Presidential Points: STPGA Q3 Update

Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • September 23, 2025

STPGA Q3 UPDATE
Mentoring, Chapter Growth, and More

Dear STPGA Members and Associates,
I wanted to provide an update following our September board meeting at The Big Easy Ranch. As your President, my goal is to keep you informed about our progress and the key initiatives we're working on.

Associate Mentoring Program
One of my top priorities has been to launch an Associate Mentoring Program to align with national PGA initiatives. I'm excited to announce our first Pro-Associate Event on October 6 at The Big Easy Ranch. This event is open to all Level 1 Associates and is a great opportunity for them to learn about industry best practices, the benefits of PGA membership, and the resources available to them.

After the educational session, Associates will be paired with a select PGA member for a round of golf to help them build their network and form valuable relationships. Associates can learn more and register for this event below.

CLICK HERE

Enhanced Chapter Connectivity
We are also focused on improving connectivity within our chapters. I've asked our Chapter officers to host at least one engagement event per year, with diverse formats like roundtable discussions, educational programs, and golf outings.

I'm happy to report that our 2026 schedule, which will be released on October 1, will include two new chapter events. The new schedule will also feature an additional Pro-Scratch event, travel Pro-Am opportunities, and more Pro-Associate events.

STPGA Hope Cup & Awards
The second annual STPGA Hope Cup was a great success on September 8 in San Antonio. It was inspiring to see Veterans play with our PGA professionals, and we're also grateful to all the professionals who participated in our recent PGA Hope training session. We also want to recognize all the professionals who were nominated for STPGA Awards. We look forward to announcing this year’s winners in the coming weeks. A reminder that chapter awards are now selected by the awards committee, not voted on by members.

A Farewell to Scott Archer, PGA
I want to extend a huge thank you to Scott Archer, PGA, for his 7.5 years of service as our Assistant Executive Director. Scott has accepted a new position as Member Services Leader at PGA Headquarters in Frisco, and while we will miss him greatly, we are thrilled about his new opportunity. I've had the pleasure of working closely with Scott over the years and have always appreciated his positive attitude and his dedication to our members. Scott will be with us through the Coaching & Teaching Summit in November, and we wish him all the best in his new role.

Last but not least, GO USA! I hope everyone enjoys the Ryder Cup. Remember, my door is always open—please feel free to reach out if you need anything at all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA
President, Southern Texas PGA

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HOMETOWN GLORY AT THE 2025 STPGA SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

By Southern Texas PGA • September 16, 2025

COLUMBUS, TX (September 16) – Over the last two days, the Southern Texas PGA proudly hosted its premier event, the 58th STPGA Section Championship, at The Covey at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas. 112 PGA of America Members from across the Section competed in a two-day championship not only to crown the 2025 STPGA Section Champion but also served as the pathway to the national PGA Professional Championship, Player of the Year Honors, and the last opportunity to climb our points list and earn a spot on #TeamSTPGA for the Joe Black Cup Matches and Levy Cup Matches. Congratulations to Casey Russell, PGA Director of Golf at Big Easy Ranch, for winning this year’s Section Championship at Big Easy Ranch. The home-field advantage would serve Casey well as he would finish with a tournament total of 70-71–141 (-3) After round one, the leaderboard was extremely tight with a three-way tie for first at 2-under (70) between Alan Hodde, PGA Director of Instruction at Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center, Greg Hiller, PGA Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio, and Casey Russell, PGA, and another 16 people within three strokes of the lead. With the added pressure of a tie, Casey would be put at ease with his course knowledge and the perfect pairing to go to battle with.

Meet the Member: Ricky Lyons, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 11, 2025

Ricky Lyons, PGA – Building Community, On and Off the Course

STPGA Past President, Charlie Eskridge Passes Away

By Southern Texas PGA • September 9, 2025

A proud PGA Member that impacted so many people!

Meet the Member: Lisa Fleming Edgmon, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 5, 2025

Lisa Fleming Edgmon, PGA – Built on Mentorship, Driven by Heart

WIRE-TO-WIRE FOR KEENER & JURGENSEN

By Southern Texas PGA • August 27, 2025

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 26) — The 2025 TPx Player’s Cup concluded today at Austin Country Club, where the Section’s top professionals battled across two competitive divisions — Senior and Open — for one of the Southern Texas PGA’s most prestigious titles. In the Senior Division, Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club, delivered a wire-to-wire victory, finishing at 3-under-par for the championship after rounds of 69-72. Jurgensen sealed the win in dramatic fashion, rolling in a birdie on the par-5 18th to close out his championship run. Reflecting on the victory, Jurgensen said,

Jake Sitterle Claims 2025 Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • August 18, 2025

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 18, 2025) – Mother Nature had different plans at Champions Golf Club, where drawn-out lightning delays ultimately forced the cancellation of Round Two and shortened the 2025 Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship to 18 holes. Taking advantage of his strong opening round, Jake Sitterle, Assistant Professional at Lakecliff Country Club, earned the victory with a score of 70 (-1) on the par-71 layout, securing his place at this year’s champion. “This wasn’t the way anyone wanted this championship to end. Gilbert was playing great in the second round, but I am happy I could get the win,” Sitterle reflected. “With how the last major ended, I was always confident in my game and that I could be up at the top, but this field is strong, and I just wish all the guys who qualified the best of luck.” The tournament, hosted at Champions Golf Club, featured over 50 Assistant Professionals from across the Section, competing for qualifying spots into the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, set to be played at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, November 13-16, 2025.

Meet the Member: Alden Wallace, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • August 6, 2025

Alden Wallace, PGA – Rookie Member with a Veteran Mentality

Help Support the Hill Country at Riverhill Country Club

By Southern Texas PGA • July 30, 2025

Sunday, August 17, 2025 Come join us for a Great Event. An exciting Day of Golf, Live Music, Auctions, and Special Appearances. 100% of all funds received will go directly to benefit the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram, Texas, to help them rebuild from devastating flood damage. Golf Tournament at Riverhill Country Club - the home of legendary Byron Nelson 8:00 am Registration 10:00 am Shotgun Start $500 per player (limited to 120 players) Golf at the Historic Riverhill Country Club Two Concert Tickets at Arcadia Live All-inclusive Food and Drink on the Course Player Gift Bags Live Concert at the Beautiful Arcadia Live Theater Featuring; 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm $100 per ticket (only 600 tickets available) Acts to be Announced coming soon due to security concerns and limited seating To Enter and for More Information , go to the website (working on) or Contact Jeff Hunter, PGA at (830)-896-1400 ext. 2260 or jhunter@riverhillcc.com John Junker at (830-896-1400) ext. 2260 or jjunker@riverhillcc.com Checks and donations can also be sent to Riverhill Country Club, made out to: Guitars and Greens for the Guadalupe