Jesse Droemer Captures One-Shot Victory at 2026 PGA Professional Championship

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.

Teaming with local caddie Carl Everts, Droemer leaned on lessons from previous appearances at the PGA Professional Championship to navigate the demanding conditions.


“Actually, in ’23 at Twin Warriors, I struck it really well,” Droemer said. “I lost by six and missed nine putts inside of three feet. That was the week where I realized I could win this. Then last year, finishing second gave me confidence. Being in this position again, I felt comfortable."


Droemer’s victory not only secured the Walter Hagen Cup but also earned him a place in the 2026 PGA Championship, marking a defining milestone in his career and another proud moment for the Southern Texas PGA Section.


His performance also highlighted the strength and unity of the Second Annual First Community STPGA Team, whose support helped position eleven Southern Texas PGA Professionals to compete on one of golf’s biggest stages.

The Southern Texas PGA is proud to recognize First Community Credit Union for its continued commitment to supporting the Section’s top-performing professionals. Through the First Community STPGA Team initiative, eleven accomplished PGA Professionals earned the opportunity to represent the Section at the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.


The team is comprised of 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 featured a blend of seasoned veterans, rising competitors, and accomplished instructors who showcased the depth of talent within the Southern Texas PGA Section on a national stage.


Members of the 2026 First Community STPGA Team included:


Jesse Droemer, PGA, Teaching Professional at Riverbend Country Club
Jamie Fraser, PGA, Head Professional at Darmor Club
Bobby Gates, PGA, Director of Instruction at Summit Golf School
Greg Hiller, PGA, Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio
Alan Hodde, PGA, Director of Instruction and Co-Owner of Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center
Steve Jurgensen, PGA, Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club
Gilbert Mendez, PGA, Teaching Professional at Performance Golf Klub
Casey Russell, PGA, Director of Golf at Pine Forest Country Club
Robert Scott, PGA, Teaching Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club
J.T. Taylor, PGA, Lead Teaching Professional at Woodforest Golf Club
David von Hoffmann, PGA, Director of Golf at Spanish Oaks Golf Club.

The First Community STPGA Team represents the highest level of competitive excellence within the Southern Texas PGA Section, providing Members with increased opportunities and recognition as they compete nationally. The Southern Texas PGA extends its sincere appreciation to First Community Credit Union for its continued investment in the success of its Members. Their support plays a vital role in helping PGA Professionals compete at the highest level while proudly representing the Section across the country.


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By Southern Texas PGA • October 16, 2026
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