STPGA Announces Captains for Texas Joe Black Cup Matches, Levy Cup Matches, and Texas Junior Cup Matches

Southern Texas PGA • April 17, 2019

SPRING, TEXAS – The Southern Texas PGA announced the Captains for the 39th Texas Joe Black Cup Matches and the 9th Texas Junior Cup Matches presented by TCG Advisors as well as the Co-Captains for the 3rd Levy Cup Matches on Wednesday.

Royal Oaks Country Club’s General Manager Dave Altemus has been chosen to lead the Southern Texas PGA’s 2019 Texas Joe Black Cup team. The STPGA will compete in this year’s Ryder Cup-style competition against a team of Northern Texas PGA Professionals on October 28-29 at The Clubs at Houston Oaks in Hockley.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen as the Captain for the 2019 STPGA Texas Joe Black Cup team,” said Altemus. “Mr. Black is a legend not only in Texas but across the country as he set the standard by which many of us try to live up to as PGA Professionals. I look forward to keeping the Cup in South Texas.”

Altemus, who earned his PGA Membership in 1996 and served as the STPGA President from 2013-2014, will look to finalize his team following play of the 51st Southern Texas PGA Professional Championship at Shadow Hawk Golf Club on August 26-28 in Richmond.

The Texas Joe Black Cup Matches is the most anticipated competitive event in the Northern and Southern Texas Sections. This highly contested rivalry between the two Sections was established in 1981 to honor Snyder native Joe Black, who was completing his first term as President of the PGA of America.

The Southern Texas PGA captured the 38th Texas Joe Black Cup Matches with an overall point total of 11.5 to 6.5. They took a one-point lead heading into the Singles Matches needing six additional points after day one to capture the Matches.
The Southern Texas PGA now leads the matches with a 19-18-1 overall record.

The Levy Cup Matches will be contested much like the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches. The Levy Cup team consist of six Southern Texas PGA Assistant Professionals and six Southern Texas PGA Senior Members (age 50 and over) competing against a Northern Texas PGA team comprised in the same fashion.

The 2019 Southern Texas PGA Levy Cup Matches team will be led by Chuck Westergard, PGA Director of Instruction at Mac Wylie Golf Center, and Justin Engel, PGA Assistant Professional at Shadow Hawk Golf Club. The Northern Texas PGA will play host to the third meeting in October.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen as a Co-Captain for the 2019 Levy Cup Matches,” said Westergard, who earned his PGA Membership in 1985. “I look forward to working with Justin and keeping the trophy in the Southern Texas PGA Section.”

Engel echoed Westergard on receiving this honor. “I am honored to serve as a Co-Captain of the STPGA Levy Cup Matches team with Chuck,” said Engel. “Team golf has always been something I have enjoyed. I look forward to being a part of this special event and spending time with some of the best PGA Professionals in the country.”

Engel, who was elected to PGA Membership in October 2017, was a member of the 2018 STPGA Levy Cup Matches team who defeated NTPGA 10.5 to 7.5 at Briggs Ranch Golf Club.

The Levy Cup Matches were established in 2017 in honor of PGA of America President Paul Levy.

The 2019 STPGA Texas Junior Cup Matches Team will be Captained by Emily Kvinta (pronounced Quin-ta), PGA Assistant Professional at the University of Texas Golf Club. Kvinta, the 2017 STPGA Assistant Professional of the Year, brings a love for the game as well as for junior golf. At the University of Texas Golf Club, she is a golf promoter and a development program leader. She has captained PGA Junior League teams during her tenure. According to Greg Garner, PGA Head Professional at the University of Texas Golf Club, “the kids grow under her coaching and the parents are appreciative of her leadership with the kids and her programs.”

“I am very honored and excited to captain the 2019 STPGA Texas Junior Cup Matches team, said Kvinta. “I look forward to a fun weekend with the junior golfers and their families.”

This annual Ryder Cup-style competition between the two sister Sections’ top six boys and top six girls aged 9-12, who compete in 9-Hole Four-Ball and 9-Hole Scramble Matches the first day, followed by 9-hole Singles Matches the final day that provides a one-of-a-kind experience for all, will be the eighth meeting and is slated for September 28-29 at The Club at Carlton Woods (Fazio Course) in The Woodlands.

Members from the Southern Texas PGA team qualify to compete via Little Linksters and Junior Tour Spring and Summer Championships as well as the Srixon Prestige Tour Junior PGA Championship, while Northern Texas PGA team members will qualify via All American Tour, Texas Boys and Girls PGA Championship, and the Summer Series Championship.

In last year’s meeting, STPGA took an early lead and never looked back. Shiv Parmar in Match Eight of the Singles Matches earned the clinching point for STPGA. Team STPGA prevailed over Team NTPGA by a final score of 16-8. The Northern Texas PGA leads the Matches with a 5-2-0 overall record.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Jesse Droemer Captures One-Shot Victory at 2026 PGA Professional Championship

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.

Droemer and Jurgensen Capture Titles at 2026 Huntington Bank Spring Classic

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.

Meet Your 2026 Team STPGA Captains

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.

Presidential Points: STPGA 2026 Q2 Update

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.

Meet the Member: Tyler Gammill, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • March 20, 2026

Tyler Gammill, PGA - From Backyard Putts to Big-Team Moments

Introducing your 2026 First Community STPGA Team!

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.

Meet the Member: Todd Harbour, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • February 26, 2026

TODD HARBOUR, PGA - A FULL CIRCLE RETURN ROOTED IN CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

Cavender Buick GMC North Announces Patron Partnership with STPGA Nation

By Southern Texas PGA • February 25, 2026

A Partnership Focused on Community, Character, and Championship Standards

Presidential Points: STPGA 2026 Q1 Update

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.

The Time Is Now: Why I Believe We Need to “Keep Her Playing”

By Susie Redman, PGA, LPGA • February 13, 2026

By Susie Redman, Founder, “Keep Her Playing”