Member Spotlight: Chris de Keratry, PGA

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tyler Gammill, PGA - From Backyard Putts to Big-Team Moments

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.

TODD HARBOUR, PGA - A FULL CIRCLE RETURN ROOTED IN CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

A Partnership Focused on Community, Character, and Championship Standards

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.