Wylie and Sitton Crowned Champions at the Omega Transactions Memorial Championship!

Southern Texas PGA • May 20, 2025

HOUSTON, TX (May 20, 2025) – The 2025 Omega Transactions Memorial Championship concluded at Westwood Golf Club in Houston, Texas, where 134 PGA of America Members and Associates competed over two days of elite play in both the Open and Senior Divisions.


In the Open Division, Austin Wylie, Assistant Professional at Mac Wylie Golf Center, delivered back-to-back rounds of 68-68—136 (-8) to capture the championship. Wylie’s steady, composed play kept him at the top of the leaderboard throughout both rounds as he edged out a competitive field to secure the win.


"I wasn't hitting it well with my driver, but my short game was really good today. I was able to put myself close and give myself good opportunities to knock in some putts," said Wylie, "it felt nice to have the comfort of only needing to two-putt rather than going through an intense five-hole playoff like my last win. Our events are stressful enough, and the fields are so competitive that nothing is easy around here."


The Senior Division saw a thrilling finish, with a three-way playoff between Billy Sitton, PGA, Mike Kullberg, PGA, and Steve Variato, PGA, after they finished tied at the top. The playoff was contested on Hole 18, where Sitton emerged victorious after just one extra hole, sealing the title with an aggressive approach shot that paid off.


“I got out to a bad start and was just trying to keep myself hanging in there, and I got into the playoff,” said Sitton. “I had an aggressive mindset, especially with my second shot which I got a little lucky on and landed it in a perfect spot. This win is amazing for me because I plan my travel schedule around the Levy Cup Matches and competing on that team every year. I’ve made it every year since its inception outside of one due to back surgery—but that’s how I start my January: planning out and competing to be on the Levy Cup Team.”


Congratulations to all who competed in this year’s event, and special thanks to Westwood Golf Club for hosting another memorable championship. Thank you to our title partner, Omega Transactions, and our presenting partners, Yamaha, Flyway Hats, Sterling Cut Glass, GT Golf Supplies, ahead, TPC Industrial, Perry Weather, and Blue Moon. This event would not be possible without their support!


To view the final results, click here.
To view the photo gallery, click here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – 2026 SCHEDULE UNVEILING

By Southern Texas PGA • October 1, 2025
2026 looks to continue record participation from 2025, but also find new ways to engage with PGA Members throughout the year! SPRING, TX (October 1, 2025) – As we enter the final quarter of an amazing 2025 year, the Southern Texas PGA is excited to announce our schedule and important dates for the upcoming year. When building this schedule, the Southern Texas PGA continued to keep our Members as our top priority, considered the overall flow with many moving parts, and tried a few new ideas. While not all host facilities are finalized, we felt it was important to share as much as possible at this point in the year. Opening Stretch – Hello 2026! January and February are filled with an exciting start to the year with new Chapter offerings, high-quality education, one-day events, our very popular Golden Nugget Pro-Pro-Am-Am events, and our new STPGA Merchandise Suite Show.

Presidential Points: STPGA Q3 Update

By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • September 23, 2025
STPGA Q3 UPDATE Mentoring, Chapter Growth, and More Dear STPGA Members and Associates, I wanted to provide an update following our September board meeting at The Big Easy Ranch. As your President, my goal is to keep you informed about our progress and the key initiatives we're working on. Associate Mentoring Program One of my top priorities has been to launch an Associate Mentoring Program to align with national PGA initiatives. I'm excited to announce our first Pro-Associate Event on October 6 at The Big Easy Ranch. This event is open to all Level 1 Associates and is a great opportunity for them to learn about industry best practices, the benefits of PGA membership, and the resources available to them. After the educational session, Associates will be paired with a select PGA member for a round of golf to help them build their network and form valuable relationships. Associates can learn more and register for this event below.

