Southern Texas PGA Crowns Two Champions at High Meadow Ranch

Southern Texas PGA • May 19, 2021

MAGNOLIA, TEXAS - The Southern Texas PGA has crowned two new champions for this year’s National Car Rental Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship and the Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship at High Meadow Ranch Golf Club on Monday, May 17 - Tuesday, May 18. Carlos Sainz Jr, Director of Instruction at the Clubs at Houston Oaks claimed the National Car Rental Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship title in a sudden-death playoff against KC Lim, Teaching Professional at The Bandit Golf Club. Sainz Jr. had back-to-back impressive rounds of 66 and 69 for a tournament total of 135 (-9) to win this Championship for the third straight year, earning him a spot in the 45th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship.

 

“I feel like every month everyone is getting better, the scores are getting lower, and the competition is getting really high so you’re going to have to play really good golf to win tournaments,” said Sainz Jr. “Luckily I was able to do just enough at the end, KC [Lim] obviously played a great round today and it’s not getting any easier.”

 

Sainz Jr. capped off his two rounds with 11 birdies to capture the title. Justin Engel, PGA Assistant Professional at Shadow Hawk Golf Club finished one stroke behind Sainz Jr. and Lim at 136 (-8), securing the third qualifying spot to the national Championship.

 

The National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections and all rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course. A cut after 36-holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties will be made. The national Championship, supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, Asics and John Deere will be held at PGA Golf Club, Port St. Lucie, Fla on November 11-14, 2021.

 

Begun in 1977, the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship is modeled after the PGA Professional Championship, with a field of PGA Professionals and Associates who advanced through 41 Section Championships conducted from May through October this year.

 

If eligibility is met and maintained, the champion earns a berth in the 55th PGA Professional Championship to be conducted April 17-20, 2022, at OMNI Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.

 

In the Southern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship, Jeff Strong, PGA Teaching Professional at The Deerwood Club of Kingwood claimed the championship title after a three-hole playoff against Tim Thelen, PGA Assistant Professional at Texas A&M Golf Club with a tournament total of 138 (-6). Strong, along with Thelen and Robert Thompson, PGA Teaching Professional at Whispering Pines Golf Club, who previously earned their exemptions into the 33rd Senior PGA Professional Championship, will lead six additional Section PGA Professionals to compete in the national Championship on October 21-24.

 

“This is my first individual win in the Section and it just means a lot to me,” said Strong. “I’m always playing against my buddies, which is hard, but playing in the playoff with Tim [Thelen] was relaxing because I know I’m pulling for him and he’s pulling for me.”

 

Billy Sitton, PGA Golf Executive at Triumph Golf LLC, Steve Parker, PGA Life Member and Carl Cooper, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge at Newport finished three strokes behind Strong and Thelen at 141 (-3). Thelen, Sitton, Parker, Cooper, Strong and Thompson are joined by John Gibson, PGA Assistant Professional at Memorial Park Golf Course and John Martin, PGA Head Professional at Golfcrest Country Club for the qualifying spots into the Senior PGA Professional Championship.

 

The Senior PGA Professional Championship brings together a field of contestants representing the PGA of America’s 41 nationwide Sections. The first two rounds will be conducted on the Ryder and Wanamaker Courses. The first cut will be made after 36 holes of play to the low 90 scorers and ties.  The second cut will be made after 54 holes of play to the low 70 scorers and ties.  The final two rounds will be played on the Wanamaker Course.

 

To view the full results from the Assistant Championship, please click here.

To view the full results from the Senior Championship, please click here.


To view photos from the Assistant Championship, please click here.

To view photos from the Senior Championship, please click here.

Nominations Open for Texas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2026

By Southern Texas PGA • January 28, 2026
The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2026. Golf fans, industry professionals, and the public are invited to nominate individuals who have made a lasting impact on the game of golf in Texas by February 18, 2026. Nominations may be submitted online at https://www.texasgolfhof.org/nominations . As the Guardians of the Game in Texas, the Texas Golf Hall of Fame works to preserve, honor, and celebrate the state’s rich golf history while inspiring future generations of Texas golfers through recognition across six nomination categories. Today, the Hall of Fame is home to 156 distinguished members, including 25 who are also enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame, along with 15 historic Texas golf courses that have played a significant role in shaping the game. Beyond induction honors, the Texas Golf Hall of Fame is committed to education, access, and long-term legacy through innovative programming. This includes a fully accessible digital museum, a mobile museum that brings Texas golf history directly to communities across the state, and a newly established Endowment that is gaining strong support and will help ensure preservation efforts, youth initiatives, and future programming for generations to come. The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during the Texas Golf Hall of Fame Induction Celebration on October 19, 2026, at the San Antonio Country Club. This event brings together leaders, legends, and supporters of the game to celebrate the individuals and institutions that define Texas golf. The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization. For nomination criteria and submission details, visit https://www.texasgolfhof.org/nominations . Media Contact Alli Jarrett Executive Director Texas Golf Hall of Fame alli@texasgolfhof.org texasgolfhof.org

Meet the Member: Matthew Boundy, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • January 27, 2026
MATTHEW BOUNDY, PGA – A PATH BUILT ON PEOPLE, FAMILY & GOLF

New Associate Orientation Commences in 2026

By 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.

PGA REACH Southern Texas: 2025 Impact Report

By Sarah Lummus • December 19, 2025
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.

Presidential Points: STPGA Q4 Update

By Southern Texas PGA • December 16, 2025
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.

Moments that Matter

By Southern Texas PGA • December 10, 2025
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

HISTORIC 45TH JOE BLACK CUP HAS ITS VICTORS

By Southern Texas PGA • November 18, 2025
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 .

Meet the Captain: Bryan Minnick, PGA

By STPGA Office • November 13, 2025
Guiding Team STPGA: Bryan Minnick, PGA

TEAM STPGA RECLAIMS THE LEVY CUP IN DRAMATIC FASHION!

By Southern Texas PGA • November 5, 2025
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. 

Meet the Member: Lonny Alexander, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • October 29, 2025
Lonny Alexander, PGA – Faith, Family, and Fairways
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