New Associate Orientation Commences in 2026
Southern Texas PGA • January 12, 2026
On behalf of your Board of Directors, the STPGA would like to make you aware of a program that will commence on January 1, 2026 for all Level 1 Associates.
Starting in 2026, the STPGA will be running virtual Associate Orientations for all Associates who are either in Level 1 or joined the program after January 1, 2026. The goal of the Orientation will be to educate you on the STPGA, create a networking opportunity, but most importantly, motivate you about the industry and the PGA of America Membership.
The STPGA will run 11 of these throughout the year.
During the Orientation, all attendees must satisfy the requirements below to receive credit for attendance:
· Join the Google Meet within five (5) minutes of the scheduled start time
· Have their camera on for the entirety of the presentation
· Introduce themselves during the introduction portion of the Orientation
PGA of America Level 1 Associates must complete this orientation prior to participating in any Southern Texas PGA Tournament or Social Function starting in 2026. We wanted to start to make you aware of this now so that you are prepared come 2026. The STPGA will be having at least 2 of these orientations in March for any Level 1 Associate already in the program and has not advanced to Level 2, so that you can still participate in all events in 2026!
Please note: This policy begins with the Pro-Pro Champ in March. For any event in January and February, Level 1 Associates can participate without attending an orientation, as our first orientation isn't until March.
Click here for the full outline of the program, view all eleven dates that an orientation will be hosted, and the landing page with more information accessible to you.
The STPGA continues to look for ways to better our association, engage with the next PGA Member, and showcase the value of being a PGA Member.
Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you in advance for your support.
Our PGA REACH Southern Texas 2025 Impact Report At PGA REACH Southern Texas, golf is more than a game—it is a vehicle for opportunity, connection, and lasting impact. Guided by a commitment to serve our community, we work to strengthen our Foundation while bringing greater visibility to the life-changing stories behind our four core pillars: Junior Golf, College Scholarships, PGA HOPE, and Employment Opportunities. Together, these pillars reflect our mission to inspire the next generation, support educational achievement, empower military Veterans, and open doors to meaningful careers within the golf industry. We are proud to share our 2025 Impact Report, which captures the progress, growth, and momentum of the past year. Inside, you’ll find the milestones made possible through collaboration, generosity, and a shared belief in the power of golf to do good. As we continue to broaden our reach and deepen our impact, we invite you to celebrate the individuals, partnerships, and stories that define PGA REACH Southern Texas—and the lives forever changed along the way. And lastly, thank you. Thank you for your support and belief in what we are doing.
STPGA Q4 UPDATE Year-End Review and 2026 Strategic Focus Dear STPGA Members and Associates, With the close of 2025, your Board of Directors convened its final meeting of the year yesterday at the STPGA office. I am pleased to provide an update on the key discussions and our forward-looking agenda. Year in Review: Celebrating Our Achievements I want to acknowledge the outstanding work completed this past year. I feel very positive about the success of our efforts in several critical areas, including: Board Orientation: We implemented a comprehensive board orientation that clarified roles, responsibilities, and the STPGA operational structure. Associate Development and Mentoring: We strengthened our support through the new onboarding program, Pro-Associate events, and the Associate Orientation program. Chapter Engagement: Our focus on connectivity will launch two new Chapter events in 2026. Member Communication: The Member Outreach Program successfully enabled board members to connect with our membership before each meeting. Defining Our Future: Strategic Plan Refresh We completed a comprehensive review of our Strategic Plan, which has been a valuable tool for guiding our initiatives. The review culminated in the development of our Strategic Pillars . These pillars now serve as the foundation, defining the core areas of focus that will drive all annual planning and goal setting for the STPGA. Going forward, the board will collaborate with the staff to establish specific, measurable annual objectives aligned with these pillars. The new Strategic Pillars will be formally shared with you at the upcoming 2026 Education Summit and Annual Meeting. Event Reminder: Education Summit and Annual Meeting We have prepared an exceptional agenda for the 2026 Education Summit and Annual Meeting. Please ensure you save the dates: February 9-10, 2026, at the Westin San Antonio North. Registration will open on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, at 9:00 AM. We also look forward to celebrating professional excellence at our Annual Awards Banquet. Please click here to reserve your room at the exclusive discounted rate for our STPGA Members. I am deeply honored to serve as your President. Please feel free to reach out to me with any thoughts or suggestions—I am always available. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2026.
