First Community STPGA Team Announced for 2025 PGA Professional Championship!

Southern Texas PGA • April 1, 2025

SPRING, TEXAS (April 1, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) is proud to announce the nine PGA of America Members who have earned their place on the inaugural First Community STPGA Team. Based on their outstanding performances in the 2024 STPGA Section Championship, these elite professionals will represent the Section at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, from April 27-30, 2025.


We will showcase this team throughout April, with the support of First Community Credit Union.

MEET THE FIRST COMMUNITY STPGA TEAM

Jesse Droemer, PGA
Teaching Professional, Riverbend Country Club


Jesse Droemer, originally from Sealy, Texas, began playing golf at the age of 12 and went on to play for the University of Houston from 2010 to 2014, becoming a PGA Member in 2016. His playing accomplishments include Houston Golf Association Player of the Year, Texas Junior Golf Tour Player of the Year, AJGA Champion, and victories at the 2023 TPX Player’s Cup, the 2023 Veritex Bank Spring Classic, and the 2022 Memorial Championship. Jesse has competed in numerous prestigious events, including the 2025 VidantaWorld Mexico Open, 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, and 2018 Valero Texas Open, as well as five PGA Professional Championships. Jesse achieved four top-five finishes in 2024, including second-place honors at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic and Southern Texas PGA Section Championship.

Darrell Fuston, PGA

General Manager, Westwood Golf Club


Darrell Fuston, a Dallas native and former collegiate golfer at North Texas State University, has dedicated over three decades to the golf industry as a 33-year member of the PGA of America. His career spans prominent roles, including positions with Four Seasons Hotels, Troon Golf, and leadership at elite clubs such as The Woodlands Country Club and Kingwood Country Club. He has directed operations for nine PGA Tour events, including the Byron Nelson Classic and Insperity Invitational, and continues to compete as an accomplished player, having qualified for numerous PGA and Senior PGA Professional Championships. Darrell has qualified to represent Team STPGA in 11 Texas Joe Black Cup Matches. Currently serving as the STPGA Vice President and has been a proud member of the Board of Directors since 2013.

Bobby Gates, PGA

Director of Instruction, Summit Golf School


A Gainesville, Florida, native, Gates developed into a highly competitive golfer during his youth. He played collegiate golf at Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 2008 with a degree in agriculture. Turning professional the same year, Gates played on the Gateway Tour, Canadian Tour, and Nationwide Tour, where he won the 2010 Michael Hill New Zealand Open. He later earned PGA Tour status through Q School and the Web.com Tour Finals, competing at the highest level for multiple seasons. His experience includes multiple PGA Tour events. Gates earned his spot on the First Community STPGA Team by finishing T6 at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and looks forward to showcasing his skills at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.

Greg Hiller, PGA

Director of Instruction, TPC San Antonio


Greg Hiller, originally from North Dakota, began playing golf on sand greens at the age of 11 and has been a PGA Member since 2014. His career includes six years as a Head Professional and nine years as a Director of Instruction at facilities ranging from public to private, currently serving as the Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio. An accomplished player, Greg has competed in two majors (the U.S. Open and Senior PGA Championship) and seven PGA Professional Championships. Highlights from 2024 include second-place honors at the STPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship, a sixth-place finish at the GolfStatus Tradition Championship, and top-ten finishes at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and TPx Player’s Cup.

Jared Jones, PGA

Director of Instruction, River Oaks Country Club


Jared Jones, originally from Kenova, West Virginia, was a scholarship player at The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in Personal Finance in 2008. Pursuing a career in golf, Jared gained experience at prestigious private clubs like Scioto Country Club, The Golf Club, Belle Meade Country Club, and PGA West under renowned instructor Jim McLean. In recent years, Jared has excelled in tournaments, qualifying for two PGA Championships (2022 – Southern Hills Country Club, 2024 – Valhalla Golf Club), finishing in a tie for second in the PGA Professional Championship in 2022 and 2024, and representing the victorious PGA Cup teams in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, he secured wins at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship in 2019 and 2024 and achieved top placements at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic and Boxto Memorial Championship in 2024.

