Sainz and Uresti Win Boxto Memorial Championship

Southern Texas PGA • August 16, 2023

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (August 15, 2023) – After taking a commanding lead in Round 1 and retaining it throughout the duration of the event, the Open Division champion at the Boxto Memorial Championship is Carlos Sainz, Director of Instruction at The Clubs at Houston Oaks. Two rounds of stellar golf were on display culminating in Sainz finishing with a tournament total of 129 (-11). His 13 birdies were a key factor in his success.


“Fairways and Greens. I started off with a great first hole; made the green in two and two putted. As I made the turn I had a few birdies there 10, 12 and 13. It feels good to be back playing some good golf.”


After an incredible second round, Sainz had this to say about how it feels to win this event for the second time, with his first Memorial Championship win coming in 2020.


“Absolutely it feels better. The first time I played in this event I shot six-under and that was the highest score of the year that I shot. The players are getting better in our Section so my goal was to get double digits under par, around 10-12.”


Sainz gave praise to The Woodlands Country Club and how the course benefitted his play. “The course was in great shape so hats off to staff here [The Woodlands Country Club] because I am sure no one will say the course was in bad shape. To be this lush with so little rain and how much heat we have been getting is incredible.”


The Boxto Memorial Championship also included a Senior Division for PGA Professionals ages 50 and over. Omar Uresti, PGA Life Member, finished with a total of 7 birdies and a tournament total score of 139 (-5). This win will be five consecutive for Uresti and his fourth major win of 2023.


“Yesterday [First Round] was pretty crazy with the humidity. I had trouble staying dry which made me rush it a little bit. I was hitting the ball well just didn’t make any putts”.


Uresti had this to say about his first round after being down by one stroke and finding himself in second place going into the second round. “I stayed after and putted around and still have some work to do there. Today, I was hitting the ball good and solid and didn’t really make any mistakes.”


When asked about the Levy Cup and having the opportunity to play, “It is a fun event and I am excited to play in it again. It is always good camaraderie when we get together and play. Hopefully we can pull out a win for Team STPGA.”

This was the fourth major championship in 2023 for the Southern Texas PGA and was contested at The Woodlands Country Club (Tournament Course), a par-72, 7,025-yard facility. Headed by title partner, Boxto, this year’s Championship also featured presenting partners EZ-GO, Golfers Against Cancer, Golf Forever, IZON, Landmark Golf Course Products, Levelwear, Maui Jim, Surf & Turf Golf, Texoma Golf, Vortech Contracting. This event featured a total purse of $34,575.00 for the Open Division and $6,600.00 for the Senior Division. 


To view the full results from today’s tournament, please click here.

To view photos from the event, please click here.


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”
By Southern Texas PGA February 10, 2026
PGA Members and Associates continue to find ways to enhance their skill set to better serve their clubs, guests, and the overall game of golf!
By Southern Texas PGA February 4, 2026
STPGA looks to reclaim the cup November 15-17, 2026
Show More