The Southern Texas PGA is built on the stories that shape our year: the victories, the breakthroughs, the friendships, and the unforgettable snapshots that remind us why we love this game. Moments that Matter is our look back at the highlights that defined 2025, celebrating the people who lifted our Section, inspired our juniors, and moved our community forward one swing at a time. Click below to read the full stories. Chad Donegan Receives President's Award Casey Russell 2x Section Champ Reliving the History at the 45th Uresti Defends at Eagle Pointe Texas Golf Day at the Capitol Team STPGA Wins 9th Levy Cup First Community Team STPGA Debut 2nd Annual STPGA Hope Cup New Leaders, New Energy STPGA Represents at the PGA Champ Nick Madden, PGA, Runs for REACH Our Partners Make it Possible Fuston & Jurgensen Ends 5-Year Drought for STPGA 5th Year of Charlie Epps Scholarship
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 18, 2025) – The historic 45th Joe Black Cup has concluded, and we proudly congratulate Team NTPGA on securing the victory at BraeBurn Country Club with a final score of 15.5–8.5 over Team STPGA. Team NTPGA established early momentum during Day One, delivering an impressive performance in the Four-Ball and Foursomes matches, where they earned 9.5 points to build a commanding lead. Their strong play continued into the Singles matches, where they successfully held off a determined rally from Team STPGA. Throughout Tuesday’s competition, spectators were treated to a dynamic and engaging battle, with the leaderboard frequently shifting between red and blue as both teams exchanged critical points to tie the session 6-6. This year’s event was elevated by a truly memorable “Evening of Honor,” during which we welcomed and celebrated 29 Past Captains. Their presence underscored the tradition, legacy, and camaraderie that define the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the event’s rich history and the influential leaders who have helped shape its enduring significance. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Team NTPGA for their outstanding performance and to both teams for exemplifying sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and pride in their respective sections. The 45th Joe Black Cup will long be remembered as a fitting tribute to the heritage of golf in Texas, Mr. Joe Black, and the individuals who continue to elevate the game. After 45 years of competition, the Northern Texas PGA now holds a 22–21–2 lead over the Southern Texas PGA in the storied history of the Joe Black Cup Matches. The 46th playing will return to Midland Country Club on November 16–17, 2026, where Team STPGA will look to reclaim the cup and bring it back to Southern Texas. A special thank you to Club Car, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, Peter Millar, and Winston Collection for their outstanding partnership and support in creating a world-class atmosphere befitting this historic 45th edition of the Matches. To view the photos of the past captains, click here . To view the dinner and practice round, click here . To view the day one matches, click here . To view the final day matches, click here . To view the final results, click here .
Guiding Team STPGA: Bryan Minnick, PGA
SPRING, TX (November 5, 2025) – After falling heartbreakingly short one year ago, Team Southern Texas PGA returned to the Levy Cup Matches with one mission: to bring the Cup home. And in one of the most dramatic finishes in event history, they did just that, defeating Team Northern Texas PGA by a single point at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano, Texas. The 9th playing of the Levy Cup Matches, held November 3–4, featured twelve PGA Professionals from each Section competing across Four-Ball, Foursomes, and Singles Matches in a spirited Ryder Cup–style format.
Lonny Alexander, PGA – Faith, Family, and Fairways
Special message from your Executive Director around exciting times ahead as your dedicated staff continues to develop! SPRING, TX (October 15, 2025) – As the Southern Texas PGA looks to finish out 2025 in style and kickstart 2026 on the right foot, I have some important announcements to share regarding your hard-working STPGA Staff. As announced in September, Tuesday, November 4 th will be Scott Archer’s last day at the Southern Texas PGA. He has accepted a job with the PGA of America in Frisco, TX, and we wish him nothing but the best. Since Scott’s announcement, I have spent a lot of time on our team, planning moving forward, and overall organizational structure to ensure we uphold all aspects of our business. When making decisions on staffing moving forward, three items were at the center of my decisions. Growth opportunities for current staff members Ensuring institutional knowledge within the team stays connected Overall efficiency within our operation
Scott Olsen, PGA – Hospitality Beyond the Game
SPRING, TX (October 14, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce that Jim Nittoli, PGA Director of Golf at San Antonio Country Club, has been named the 2025 STPGA Golf Professional of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Nittoli’s exceptional leadership, dedication to growing the game, and his impactful contributions to both his facility and the broader golf community. He leads a distinguished group of award winners honored at both the Section and Chapter levels, each exemplifying the values, professionalism, and service that define the Southern Texas PGA. Elected to PGA Membership in 1993, Nittoli has dedicated more than three decades to elevating the private club experience and shaping the next generation of golf professionals. For the past 16 years at San Antonio Country Club, he has led the club as they have seen record growth in rounds played, tournament participation, and golf association membership, while also building a golf culture that members and staff alike are proud to call their own.