Steve Jurgensen, PGA

Teaching Professional, Westwood Golf Club


Steve Jurgensen, a proud Member of the Southern Texas PGA, played competitively through the age of 40, travelling the world playing golf, including four years on the PGA Tour. Now dedicated to teaching, Steve finds immense joy in helping students achieve their goals while continuing to compete himself. In 2024, he earned five top-five finishes, highlighted by victories at the Texas Senior Open Qualifying Series at Landa Park and the STPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship. He also secured a second-place finish at the Golf Status Tradition Championship, a T3 at the Boxto Memorial Championship, and fifth at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship.

Robert Scott, PGA

Teaching Professional, Royal Oaks Country Club


Robert Scott, a native of Sugar Land, Texas, now residing in Richmond, Texas, began playing golf at the age of 14 to continue his passion for sports prior to a growth spurt. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Instruction at Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, Robert loves coaching players of all skill levels to help them achieve their goals and solve challenges in various aspects of the game. As a player, he has achieved personal highlights such as shooting 63 three times and will compete in his third PGA Professional Championship in four years. In 2024, Robert secured a T6 placement at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and a T15 finish at the Boxto Memorial Championship.

Ben Willman, PGA

Teaching Professional, Axis Golf Academy


Ben Willman, Co-Owner of Axis Golf Academy, was born and raised in England, where he began playing golf at the age of 13 and turned professional at 21. A Member of the British PGA since 2004, Ben achieved his dream of playing professionally by earning his European Tour Card in 2006, competing on prestigious tours like the PGA Tour and European Tour before transitioning to coaching in 2009 as a Member of the PGA of America. Ben has been recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Every State in 2022-23 and 2024-25. Despite focusing on instruction, Ben remains a competitive player, securing titles such as Southern Texas PGA Player of the Year in 2014, 2016, and 2019. While qualifying for events like the Shell Houston Open, Valero Texas Open, and Mexico Open. In 2024, he achieved five top-ten finishes, including T3 placements at the Southern Texas PGA Section Championship and TPx Player’s Cup. Ben has also competed in two PGA Professional Championships.

JJ Wood, PGA

Director of Instruction, Golf Performance Group


JJ Wood, originally from San Diego, California, excelled as a junior golfer with a top 25 national ranking, earning golf scholarships to Pepperdine University and the University of Oklahoma, where he was ranked in the Top 75 World Amateur Golf Ranking and obtained his master's degree in sports psychology for peak performance. His professional career includes playing on the PGA Tour, participating in one major championship, and founding Golf Performance Group as its Director of Instruction. Renowned for his coaching philosophy shaped by insights from elite instructors like Chris Como and Neale Smith, JJ has guided over 100 players to college scholarships and professional careers. A two-time Southern Texas PGA Player of the Year, he achieved standout tournament placements, such as T3 at the TPx Player’s Cup, T3 at the STPGA Section Championship, and T9 at the Veritex Bank Spring Classic, and will compete in his sixth PGA Professional Championship in 2025.

The First Community STPGA Team represents the highest level of professional golf within the Southern Texas PGA Section. As these accomplished professionals head to Florida in April, they will showcase the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship that define the STPGA.

About First Community
First Community was founded in 1954 with Spring Branch ISD as their founders. Their corporate office is in Houston, TX. First Community has over 455 employees serving over 170,000 members with 18 locations in Texas and over $2.5 billion in assets. First Community is a full-service, federally insured financial institution serving Texas counties from Houston to the DFW area. To find a First Community location near you, please visit FCCU.org.

First Community membership is open to anyone that lives, works, attends school or worships in one of the Texas counties we serve, FCCU.org/counties, any person employed by a Select Employee Group, FCCU.org/seg-list, or any relative or family member of an FCCU member or employee.

About the Southern Texas PGA

The Southern Texas PGA is a member-based organization with a mission to serve its 900 PGA of America Members and Associates, grow the game through STPGA programs, and elevate the Association. We are part of the PGA of America and one of 41 Sections across the country.


Our PGA of America Members and Associates are world-class professionals that are experts in the game and business of golf and are located at over 250 facilities throughout Southern Texas. The STPGA Headquarters is in Spring, TX, and employs 14 full-time employees and over 100 part-time employees.


