-Team Moments
By Southern Texas PGA March 19, 2026
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.
By Southern Texas PGA February 26, 2026
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By Southern Texas PGA February 25, 2026
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By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA February 16, 2026
STPGA 2026 Q1 UPDATE Record Growth & Our Roadmap Ahead Dear STPGA Members and Associates, We recently kicked off 2026 with our first Board Meeting and Annual Meeting in San Antonio. It was inspiring to see over 200 members in attendance for what was a productive and insightful few days. As we look toward the year ahead, I am proud to share some significant highlights regarding our Section’s health and future direction. Exceptional Financial Growth During the Annual Meeting, we reported our 2025 year-end financials, and I am pleased to confirm that the STPGA remains in excellent financial condition. Revenue Milestone: We surpassed $8.7 million in revenue for 2025, marking a 55% increase since 2021. National Standing: The STPGA is now the 3rd largest operation out of the 41 PGA Sections—a remarkable feat considering we rank 11th in total membership. Reserve Fund: Our financial success has allowed us to establish a conservatively invested reserve fund. This provides a safety net for unforeseen circumstances and the flexibility to expand our staff, enhance our programs, and capitalize on future opportunities. A Roadmap for the Future We were thrilled to unveil our finalized Vision, Mission, and Strategic Pillars . It has been several years since this foundational document was updated, and these pillars will now serve as the compass for all annual planning and goal setting.
By Susie Redman, PGA, LPGA February 13, 2026
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