Sainz Jr. Claims Win at 2020 Memorial Championship; Celebrates Fifth STPGA Win in a Row

Southern Texas PGA • August 18, 2020

Both Sainz Jr. & Uresti claim their fifth Section tournament wins.

HOCKLEY, TEXAS (August 18, 2020) — Carlos Sainz Jr., Teaching Professional at GolfTEC – Upper Kirby has claimed his fifth consecutive STPGA tournament win at the Memorial Championship with a final score of 130 (-12).

“The guys I played with today played well, it was really close,” said Sainz Jr. “Eric was playing really good today and Pablo is a great player. We had a group where we were able to feed off each other throughout the day.”

Heading into today’s final round, Sainz Jr. was tied for first with Erik Knudsen, PGA Member at Caddiemaster LLC and Pablo del Olmo, Teaching Professional at The Woodlands Country Club (Palmer Course). Today, Sainz. Jr. fired a bogey-free round with 6 birdies to secure the win. Knudsen and del Olmo finished in second and third at 133 (-9) and 134 (-8) respectively.

“Every tournament our pros are shooting lower scores and playing better,” said Sainz Jr. “It was nice to come out today and know it would be tough to win. There was a turning point for me on hole #11, when Eric did not birdie and that gave me a little bit of breathing room.”

Today’s win marks the fourth Section Major and fifth Southern Texas PGA tournament win in a row this year for Sainz Jr. who previously won the Open Division at the TPx Communications Championship and the National Car Rental Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship in May, as well as the Open Division of the Spring Classic in June and the Tradition Championship in July.

“Winning these five Section events was a goal of mine coming into this year,” said Sainz Jr. “It is nice to see it come to fruition. I’m fortunate to have an employer like GolfTEC where I’m allowed to come out and play these events because my passion is playing competitively."

The Memorial Championship also featured a Senior Division for PGA Professionals ages 50 and older. PGA Life Member, Omar Uresti made a comeback from his 3rd place position yesterday to claim the division with rounds of 71-68 for a final score of 139 (-3). Finishing behind Uresti in second place with a score of 141 (-1) was Steve Parker, PGA Life Member.

“I figured out something this morning on the range to help me hit it a little bit better than I did yesterday,” said Uresti. “[Steve] was playing so well all morning, so going into #17 I knew I needed to buckle down and finish strong.”

Uresti, carded a birdie on #17 where Parker bogeyed, securing him the win after both players made par on #18.

Along with Sainz Jr., today’s win marks the fourth Section Major and fifth Southern Texas PGA win this year for Uresti as well. Uresti has swept all Section Senior Tournaments with wins in the Senior Division at the TPx Communications Championship and the Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship in May, as well as the Senior Divisions of the Spring Classic in June and Tradition Championship in July.

“It feels pretty darn good to be able to win all the majors, plus the [Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship],” said Uresti. “I’m just happy to be able to do that.”

The Memorial Championship, presented by AHEAD, Club Car, GT Golf Supplies, L.A.B. Golf, Levelwear, Hole-In-One USA, NexBelt, and PGA TOUR was contested at The Clubs at Houston Oaks, a private, 7,007-yard, par 71 course located in Hockley, Texas. This championship is the fourth and final Major Championship for the Section before the Southern Texas PGA Professional Championship next month.

Along with their tournament winnings, both Sainz Jr. and Uresti left today’s event with a crystal trophy and a PGA branded belt courtesy of presenting sponsor, NexBelt.

Several of the tournament sponsors also hosted special contests at the event during Round One. GT Golf Supplies sponsored a Longest Putt contest on hole #9; Ross Prachar, PGA Teaching Professional at Golf Club of Houston won with an 85-foot putt.

Nexbelt hosted Closest to the Hole contests on #5 and #13; the winners were Dylan Jackson, Assistant Professional at Austin Country Club at 5 feet from the hole, and Ryan Brandt, PGA Head Professional at Riverbend Country Club at 4 feet from the hole.

