The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce our 2024 Section Award Winners
Southern Texas PGA Proudly Announces the 2024 Section Award Winners, Honoring Excellence in Golf Leadership and Achievement
SPRING, TX (October 30, 2024) – The Southern Texas PGA is thrilled to announce that PGA of America Member Bryan Minnick has been named the 2024 STPGA Golf Professional of the Year. This is the Association’s highest honor and is awarded for leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
Minnick, elected to PGA Membership in 1998, has held Head Golf Professional roles at The Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, Shadow Hawk Golf Club in Richmond, and currently at Traditions Club in Bryan, TX.
Minnick’s journey of service and volunteerism with the Southern Texas PGA began 17 years ago on the Tournament Committee. Since then, he has served as Committee Chairman, At-Large Board Member, and most recently as President of the STPGA. His deep commitment to the organization comes from his desire to make things better. From tournament purses, to Member education, to growing the STPGA staff, he continues to push the entire team and Membership to improve and ensure we keep our Members’ best interest first.
“Bryan is all about relationships, listening, and then making decisions for the best interest of the PGA Member,” said Thomas Hutton, STPGA Executive Director. “I have developed a great appreciation for his ability to maintain levelness in turbulent times and ask the right questions before important decisions are needed.”
For Minnick, golf has been more than a game—it has shaped his life by providing incredible mentors, lasting friendships, and most importantly, his true purpose. His dedication to growing the game reached a pinnacle in 2023 when he accepted the Herb Graffis Award on behalf of the Southern Texas PGA. This moment gave him the opportunity to stand before PGA of America leaders at the National Annual Meeting and highlight the remarkable impact that STPGA is having on individuals and the growth of STPGA programs over the last 5-10 years.
Congratulations to Bryan for winning this year’s Golf Professional of the Year!
Another notable Section Award winner is Craig Trahan, PGA Master Professional and Director of Instruction at Houston Country Club, as the 2024 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.
Trahan has been a teacher of the game for 19 years and is a pinnacle example of a teacher. Trahan’s teaching style is his own unique style but pays homage to the greats that he had studied and those that have come before him. Trahan has built his teaching philosophy on these influences along with the guiding principle of listening to his students and their needs. Trahan gives every lesson with passion, enthusiasm, and praise to the golfer regardless of skill level. Craig’s ability to connect with his students and put his whole heart into his lessons makes the STPGA honored to call him the 2024 Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year award recipient.
“Craig is one of the hardest-working PGA Members I have ever met. His impact at Houston Country Club has been tremendous, and he has truly built something special there,” said STPGA Awards Committee Chairman Ricky Lyons. “This award is meant to honor someone who embodies the spirit of teaching, and Craig exemplifies that perfectly.”
In addition to these awards, the STPGA is also announcing 11 other Section Awards and numerous Chapter Awards. We would like to thank our Awards Committee, led by PGA Member Ricky Lyons, for their time and energy in selecting these winners.
Below we have listed a short phrase or sentence that helps speak to what each award is all about. Each year the STPGA receives many applications, and it is a true honor to win either a Section or Chapter Award!
Section Award winners will be formally presented with their honors during the STPGA’s 57th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 17, 2025, in College Station, Texas, while Chapter Awards will be presented at their respective Chapter Meetings later this Fall.
Congratulations to all award winners!
2024 Southern Texas PGA Section Awards
Bryan Minnick (Traditions Club) - Golf Professional of the Year
Craig Trahan (Houston Country Club) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
Andrew Peterson (Alamo City Golf Trails) - The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Members and Associates, building a talented team environment at their facility, and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Members.
Kayla McFall (San Antonio Country Club) - The Assistant Professional 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.
Doug Strawbridge (GOLFTEC – Upper Kirby) – The Professional Development Award honors a PGA Member who has made significant and ongoing contributions to advancing educational opportunities and enhancing the professional growth of fellow PGA Members. This award recognizes dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the golf industry.
Tirrel Baymon (Cypresswood Golf Course) – The Player Development Award honors a PGA Member who has made outstanding contributions to player development, playing a pivotal role in initiatives to grow the game. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding access to golf and inspiring new and seasoned players alike.
Roger Stebbins (High Meadow Ranch) - The Youth Player Development Award recognizes a PGA Member who exemplifies leadership in junior golf, embodying a deep commitment to fostering youth development through the game. This award honors individuals who provide meaningful opportunities and impactful experiences, inspiring young players to learn, grow, and enjoy the game of golf.
Doug Carlton (RIIM Golf Academy & Driving Range) – The Patriot 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. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of our military community through the game of golf.
Bryant Hiskey (PING) – The Golf Sales Representative 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. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to fostering growth and excellence in the golf community.
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club (Public/Resort) & San Antonio Country Club (Private) – The Merchandiser of the Year Award celebrates Southern Texas PGA facilities that excel in promoting the game of golf through outstanding business and merchandising practices. This award honors facilities that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional retail experiences, fostering customer engagement, and supporting the growth of golf in their communities.
Asher Vargas & Lindsay Lee – The Junior Golfer of the Year Award is presented to two junior golfers who embody excellence both on and off the course. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, exemplary character, and unwavering sportsmanship. Recipients stand out for their dedication to the core values of golf and their commitment to playing at an elite level.
2024 STPGA Chapter Awards
Eastern Chapter
Matthew Nyren (The Woodlands Country Club) - Golf Professional of the Year
EJ Kim (Axis Golf Academy) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
James Larkin III
(The Woodlands Country Club) - Youth Player Development Award
Champions Golf Club
(Houston, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year
Western Chapter
Michael Frost (Briggs Ranch Golf Club) - Golf Professional of the Year
Eric Ilic (David Ogrin Golf Academy) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
Jennifer MacCurrach (First Tee of Greater Austin) - Youth Player Development Award
Oak Hills Country Club (San Antonio, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year
Congratulations again to all award winners!