HOMETOWN GLORY AT THE 2025 STPGA SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

By Southern Texas PGA • September 16, 2025
COLUMBUS, TX (September 16) – Over the last two days, the Southern Texas PGA proudly hosted its premier event, the 58th STPGA Section Championship, at The Covey at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas. 112 PGA of America Members from across the Section competed in a two-day championship not only to crown the 2025 STPGA Section Champion but also served as the pathway to the national PGA Professional Championship, Player of the Year Honors, and the last opportunity to climb our points list and earn a spot on #TeamSTPGA for the Joe Black Cup Matches and Levy Cup Matches. Congratulations to Casey Russell, PGA Director of Golf at Big Easy Ranch, for winning this year’s Section Championship at Big Easy Ranch. The home-field advantage would serve Casey well as he would finish with a tournament total of 70-71–141 (-3) After round one, the leaderboard was extremely tight with a three-way tie for first at 2-under (70) between Alan Hodde, PGA Director of Instruction at Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center, Greg Hiller, PGA Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio, and Casey Russell, PGA, and another 16 people within three strokes of the lead. With the added pressure of a tie, Casey would be put at ease with his course knowledge and the perfect pairing to go to battle with.

Meet the Member: Ricky Lyons, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 11, 2025
Ricky Lyons, PGA – Building Community, On and Off the Course

STPGA Past President, Charlie Eskridge Passes Away

By Southern Texas PGA • September 9, 2025
A proud PGA Member that impacted so many people!

Meet the Member: Lisa Fleming Edgmon, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • September 5, 2025
Lisa Fleming Edgmon, PGA – Built on Mentorship, Driven by Heart

WIRE-TO-WIRE FOR KEENER & JURGENSEN

By Southern Texas PGA • August 27, 2025
AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 26) — The 2025 TPx Player’s Cup concluded today at Austin Country Club, where the Section’s top professionals battled across two competitive divisions — Senior and Open — for one of the Southern Texas PGA’s most prestigious titles. In the Senior Division, Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club, delivered a wire-to-wire victory, finishing at 3-under-par for the championship after rounds of 69-72. Jurgensen sealed the win in dramatic fashion, rolling in a birdie on the par-5 18th to close out his championship run. Reflecting on the victory, Jurgensen said,

Jake Sitterle Claims 2025 Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • August 18, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 18, 2025) – Mother Nature had different plans at Champions Golf Club, where drawn-out lightning delays ultimately forced the cancellation of Round Two and shortened the 2025 Southern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship to 18 holes. Taking advantage of his strong opening round, Jake Sitterle, Assistant Professional at Lakecliff Country Club, earned the victory with a score of 70 (-1) on the par-71 layout, securing his place at this year’s champion. “This wasn’t the way anyone wanted this championship to end. Gilbert was playing great in the second round, but I am happy I could get the win,” Sitterle reflected. “With how the last major ended, I was always confident in my game and that I could be up at the top, but this field is strong, and I just wish all the guys who qualified the best of luck.” The tournament, hosted at Champions Golf Club, featured over 50 Assistant Professionals from across the Section, competing for qualifying spots into the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, set to be played at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, November 13-16, 2025.

Meet the Member: Alden Wallace, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • August 6, 2025
Alden Wallace, PGA – Rookie Member with a Veteran Mentality

Help Support the Hill Country at Riverhill Country Club

By Southern Texas PGA • July 30, 2025
Sunday, August 17, 2025 Come join us for a Great Event. An exciting Day of Golf, Live Music, Auctions, and Special Appearances. 100% of all funds received will go directly to benefit the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram, Texas, to help them rebuild from devastating flood damage. Golf Tournament at Riverhill Country Club - the home of legendary Byron Nelson 8:00 am Registration 10:00 am Shotgun Start $500 per player (limited to 120 players) Golf at the Historic Riverhill Country Club Two Concert Tickets at Arcadia Live All-inclusive Food and Drink on the Course Player Gift Bags Live Concert at the Beautiful Arcadia Live Theater Featuring; 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm $100 per ticket (only 600 tickets available) Acts to be Announced coming soon due to security concerns and limited seating To Enter and for More Information , go to the website (working on) or Contact Jeff Hunter, PGA at (830)-896-1400 ext. 2260 or jhunter@riverhillcc.com John Junker at (830-896-1400) ext. 2260 or jjunker@riverhillcc.com Checks and donations can also be sent to Riverhill Country Club, made out to: Guitars and Greens for the Guadalupe
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