GET IN TOUCH
57th EDUCATION SUMMIT & ANNUAL MEETING COMES TO A CLOSE!
Southern Texas PGA • February 18, 2025
Over 200 PGA of America Members begin their year with education, celebration, and networking.
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (FEBRUARY 18) - Over the last two days, the 57th Education Summit and Annual Meeting took place at Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center where PGA of America Members experienced 9 keynote speakers: Three and Jackie, Eric Eshleman, PGA, Dale Morgan, PGA, Mark McGinnis, HUB Investment, Chet Williams, Jeff Blume, RC Slocum, EA Tischler, Chuck Cook, PGA, and Bill Moretti, PGA. These speakers covered a wide range of topics to help ensure our PGA Members remain the backbone of the industry. PGA Members continue to wear many different hats throughout their day to day lives and providing high level education allows them to continue to be well rounded individuals. The STPGA would like to thank all of our keynote speakers for bringing unique insight to the STPGA.
In addition to our wonderful presenters, this year was an election year where we elected our new set of Officers and 3 new At-Large Directors. Congratulations to everyone. We look forward to your leadership over the next two years.
President - Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA
Vice President - Darrell Fuston, PGA
Secretary - Ricky Lyons, PGA
At-Large Directors
Alan Hodde, PGA
Chad Donegan, PGA
Mike Frost, PGA
Congratulations to everyone. We look forward to your leadership over the next two years.
Our first night came to a close with the Annual Awards Banquet celebrating and honoring our 2024 Award Winners headlined by STPGA Golf Professional of the Year, Bryan Minnick, PGA. Congratulations to our incredible Members listed below on their achievement!
Golf Professional of the Year: Bryan Minnick, PGA
Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year: Craig Trahan, PGA
Bill Strausbaugh Award: Andrew Peterson, PGA
Assistant Professional of the Year: Kayla McFall, PGA
Professional Development Award: Doug Strawbridge, PGA
Player Development Award: Tirrel Baymon, PGA
Youth Player Development Award: Roger Stebbins, PGA
Patriot Award: Doug Carlton, PGA
Golf Sales Representative of the Year: Bryant Hiskey, PGA (PING)
Player of the Year: Carlos Sainz
Player of the Year (Women's): Camille Enright, PGA
Player of the Year (Senior): Omar Uresti, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year (Public/Resort): Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
Merchandiser of the Year (Private): San Antonio Country Club
Junior Golfer of the Year: Asher Vargas
Junior Golfer of the Year: Lindsay Lee
A huge thank you to PGA Professional Jason Alexander for being our Awards Banquet Emcee for the fourth year in a row and 2025 Ryder Cup Team USA Captain, Keegan Bradley for the welcome video!
The event also featured wonderful partners that support our PGA Members throughout the year. We want to thank each of them for their support and involvement with our members. BlueGolf, CMC Design, Global Golf Sales, Heritage Creations USA, HUB, MemberSports, Signature Golf, SuperSpeed Golf, SwingJuice, TPx Communications.
We are excited for a great 2025! Below are our links to pictures and videos. All presentations will be uploaded later this month for our Members who were not in attendance.
Let's have a great year!
Education Summit & Annual Meeting Pictures
Awards Banquet Pictures
Awards Videos
Official Headshots
Creation of the First Community STPGA Team to be showcased in 2025 and 2026 February 19th, 2025 (Spring, TX) - This week at the STPGA Annual Meeting, a special announcement was made around an expanded partnership between First Community and the Southern Texas PGA. The elevated partnership includes showcasing First Community and unique story telling opportunities as we create a new team of STPGA Members. Known now as the First Community STPGA Team, this group of STPGA Members are the PGA Professionals that have qualified for the PGA Professional Championship to be played on April 27-30 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. This year’s First Community STPGA Team currently features 9 PGA Members from Southern Texas that hope to qualify for the PGA Championship and earn a spot on the Corebridge PGA Team of 20. Prior to the event in April, the STPGA will showcase these players in unique spotlights and then follow them along at the PGA Professional Championship. All 9 of these players earned this spot at the 2024 STPGA Section Championship. Our First Community STPGA Team will be led by Jared Jones, PGA Director of Instruction at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, TX who came in a tie for second at last year’s PGA Professional Championship and won the 2024 STPGA Section Championship. These 9 First Community STPGA Team members will not only represent the STPGA but their facilities as well. PGA Members continue to be the backbone of the industry and the First Community STPGA Team will showcase the playing ability of the STPGA membership. “We could not be more thrilled to try something new and have a current partner that believes in the value this Team will showcase,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the STPGA. “This idea started on a white board and to see a company like First Community jump on board and then our members get excited about it, makes this something special.” In addition to this announcement, First Community is also excited to announce special perks and exclusive offers for STPGA Members and Employees to elevate their banking needs with products and services from First Community. “Last year was our first year expanding our outreach within the golf community through the STPGA and it was a big success,” said TJ Tijerina, CEO of First Community. “We saw tremendous exposure through the STPGA Junior Golf Program and are excited for this additional opportunity to support the community and showcase stories that will resonate with our potential members.”