We look forward to watching the First Community STPGA Team compete at the 2025 PGA Professional Championship and wish them the best of luck!

KEEP HER PLAYING

By Susie Redman, PGA • April 22, 2025
Golf Done Right Isn’t Just A Game - It’s A Game Changer . It Matters. Teenage girls are quitting sports - 45% abandon athletics by age 14, crushed by body image doubts, insecurities, and lack of access. Teenage girls need the physical, mental, and social benefits that participation in sports has been shown to give. Coaches are the heartbeat of keeping girls in the game. It begins with building trusting relationships and coaching with empathy. It takes a whole-person approach where all young people feel safe, seen, heard, and valued.

Presidential Points: STPGA Q1 Update

By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA • April 15, 2025
STPGA Q1 UPDATE Strategic Plan, Mentoring, and More

OUR CHAMPIONS ARE AS SECURED AS VERITEX BANK!

By Southern Texas PGA • April 8, 2025
Garry Rippy, PGA(Left) and Tayler Termeer (Right) SUGARLAND, TEXAS (APRIL 8, 2025) – The Veritex Bank Spring Classic, our first Major of the year, was hosted at Riverbend Country Club in Sugarland, Texas. Unlike a typical Southern Texas event, we had a beautiful high temperature of 70 o F for the much anticipated 36-hole championship. With our morning players bundled up and our afternoon wave fighting the wind for the majority of Round One, Riverbend Country Club served up a challenge early in the event. In our Senior Division, Garry Rippy, PGA Teaching Professional at Jimmy Clay Golf Course, would lead after Round One, sitting at -2 (70). Our Open Division boasted a three-way tie after Round One between Jared Jones, PGA Director of Instruction at River Oaks Country Club, Roland Thatcher, PGA Director of Golf at Lakeside Country Club, and Tayler Termeer, Teaching Professional at University of Texas Golf Club, all shooting -2( 70) as well. Outside of 126 PGA of America Members and Associates playing together, the highlight of the day was when Susie Redman, PGA Teaching Professional at The Woodlands Country Club, made a Hole-In-One on Hole #4, one surefire way to win the closest-to-the-hole challenge presented by Maui Jim! After a fierce 18-Holes, our players were able to unwind with a player dinner presented by Blue Moon filled with networking and camaraderie at Riverbend Country Club. The STPGA would like to thank Riverbend Country Club, its membership, and PGA Director of Golf Ryan Brandt for allowing the STPGA to host the Veritex Bank Spring Classic at their facility. For Round Two, the conditions were perfect for all players. The Senior Division played in the morning with Round One leader Garry Rippy taking home first place with a total score of -6 (138), which included a Round Two score of -4 (68). Rippy and Robert Thompson, PGA Teaching Professional at Whispering Pines Golf Club, went back and forth all day with the turning point being Holes #13 and #14 that Rippy birdied. "I wasn’t anticipating one way or the other. I was lucky I had a pretty quiet mind both days, and it was probably the most relaxed I’ve been playing tournament golf" said Rippy. With our Senior Champion being crowned, the Open Division would steal the show for the remainder of the event with our Top-15 all within two strokes of the lead heading into the final round. Austin Wylie, Teaching Professional at Mac Wylie Golf Center, shot a 7-under 65 to vault up the leaderboard with a two-day total of -3 (141). He was the solo leader in the clubhouse until Ben Willman, PGA Teaching Professional at Axis Golf Academy, tied him with a birdie on the par-5 18th. However, it was not enough to catch Round One leader Tayler Termeer, Teaching Professional at the University of Texas Golf Club. Tayler played consistently all day with a 3-under round of 69 to post a tournament total of -5 (139) and win by two. He played the back nine bogey-free with birdies on Hole #10 and Hole #18 to solidify his victory! "I just had a lot of trust in what I was doing. I was driving the ball well all tournament. I was just focusing on one shot at a time and got my putter going. I had no idea how close it was going into the final hole but just kept trusting myself" stated Termeer. Congratulations to Tayler Termeer for an unbelievable tournament and earning the title of Champion of the 2025 Veritex Bank Spring Classic. The 2025 Veritex Bank Spring Classic would not be possible without the support of our Partners. A huge thank you to Title Partner Veritex Bank and Presenting Partners 1st and 10th Tee Bars, Club Car, Donald Ross Sportswear, Maui Jim, and ZOA Energy Drinks. The STPGA's next Major is the Omega Transaction Memorial Championship at Westwood Golf Club in Houston, TX on May 19-20. To view the photo gallery, click here . To view the final results, click here .

