Termeer, Redman-Kirk, and Mainhart Headline 2026 STPGA Award Winners

Sarah Lummus • October 14, 2026

SPRING, TX (October 14, 2026) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce that Steve Termeer, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the University of Texas Golf Club, has been named the 2026 STPGA Golf Professional of the Year.

This prestigious honor recognizes Termeer’s more than 35 years of leadership in the golf industry, his commitment to developing the next generation of golf professionals, and his lasting impact on the game through his work at UT Golf Club, the Southern Texas PGA, and numerous charitable organizations. He leads a distinguished group of Section and Chapter award recipients who exemplify the leadership, service, and professionalism that define the Southern Texas PGA.

Elected to PGA Membership in 1994, Termeer has built a career around the belief that golf provides an opportunity to positively impact people’s lives. Since the inception of the University of Texas Golf Club, he has served as the club’s General Manager and COO, playing an integral role in building and developing the operation from the ground up.

Throughout his career, Termeer has also made giving back a central part of his professional philosophy. He has played significant leadership roles with Folds of Honor, the STPGA, and the Hannon-Fields Champions Society, helping support charitable initiatives and scholarships that have impacted countless individuals. Through the Hannon-Fields Champions Society and the Termeer Family Scholarship, more than $800,000 in scholarships has been awarded to support the next generation of students and future leaders. His commitment to scholarship extends beyond financial support, reflecting his belief in creating opportunities that can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

"Steve is extremely deserving of this recognition and is long overdue," said Rich Ballinger, President of the Southern Texas PGA. "His career showcases all the elements that make up a high-quality PGA Member: operations, mentoring, community involvement, leadership, and high moral character. We are extremely excited for Steve and UT Golf Club."

That commitment to people extends to Termeer’s approach to leadership. He believes in sharing information, involving others in the decision-making process, and giving fellow professionals ownership in the work they do. Throughout his career, he has mentored young professionals, shared his experience through PGA and CMAA discussion panels, and worked to develop future leaders by encouraging those around him to continuously improve.

His contributions to the Southern Texas PGA have been equally significant. Termeer has served on numerous Section committees and received several Section honors, including the 2022 and 2025 Western Chapter Golf Professional of the Year awards, the 2016 Section Patriot Award, and the 2007 Section Merchandiser of the Year and Bill Strausbaugh Award.

After more than three decades in the profession, Termeer continues to demonstrate that being a PGA Professional is about far more than running a golf operation — it is about serving others, building relationships, and leaving the game better than you found it.

Susie Redman-Kirk, Master Professional and Golf Instructor at The Woodlands Country Club in The Woodlands, TX, has been recognized with the high honor of being named the 2026 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year. Named after the legendary PGA Professional and teacher Harvey Penick, this award is presented to an individual who demonstrates overall excellence in golf instruction.

One of Kirk’s most innovative contributions is “Keep Her Playing,” a retention-based player engagement model designed to help women and teenage girls move from trying golf to becoming lifelong golfers by creating a sense of belonging, continued improvement, and enjoyment for female golfers.

For Kirk, the heart of teaching is connection. Her commitment to helping every golfer feel seen, valued, and inspired to keep playing embodies the spirit of Harvey Penick and the impact a great teacher can have far beyond the lesson tee. Congratulations to Susie Redman-Kirk, the 2026 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year.

Michael Mainhart, PGA General Manager at Laredo Country Club in Laredo, TX, has been recognized with the honor of being named the 2026 Southern Texas PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient. This award recognizes a PGA Professional who demonstrates outstanding integrity, leadership, and a commitment to mentoring fellow professionals and advancing their careers.

Mainhart has built his career around developing people and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Since becoming General Manager in 2020, he has helped lead more than $15 million in campus improvements while expanding the club’s golf professional staff and creating career pathways for PGA Members. Beyond the club, he has served on the STPGA Board and as Treasurer of the Laredo Junior Golf Association since 2014, helping provide affordable competitive golf and more than $30,000 in scholarships for local students. For Mainhart, leadership means recognizing potential, investing in people, and helping them become the best professionals they can be.

Congratulations to Michael Mainhart, the 2026 Southern Texas PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient.

The STPGA Awards selection process includes nominations, applications, and an Awards Committee made up of STPGA Board Members and prior year Award Winners. The STPGA would like to thank our Awards Committee for their time and energy in selecting these winners and the lengthy conversations about each award and their selection.

Section Award winners will be formally presented with their honors during the STPGA’s 59th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 15, 2027, in College Station, TX, while Chapter Awards will be presented at their respective Chapter Meetings later this Fall.

While announcing each award winner below, we have listed a short statement of what each award is all about.

Congratulations to all award winners!

2025 Southern Texas PGA Section Awards

Steve Termeer (UT Golf Club) - Golf Professional of the Year Award

Susie Redman-Kirk (The Woodlands Country Club) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year Award

Michael Mainhart (Laredo Country Club) - Bill Strausbaugh Award

Aaron Kilian-Smith (The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch) - Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award - This award is presented to an Assistant Golf Professional that demonstrates high moral character and leadership and performs his or her duties at their facility at an elevated level.

