The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce our 2023 Section Award Winners
SPRING, TX (November 1, 2023) – The Southern Texas PGA is thrilled to announce that PGA Professional Brent Blackburn has been named the STPGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor within the Section, and will lead a host of deserving PGA Professional award winners in 2023.
Blackburn, who was elected to PGA Membership in 1996, is best known for ‘bringing golf to life’ to those around him through his passion to engage not only with his staff, but with the membership at Corpus Christi Country Club where he serves as the Head PGA Golf Professional.
Blackburn prides himself on his ability to make people feel engaged and welcome, whether it be through service, social events, or instructional programming, Blackburn is a true example of helping people fall in love with the game of golf and grow their passion.
Blackburn, who has worked across Texas, has great mentors in PGA Professionals Gary Ray, Mike Hoffmann, and Steve Shields. He has worked at every level of a golf operation and holds true to his ideals of being extremely friendly and giving back. He served on the STPGA Board of Directors at a Chapter level from 2003-2006 and currently volunteers as a Mentor in the STPGA Mentoring Program. Through this program, Blackburn collaborates with younger professionals on ways to not only enhance their respective facilities and careers, but on how to elevate the Association as a whole.
“Brent is an unbelievable promoter of his facility, his programs, and his passion for the game in a way that is approachable and creates an environment you want to be a part of,” said Thomas Hutton, STPGA Executive Director. “Corpus Christi Country Club just went through a major renovation and the club is thriving under his leadership.”
Congratulations to Brent, his family, and the entire Corpus Christi Country Club Membership!
Another notable Section Award winner is Tony Allen, PGA Teaching Professional at Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club, as the 2023 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year. Named after the legendary PGA Professional and teacher Harvey Penick, this award is given to an individual for overall excellence in golf instruction.
Allen has been a teacher of the game for 26 years, with his longest tenure being at his current facility of Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club. In his time teaching, Allen has maintained a simple philosophy towards teaching, allowing him to adapt to the needs of each student.
One priority for Allen is to bring golf to everyone and make it something special in their lives. Tony’s emphasis on how successfully developing a player will preserve and promote the integrity of the game makes the STPGA honored to call him the 2023 Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year award recipient.
“Tony loves teaching, and his passion comes through with what he has accomplished at Meadowbrook Farms,” said STPGA President Bryan Minnick. “This award recognizes a PGA Member who works day in and day out to make people better both on and off the course.”
The STPGA is also excited to honor PGA Professional Jeff Strong with the Dick Forester Quarter Century Award in 2023. This award is given in odd numbered years to a PGA Professional who is acknowledged as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.
Strong is an excellent example of what it is to bleed PGA blue and gold. Strong is a Past President of the Southern Texas PGA and has been a long-standing supporter of the STPGA. Not only has Strong held a leadership role within the Section, but he has also greatly contributed to the Section financially through Junior Golf, scholarships, and sponsorships.
“Jeff Strong is the Southern Texas PGA,” said Minnick. “All of us in leadership roles today owe a lot to Jeff and presenting this award to him is an honor.”
In addition to these awards, the STPGA is also announcing 12 other Section Awards and numerous Chapter Awards. We would like to thank our Awards Committee led by PGA Professional Ricky Lyons for their time and energy in selecting these winners.
Section Award winners will be formally presented with their honors during the STPGA’s 56th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Lakeway Resort & Spa while Chapter Awards will be presented at their respective Chapter Meetings later this Fall.
Congratulations to all award winners!
2023 Southern Texas PGA Section Awards
Golf Professional of the Year:
Brent Blackburn
(Corpus Christi Country Club)
Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year: Tony Allen (Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club)
Bill Strausbaugh Award: Derrick Dixon (Briggs Ranch Golf Club)
Assistant Professional of the Year: Alayne Lee (Austin Country Club)
Professional Development Award:
Alan Hodde
(Axis Golf Academy)
Player Development Award:
Morgan DeSive
(Westwood Golf Club)
Youth Player Development Award:
Marci Bozarth
(Pine Forest Country Club)
Patriot Award: Jonathan Shoffner
(Clubs of Kingwood)
Dick Forester Quarter Century Award: Jeff Strong (PGA Life Member)
Golf Sales Representative of the Year:
Justin Phillips (Levelwear)
Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Wildcat Golf Club
(Houston, TX)
Merchandiser of the Year (Private):
BraeBurn Country Club (Houston, TX)
Merchandiser of the Year (Resort): Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort (Boerne,TX)
Junior Golfer of the Year - Boy: John Solis
(Laredo, TX)
Junior Golfer of the Year - Girl:
Danica Lundgren
(Austin, TX)
2023 STPGA Chapter Awards
Eastern Chapter
Golf Professional of the Year:
Mark Duranski
(BraeBurn Country Club)
Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year: Matt Schewe
(Pearland Golf Club)
Youth Player Development Award: Shaun McEwen
(Axis Golf Academy)
Merchandiser of the Year:
The Woodlands Country Club
(The Woodlands, TX)
Western Chapter
Golf Professional of the Year: Ryan Polzin
(Oak Hills Country Club)
Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year: Greg Hiller (TPC San Antonio)
Youth Player Development Award:
Lonny Alexander (Onion Creek Club)
Merchandiser of the Year:
Briggs Ranch Golf Club (San Antonio, TX)
