Presidential Points: STPGA Q1 Update

Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • April 15, 2025

STPGA Q1 UPDATE
Strategic Plan, Mentoring, and More

Dear STPGA Members,


As we conclude the first quarter, I'm writing to share some key updates. Our newly appointed Board of Directors convened for our inaugural meeting in late March. I'm genuinely enthusiastic about collaborating with this dedicated group of PGA of America Members to strengthen our Association and prioritize your needs.


During this meeting, we outlined strategic goals for the next two years, and I'm excited to highlight a few initiatives:


Strategic Plan Refresh
We will commence a strategic plan review during our July board meeting, culminating in a revised plan presentation at the 2026 STPGA Education Summit and Annual Meeting.


Associate Development & Mentoring
The STPGA will launch an Associate Mentoring Program, aligning with a PGA initiative from the National Membership Committee. We are grateful that Board Member, Trent Peddy, PGA, will lead this important initiative.


Enhanced Chapter Connectivity
I've requested Chapter Officers to host at least one annual engagement event. I'm pleased to report that planning is already underway.


Thank you to everyone who expressed Committee interest after the Annual Meeting. Committee assignments are now finalized and Available Here. Your input is valued, so please connect with Committee Members and chairs with any comments or suggestions.


Additionally, we have three member-focused initiatives occurring within the next 30-90 days:


Annual Member Audit
To ensure accurate records, vital for effective communication and Member service, we are conducting our annual Member Audit. This audit verifies accurate Member classification, information, and facility details. While Members are responsible for maintaining accurate employment records, the STPGA believes this process enhances our service.


Please verify your information on PGA.org.

For classification questions, please contact Executive Director, Thomas Hutton, PGA.


Facility Data Verification
The PGA of America is working on updating its internal facility data tracking and has tasked the Sections through the Strategic Funding initiative to assist with this process. Having accurate facility information will enable our Career Consultants and Sections to better serve PGA of America Members and Associates throughout the year.


Please Click Here for a 3-5 minute survey that will assist our Section with updating our full database. This will be a top priority of the Southern Texas PGA for the remainder of 2025 with the goal of 100% data verification, so please ensure that you complete this form.


PDR (Professional Development Requirement) Cycle Reminder
With the PDR cycle ending on June 15, 2025, please ensure you meet the requirements. For information on additional PDR credit opportunities, please visit the
STPGA education page.


Thank you for your continued engagement and support.



Sincerely,

Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA
President, Southern Texas PGA

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
TODD HARBOUR, PGA - A FULL CIRCLE RETURN ROOTED IN CONNECTION & COMMUNITY
By Southern Texas PGA February 25, 2026
A Partnership Focused on Community, Character, and Championship Standards
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
By Susie Redman, Founder, “Keep Her Playing”
Show More