Tim Flotte (Tim Flotte Golf Instruction) – Professional Development Award - This award recognizes dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the golf industry.

Travis Salkowski (South Texas Amateur Golf Tour) – Player Development Award - This award honors a PGA Member who has made outstanding contributions to player development, playing a pivotal role in initiatives to grow the game.

James Larkin (The Woodlands Country Club) - Youth Player Development Award – This award recognizes a PGA Member who exemplifies leadership in junior golf, embodying a deep commitment to fostering youth development through the game.

Jamie Smith (Jamie Smith Golf Instruction) – Patriot Award – This award honors a PGA Member whose exceptional, ongoing dedication to PGA HOPE and other initiatives supporting Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and their families has made a profound and lasting impact.

JT Carney (Yamaha) – Golf Sales Representative Award – This award honors an industry representative who exemplifies outstanding support for PGA Members and Section initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and a genuine passion for the game.

Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club (Public/Resort) & Lakeside Country Club (Private) – Merchandiser of the Year Award – This award celebrates Southern Texas PGA facilities that excel in promoting the game of golf through outstanding merchandising practices.

2026 Southern Texas PGA Chapter Awards

The Section is split into two Chapters where additional engagement takes place with fellow PGA Members. A Chapter Award recognizes local commitment while also showcasing a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and ability to hold your position to a high standard.

Eastern Chapter

Mark Duranski (Braeburn Country Club) - Golf Professional of the Year

Doug Strawbridge (GOLFTEC - Upper Kirby) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year

Jonathan Shoffner (Ascend Golf Academy) - Youth Player Development Award

Blackhorse Golf Club (Houston, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year

Western Chapter

C.W. Canfield (Austin Country Club) - Golf Professional of the Year

David Ogrin (David Ogrin Golf Academy) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year

Eric Ilic (David Ogrin Golf Academy) - Youth Player Development Award

Oak Hills Country Club (San Antonio, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year

The 2026 STPGA Junior Golfers of the Year will be announced Thursday, October 29th!

Congratulations again to all award winners!

2026 SECTION AWARD WINNER PHOTOS

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Jay Jurecic Wins the 30th Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open!

By Southern Texas PGA • October 9, 2026

MONT BELVIEU, TX (October 9, 2026) – Jay Jurecic of Crystal Falls, Michigan, delivered three days of consistent play at Eagle Pointe Golf Club, capturing the 30th Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open with rounds of 69-68-68 for a tournament total of 8-under-par 205. Entering Friday's final round tied atop the leaderboard with Jerod Turner of Aledo, Texas, Jurecic wasted little time separating himself from the field. Birdies on three of his first four holes gave him an early advantage, but a bogey on the par-4 sixth briefly slowed his momentum. Jurecic quickly settled back into his rhythm, adding another birdie on the ninth to make the turn at 3-under-par for the day, building a three-stroke advantage as the Championship headed into its closing stretch.

Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open Week is Here!

By Southern Texas PGA • October 7, 2026

Thirtieth annual event commences with Pro-Am raising $30,000 for college scholarships and junior golf MONT BELVIEU, TX (October 6, 2026) – The Southern Texas PGA is excited to start off the 30th Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open by announcing the winners of the Pro-Am that featured 25 teams representing companies from all over south Texas!

Bret Gray wins 58th STPGA Section Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • September 30, 2026

Gray will lead 8 additional PGA Members to the 2027 PGA Professional Championship in April BEE CAVE, Texas (September 30, 2026) – Bret Gray, PGA Assistant Coach at Sam Houston State University, made history Tuesday evening at Spanish Oaks Golf Club, defeating Derrick Dixon, PGA General Manager at Briggs Ranch in a dramatic one-hole playoff to capture the 58th Southern Texas PGA Section Championship. At 23 years old, Gray became the youngest Section Champion in Southern Texas PGA history, adding his name to the Tommy Aycock Trophy after a championship finish that stretched into the sunset. For Gray, the victory also marked another chapter in a journey that has been closely connected to the Southern Texas PGA from the beginning. A product of STPGA Junior Golf program, Gray took every step within the STPGA’s journey from Little Linkster tournaments to Prestige Tour to attending Sam Houston State University and graduating from the PGA Golf Management Program to now being a Class A PGA Member. Gray entered Tuesday's final round one stroke off the lead after opening the Championship with a 1-under-par 70, sitting tied for second behind round one leader Dixon. He wasted little time making his move, recording birdies on Nos. 2, 3 and 7 to build a two-stroke lead early in the final round. Dixon responded as the round progressed, finding birdies on Nos. 8 and 10 before eventually reclaiming the lead on the back nine. A bogey at No. 9 proved costly for Gray, who steadied himself with pars the rest of the way. Dixon carried the lead to the 18th green with an opportunity to close out the Championship, but his final putt caught the edge and stayed out, sending the two back to No. 18 for a playoff as the sun began to set over Spanish Oaks. Both players found the middle of the fairway with their playoff tee shots before producing two strong approaches, each leaving a birdie opportunity from inside 15 feet on opposite sides of the hole. Dixon again saw his birdie attempt catch the edge and stay out, leaving Gray with an opportunity to end the Championship. Gray converted, rolling in the birdie putt to become the 58th Southern Texas PGA Section Champion. The Championship also determined eight qualifiers for the 2027 PGA Professional Championship. Gray will be joined by Derrick Dixon, PGA; Roman O'Rourke, PGA; Ben Willman, PGA; Gilbert Mendez, PGA; Robert Scott, PGA; Wilfredo Sanchez, PGA; and Bobby Gates, PGA.