Dr. Rich Ballinger, Director of Sam Houston State PGA Golf Management Program becomes the Association’s next President. February 17, 2025 (College Station, TX) - During the 57th STPGA Education Summit and Annual Meeting today, the STPGA Membership elected its new Officers and Board of Directors to lead the Association for the next two years. The Association’s 4 Officers are the following individuals. PRESIDENT Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA Director Sam Houston State University PGA Golf Management Program VICE PRESIDENT Darrell Fuston, PGA General Manager Westwood Golf Club SECRETARY Ricky Lyons, PGA General Manager Big Easy Ranch HONORARY PRESIDENT Bryan Minnick, PGA Head Professional Traditions Club “It is an honor to become the next President of the STPGA,” said Dr. Ballinger, who has been a PGA Member since 1996. “I look forward to continuing the positive momentum that we have experienced within our association and the game at a local level for the next two years.” “Our PGA Members are the backbone of our sport and we need to continue to provide them tools and education to be the best in the business. In partnership with our Board and Officers, I look forward to working with them on ensuring this continues for many years to come." In addition, 3 At-Large Director Board positions were also open, with Alan Hodde, PGA , Michael Frost, PGA, and Chad Donegan, PGA winning those three positions. Congratulations to each of them, and thank you to everyone who ran for a position during the meeting. At the end of last year, each of the two Chapters within the Southern Texas PGA also elected two people to serve on the STPGA Board of Directors. The Eastern Chapter officers are President Matthew Scadden, PGA , and Vice President Trent Peddy, PGA . The Western Chapter officers are President Derrick Dixon, PGA , and Vice President Corey Roberson, PGA . To round out the Board of Directors, President Ballinger will announce his Presidential Picks in the near future. The Board of Directors serves a 2-year term and leads the Association’s governance model and direction.
Donegan wins the award for his dedication to the Association, friendship with fellow PGA of America Members, and positive attitude. February 17, 2025 (College Station, TX) - During today’s 57th STPGA Education Summit and Annual Meeting, President Bryan Minnick, PGA awarded the second-ever President’s Award to fellow PGA Member Chad Donegan from the City of New Braunfels. This award was established two years ago when former President James Brown awarded the first President’s Award to Steve Hammond. This tradition was started to provide the outgoing President an opportunity to select one PGA of America Member that they felt was deserving of recognition in front of their peers. “During my time as President, Chad provided me with insight, friendship, and a desire to keep the organization as strong as possible,” said Minnick, the current Head Professional at Traditions Club in Bryan, TX. “Chad is a true friend to everyone.” Chad has been a PGA Member since 2002 and has continued to elevate his career to his current position of being the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of New Braunfels and overseeing Landa Park Golf Course. During this time, Chad has also made himself an asset to the Association and his fellow Members by serving on the Board of Directors and as the Championships Committee Chairman. He loves to play the game but most importantly, he loves to represent all viewpoints and not just a select few. He is a person of strength and regardless if it is professional or personal items, he remains positive and builds relationships. Chad was surprised with this recognition during the morning session of today’s Education Summit and Annual Meeting for the Southern Texas PGA. Congratulations Chad!
Blue Moon, Happy Thursday, ZOA Energy, Coors Light, and Miller Lite to be showcased at each of the STPGA’s 5 Major Championships.