Finally, NFP Hole-In-One USA sponsored Closest to the Hole contests on #7 and #15; the winners were Ricky Lyons, PGA General Manager at Westwood Golf Club at 6 feet 10 inches from the hole, and Bryan Minnick, PGA Head Professional at Shadow Hawk Golf Club at 9 feet 7 inches from the hole.

The Southern Texas PGA would like to thank our host facility and all of our presenting sponsors for a successful tournament.

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

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Nominations Open for the Inaugural Class of the STPGA Hall of Fame!

By Julia Doucet • August 5, 2026

The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce the launch of the STPGA Hall of Fame , established to honor PGA Professionals whose leadership, service, mentorship, competitive excellence, and instructional impact have helped shape the legacy of golf across Southern Texas. Candidates will be evaluated through five core pillars: Leadership Recognizing those who have inspired their peers, strengthened the profession, and maintained a distinguished professional reputation. Service Honoring PGA Professionals with a sustained record of service to the Association, their communities, and the growth of the game. Mentorship Celebrating those who have dedicated their careers to educating, supporting, and advancing fellow PGA Professionals. Competitive Record Recognizing individuals with a proven and sustained record of excellence in competitive play. Instructional Leadership Honoring those who have made a meaningful impact on player development and elevated performance at any level of the game.

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By Southern Texas PGA • July 29, 2026

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Omar Uresti Wins Back to Back STPGA Senior Championships

By Southern Texas PGA • July 22, 2026

This marks Uresti’s 5th Senior Championship title, tying Robert Thompson for most all-time in STPGA history. Bryan, TX (July 22, 2026) – For the last two days, 48 STPGA Senior Professionals took on the challenging Traditions Club in Bryan, TX with PGA Life Member Omar Uresti coming away with a win after shooting two rounds of 74-70 for an overall score of even-par. This is Uresti’s 5 th time winning this event which included going 2-under on the back-nine in the final round to win by one over Eric Bogar, PGA Assistant Professional at Golfcrest Country Club and two over Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club. Bogar and Uresti were paired together in the final round and could see what each of them were doing shot for shot. Bogar started off hot with birdies at three and four but it was Uresti’s three birdies in six holes on the back nine that clinched it. While all eyes were on the main title up for grabs, players were also competing for a chance to play in the Senior PGA Professional Championship set to take place later this fall when PGA Members from all 41 PGA Sections compete together for the national title. Uresti, as a former winner of the national event, was already exempt along with Robert Thompson, PGA Teaching Professional at Whispering Pines. Uresti and Thompson will lead six other STPGA Members to the national event October 22-25 at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Arizona. The six qualifiers include: Eric Bogar, PGA Golfcrest Country Club Steve Jurgensen, PGA Westwood Golf Club Lonny Alexander, PGA Onion Creek Club David von Hoffmann, PGA Spanish Oaks Golf Club Chad Donegan, PGA Kissing Tree Golf Club Chris Kaufman, PGA Spanish Oaks Golf Club The STPGA would like to recognize round one leader, PGA Life Member Steve Veriato, who shot an even par-72 on Monday at the remarkable age of 80 years old, being the oldest player in the field. While his round two did not go as planned, it was still fun to watch on Monday in Aggieland. The STPGA would like to thank PGA Head Professional Bryan Minnick and his staff for hosting this year’s event. The players played the course to a par-72 at 6,666 yards for the male professionals and 5,666 yards for the female professionals. This event would not be possible without support from PXG, PGA TOUR, and Golf Channel. Click Here for the Photo Gallery. Click Here for the Final Results.