Meet the Member: David von Hoffmann, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 22, 2026

David von Hoffmann, PGA – The Journey Makes the Professional

Keener and Schleicher Deliver Dramatic Finishes at Jet Access Tradition Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • September 16, 2026

HOUSTON, Texas – September 16, 2026 – Jimmy Keener, PGA Associate at Briggs Ranch Golf Club, and Troy Schleicher, PGA Life Member, claimed victories at the 2026 Jet Access Tradition Championship following two days of competition at Lakeside Country Club in Houston. The championship featured 130 Southern Texas PGA Members and Associates and marked the fourth and final Major Championship of the season before the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship at Spanish Oaks Golf Club in Bee Cave, Texas. Keener entered the final round as part of a four-way tie for the lead at 4-under alongside Alden Wallace, PGA, Erik Knudsen, PGA, and Michael Milstead. He wasted little time making a move in the final round, recording an eagle on the par-5 third hole to jump-start his championship run. With the leaderboard remaining tight throughout the day, Keener delivered his biggest stretch when it mattered most, closing his round with three consecutive birdies on Holes 16, 17 and 18. The late charge gave Keener a two-stroke cushion coming down the stretch, but Alden Wallace, PGA Teaching Professional at ProMotion Golf Academy, kept the pressure on until the final hole. Needing an eagle on the par-4 18th to force a playoff, Wallace nearly delivered, with her second shot from the fairway skimming the hole before settling close. She would convert the birdie to finish one stroke back and cap a strong runner-up performance.

Meet the Member: Aaron Green, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 11, 2026

Aaron Green, PGA – From Opportunity to Leadership

Gray and Uresti Win the 2026 Player's Cup

By Southern Texas PGA • August 26, 2026

CORPUS CHRISTI (August 25, 2026) – Bret Gray, PGA Assistant Coach at Sam Houston State University and Omar Uresti, PGA Life Member emerged victorious at the 2026 Player's Cup at Corpus Christi Country Club. Gray claimed the Open Division title at 9-under par, while Uresti won the Senior Division at 8-under after defeating Carl Baker, PGA Life Member, in a playoff. Gray and Uresti both opened the championship with bogey-free rounds to take control of their respective divisions. Gray finished Round 1 at 6-under to lead the Open Division, while Uresti put himself in a strong position atop the Senior Division leaderboard at 7-under to lead by three. Conditions became more difficult during the second round as the wind picked up across Corpus Christi Country Club. Gray entered the final day knowing bogeys could happen in the tougher conditions, but remained committed to his game plan and focused on bouncing back whenever mistakes occurred. That approach helped him maintain his lead and complete a wire-to-wire victory at 9-under par. “Leading after the first round, I didn’t want to change my approach,” Gray said. “I knew that if I played my game, that would allow me to play my best. At the same time, I knew the winds were going to pick up and that bogeys could happen, so I was more focused on bouncing back and recovering when they did.” During the final round, Grey got off to a fast start with 4 birdies in the first seven holes but as he was expecting made a couple of bogeys on the back nine. His birdie on the reachable par-5 15 was critical to winning the title. In the Senior Division, Uresti carded four bogeys on the front nine of Round 2 and briefly surrendered the lead as Baker closed the gap. Baker birdied five out of six holes starting on hole seven to take the lead, but Uresti responded with four birdies on the back nine to eventually tie Baker. While both players had birdie putts on 18, extra holes were needed with Uresti making a birdie on the first playoff hole to secure the Senior Division title. “I had a rough start to the day, and Carl played great, so I knew I was going to have to play extremely well on the back nine to keep it within reach,” Uresti said. “Carl’s putting was lights out, and thankfully I started getting birdies to drop. It was a lot of fun out there today with some great competition.” The Southern Texas PGA extends its appreciation to Joe Mitchell, PGA Head Professional, and the entire staff at Corpus Christi Country Club for hosting the championship. The Section also thanks Vortex, Prize Possessions, Clubessential/ForeUP/BlueGolf, GT Golf Supply, Club Car, HUB, PRG, Hole-in-One USA, and AndersonOrd for their support of the Player's Cup. The STPGA would also like to thank the Port of Corpus Christi, Kleberg Bank, Buick GMC North, andAnderson Alexander Law for their support of our Pro-Am prior to the event and the overall championship.

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.

Meet the Member: Chris Martinez, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • July 29, 2026

Chris Martinez, PGA – Creating Connection Through Golf

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.