ABSENTEE VOTING NOW AVAILABLE CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE GOOGLE FORM In 2022, your Board of Directors approved Absentee Ballot Voting for the position of Secretary to ensure that all PGA of America Members have the opportunity to have their voice heard when electing the next Officer, and this process will continue for the 2025 elections. To be eligible to complete an Absentee Ballot, you must meet the following criteria: You must be a Class A PGA of America Member in good standing You are not able to attend the Education Summit & Annual Meeting You must complete the Google Form that will be sent out by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7 Please note that this is for the position of Secretary only, and only candidates that declared their intention to run for the position by the time Absentee Ballots are sent will be included in the ballot. People may still run from the floor or state their intention to run after Absentee Ballots are sent. Two important reminders with this new process: You must request an Absentee Ballot. You will NOT receive an Absentee Ballot by simply NOT registering for the Education Summit & Annual Meeting. If for some reason you request an Absentee Ballot and then attend the event, your Absentee Ballot will be discarded, and you must vote in person during the Education Summit & Annual Meeting. The below timeline will be implemented for Absentee Ballot Voting: Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Absentee Ballot Request Available This will be included in STPGA Weekly Headlines, posted to www.stpga.com , and emailed out to all eligible PGA of America Members. Friday, February 7, 2025: Absentee Ballot Request Deadline This will be the final day that PGA of America Members will be able to request an Absentee Ballot. Requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025: Absentee Ballots Sent Absentee Ballots will be sent to all PGA of America Members who requested a ballot during the open period by Southern Texas PGA Staff. Wednesday, February 12, 2025: Absentee Ballot Voting Deadline This will be the final day that PGA of America Members will be able to cast their Absentee Ballot. Ballots must be submitted by 5:00 p.m.
The Southern Texas PGA is pleased to have the following corporate partners, sponsors, and national partners involved with the Section in 2025! Each partner's involvement is critical to our success and we could not do what we do without the support of each of these companies. We will highlight each of these companies throughout the year in our Section Weekly Headlines and at numerous events. Click the buttons below to view our list of partners and how to best contact them. We also have a short video from our Director of Business Operations, Andrew Gridley.
The STPGA is pleased to announce One-Day events for 2025 which includes our second year of Section One-Day Events, our Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open Qualifying Series, and our PATs for our Associates. Please note: Registration will open 30 days prior to the event's date. SECTION ONE-DAY EVENTS Monday, January 27 th Revenge Scramble | TPC San Antonio Monday, April 21 st Two-Person Scramble | Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club Wednesday, May 14 th 3-Club Challenge | East River 9 Monday, June 23 rd 1 st Pro-Scratch | Boot Ranch Monday, August 11 th Two-Person Shamble | BlackHorse Golf Club (South) Monday, November 10 th Two-Person Scramble | Lakecliff Golf Club Monday, November 24 th Two-Person Shamble | Bentwater Yacht & Country Club (Weiskopf) ENERGY TRANSFER TEXAS SENIOR OPEN QUALIFYING SERIES Monday, April 14 th The Wilderness Golf Course Monday, May 5 th Delaware Springs Golf Course Monday, July 28 th Riverhill Country Club Monday, August 4 th Beaumont Country Club Monday, September 29 th Eagle Pointe Golf Club PLAYING ABILITY TESTS Monday, March 3 rd Bearkat Golf Course Monday, April 14 th Pebble Creek Country Club Tuesday, May 13 th The Quarry Golf Club Tuesday, June 10 th The Woodlands Country Club (West) Wednesday, June 25 th Eagle Pointe Golf Club Thursday, August 7 th Corpus Christi Country Club Wednesday, August 20 th Forest Creek Golf Course Monday, October 13 th Bearkat Golf Course If you missed seeing our 2025 Major Championship schedule and other events that were announced in October, click here ! 2025 is going to be an awesome year and thank you to all of our PGA of America Members that are hosting events! Merry Christmas to our Members and their families!
STPGA continues to serve its Members, grow the game through STPGA Programs, and elevate the Association! 2024 was another record year for the STPGA and as we head into the Holiday Season, we thought it would be fun to recap some of our best moments and highlights. By the end of the day, 18-holes just cannot be finished, so let's go play an emergency 9-holes!