Litwak and Knudsen Ride Six-Birdie Surge to Texas Team Title

By Southern Texas PGA • July 8, 2026

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Meet the Member: Travis Short, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • June 26, 2026

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Milstead and Bryant Capture 2026 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • June 23, 2026

LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS (June 23, 2026) – Three countries, three formats and 27 holes later, Michael Milstead, PGA Associate at The Back Nine Golf (Houston Memorial), and Cooper Bryant, PGA Associate at Lakeside Country Club, emerged as champions of the 2026 Southern Texas PGA 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship at Magnolia Creek Golf Club. The one-day event featured nine holes of Scramble on the Scotland Nine, nine holes of Four-Ball on the Ireland Nine and nine holes of Modified Alternate Shot on the England Nine. Each format required a different approach, placing an emphasis on strategy, communication and execution throughout the 27-hole championship. Milstead and Bryant combined for a final score of 12-under-par, using strong iron play, timely putting and consistent teamwork to conquer the championship’s unique three-format test. “We started with some good momentum,” Milstead said. “I didn’t make him putt much during the Scramble, which was the goal, but in Alternate Shot he made some long putts. On the first hole of the day, he made one from about 30 feet, maybe even farther.”

Meet the Member: Rich Barcelo, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • May 28, 2026

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STPGA Section Awards Nomination Period is Now Open!

By Sarah Lummus • May 26, 2026

Each year the Southern Texas PGA recognizes fellow PGA of America Members for their outstanding work and achievements. Our 2026 Section Awards nomination period is currently open and will close on August 12th at 11:59 pm. Please note that only PGA Professionals may submit nominations for their fellow PGA Professionals in the Southern Texas Section. Nominees will be notified and sent their application on a rolling basis throughout the nomination period. All completed applications must be submitted by September 14th at 11:59pm. If you have any questions regarding the 2026 Section Awards and nomination process, please reach out to Sarah Lummus at slummus @pgahq.com . Head to the link below to read more about the awards process and nominate your fellow PGA members!

Sainz Jr. and Uresti Capture Omega Transactions Memorial Championship Titles

By Southern Texas PGA • May 20, 2026

COLUMBUS, TEXAS (May 20, 2026) — The Southern Texas PGA returned to Big Easy Ranch on May 18-19 for the 2026 Omega Transactions Memorial Championship, where shifting weather, difficult scoring conditions, and two strong closing performances defined the championship in Columbus. Round One brought heavy winds across Big Easy Ranch, forcing players to manage ball flight, stay patient, and grind through difficult conditions. Round Two began with light morning rain that delayed tee times, but the weather eventually gave way to a beautiful afternoon as the wind settled and scoring opportunities opened across the course.

Texas Golf Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026

By Southern Texas PGA • May 19, 2026

Houston, Texas – The Southern Texas PGA will be represented in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026 by Dale Morgan, PGA, and River Oaks Country Club, two honorees whose impact reflects the Section’s deep influence across Texas golf. The full Class of 2026 will be honored during the formal induction ceremony on Sunday, October 19, 2026, at San Antonio Country Club, presented by Huntington Bank. Morgan will be inducted in the Golf Professional / Teacher category, while River Oaks Country Club will be recognized as the Historic Course honoree. They join Stacy Lewis, Colt Knost, Mark Harrison, and Dave Pelz in a distinguished class celebrating playing excellence, leadership, service, innovation, and historic contributions to the game. 2026 Texas Golf Hall of Fame Inductees: • Golf Professional / Teacher: Dale Morgan, PGA • Historic Course: River Oaks Country Club (Houston) • Professional Player: Stacy Lewis • Amateur: Colt Knost • Professional Service: Mark Harrison • Lifetime Achievement: Dave Pelz (Posthumously) Each inductee will be commemorated with a granite marker on the Texas Golf Walk of Fame at Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio, as well as at the Hall of Fame’s anchor sites at The Ronny Golf Park at PGA Frisco and Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. “This class represents the very best of Texas golf across generations,” said Chairman Mike Booker. “From global champions to transformative leaders and historic venues, each honoree has left a lasting imprint on the game. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the legacy they continue to build.” Alli Jarrett, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, added, “The Class of 2026 reflects excellence not only in playing performance, but in leadership, innovation, and service. These inductees have elevated the game in meaningful and lasting ways, and we look forward to honoring their stories and contributions.” The Class of 2026 Digital Museum exhibits are being made possible through a generous grant from the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, ensuring these legacies are preserved and shared for future generations.