Brent Buckman, PGA and Mike Ray, PGA Inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame
Q1: What do you see as the most important priorities for District 12 under your leadership? Constant and consistent communication and representation for District 12 and the PGA of America will be my number one priority over the next three years. Representing all three sections and their membership will be my number one priority. Q2: Can you share your journey with the PGA of America and what inspired you to take this role? Since 1990, I have been serving the PGA of America through all the seats both in the Chapter and the Section. I have served on the PGA of Americas Board of Control for four years along with serving on PGA of America committees. My experience with the PGA of America and my current role as a National Board of Director representing District 12 and Texas certainly highlights my commitment and expertise both to the Section and the PGA of America. Q3: What inspired you to run for District 12 Director after 30+ years as a Southern Texas PGA Member? I believe that my deep passion for the game of golf and my commitment to its continued growth are what drive and inspire me every day to continue to serve. My continued service to our over 30,000 PGA of America Members inspires me to work hard to make their jobs and lives better. Q4: What skills or experiences from your previous roles within Southern Texas will most benefit your work as District 12 Director? Serving in all chapter and section leadership roles has given me the foundation to gain the skills and understanding of our Section. Also staying involved with the current PGA business long after my Section service I believe has helped round out my knowledge and expertise for serving. Q5: How do you plan to support and engage with PGA professionals within your district? My plan will be to attend as many Section functions as possible hosted by the three districts I represent. I will also make sure that my email address and phone number are readily available for their members. I will also send out monthly BOD updates so that the Section Executive Directors can answer questions and explain any current and new programming that we may have. Q6: Are there any specific initiatives or programs you’re excited to introduce or enhance during your tenure? Improving our Governance and election process is something that I hope to help lead the initiative on. I believe that running for National office and while serving on the National BOD is a conflict of interest. I would like to see all those wanting to run have an equal playing field and not have their elections compromised by confidentiality and District differences. I would also like to see our headquarters in Frisco truly become the only home of the PGA and all PGA members have some type of discount to stay and play and experience our new home. Q7: What challenges do you foresee in this role, and how do you plan to address them? As only one Board member like all political challenges, it is imperative to build a coalition with other members that reflect not just our District but all fourteen districts across the country and what is right for the PGA of America. This is a serious challenge and something that comes with building loyalty and respect within the boardroom. Another challenge that I see is the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR working relationship. I believe that we must build strength in all our golf alliances so that we all can continue to grow this great game. Q8: What are golf professionals' biggest challenges today, and how can the PGA of America assist? I believe that one of our biggest challenges is the ever-changing job market in our industry. Golf Professionals' roles have changed over the years, and the PGA of America and our education department and career services department must continue to evolve. Over the next few years, we will see over 8,000 PGA Professional reach retirement age which opens the job market to many of our members and associates but also presents other challenges for those retirees. Q9: Is there a particular leader or mentor within the PGA or golf industry who has inspired your approach to this role? I have been blessed to have so many mentors regarding the job market and bettering our PGA of America Members. Past President Paul Levy works diligently to make sure every PGA member has the best opportunity and income available to them. Having him as a mentor in this area truly improves my knowledge and understanding of our changing job market. Q10: How do you stay current with trends and changes in the golf industry, and how might these influence your work as District 12 Director? As a PGA of America BOD, I am fortunate to have access to industry periodicals and websites that keep me current with what is happening in the golf industry today. As a Board of Directors, we get updates daily on industry changes. Being co-chair on the National advocacy and legislative committee helps keep me informed on how governmental changes or affecting our industry. Q11: What are your long-term goals, both for District 12 and for yourself, within the PGA of America? My goal as District 12 Director would be simply to improve communication and improve input and transparency from the national board to all three sections. I must never forget that I set on the National BOD to represent District 12, and my first responsibility is to those who chose me to represent them on a national level. As for myself, my goal would be to continue to give back to an association and the game of golf two that has been and means so much to myself and my family. Q12: What advice would you give aspiring PGA Professionals who want to contribute to the organization in leadership roles? My advice to other PGA members and associates would be to get involved! Whether on a chapter, section, or national level what you receive back from that service will always outweigh what you give in. My career of service to the PGA of America would have never been what it is today had fellow PGA Professionals, W Kit Thomson and past section President Bob Putt did not encourage me to get involved and serve. Q13: How should PGA Members reach out to you or connect if they have something they want to share with you from a national perspective? I would encourage all PGA members to reach out to me at dalemorgan@pga.com with any questions are concerns they might have regarding the PGA of America from a National perspective. It is truly an honor to serve District 12, and I look forward to the next few years! Dale Morgan, PGA