STPGA Announces 2025 Cup Matches Captains

By Southern Texas PGA • April 2, 2025
SPRING, TEXAS (April 2, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) is proud to announce the captains for the 2025 Cup Matches, a prestigious series of competitions celebrating the best of professional and junior golf in the region. Leading this year’s teams are three distinguished PGA of America Members: 

Meet the Member: Rob Charter, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • March 18, 2025
Rob Charter, PGA – Family in the Fairways

TERMEER & CHERVONY ARE THE KINGS OF THE HILLS

By Southern Texas PGA • March 11, 2025
Steven Chervony (Left) and Tayler Termeer (Right) AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 11, 2025) – The 2025 Pro-Pro Championship brought 94 players to The Hills Country Club (Signature Course) in Austin, Texas, for two days of premier competition. Participants battled it out, showcasing their talent on one of the region’s top courses. A colder start to our typical Southern Texas tee time didn't slow down the field as only four strokes separated the Top-5 after round one. Robert Scott, PGA Teaching Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club, alongside Ryan Polzin, PGA Head Professional at Oak Hills Country Club, would post an incredible -15 for the first day's scramble. The great round solidified them as the solo leaders for Day Two, but they would need to keep their foot on the pedal to maintain it. At the beginning of Round 2, it would be Troy Schleicher, PGA Life Member, and Billy Sitton, PGA Golf Executive at Triumph Golf, only trailing behind the leaders by one stroke, leading the charge. A windier day would prove an already challenging course that much more, but Schleicher and Sitton would remain steady and climb up to the top spot late in the final round. Tayler Termeer, Teaching Professional at the University of Texas Golf Club, and Steven Chervony, Assistant Professional at Austin Country Club, would keep the competition interesting. They would rise four spots and put pressure on Schleicher and Sitton heading to the final hole. "We thought we would perform better in the Four-Ball format versus the Scramble format. We knew 6-under or 7-under would make it competitive and give us a good chance at winning," said Chervony. Termeer and Chervony would have done enough to seal the victory in their favor. They would head to the scoring table with an official score of 62 - 65 – 127 ( -17 ) and walk away crowned the 2025 Pro-Pro Champions by two strokes. "I was hitting my driver well, and that freed us up a lot. We had a fairly relaxed round because of that, along with the eagle we carded on Hole 9 that took some pressure off us as well," stated Termeer. The Southern Texas PGA extends its sincere appreciation to The Hills Country Club and its dedicated staff for their exceptional hospitality. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of our valued partners—Callaway, E-Z-GO, Evolve Golf, Texoma Golf, Tagmarshal, Scales, Sap’s, NextRound, and OMNI Hotels & Resorts—whose contributions made this event possible.

New STPGA & AGM Partnership

By Southern Texas PGA • March 6, 2025
Hello STPGA Members and Associates , We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) to bring education and networking opportunities to the STPGA. Below, you will find online education seminars related to merchandising that might benefit you and/or your team. I highly recommend signing up for all or specific topics that interest you. AGM has graciously waived registration fees; all you need to do is click the buttons below to register your name. Feel free to invite anyone on your team to this as well. PDR credits will be awarded to those who register and attend each session. Quarterly Blueprint for Golf Shop Success - Justine Gray Wednesday March 26, 2025 3:00 P.M. CST REGISTER HERE Join Justine for a seminar on optimizing golf retail operations. Learn proactive inventory management, customer service strategies, and staff training tips while enhancing cross-department collaboration. Leave with a personalized quarterly action plan to drive long-term success in your golf shop! Increasing the Average Units Per Transaction: What You Need to Know - Nicole Leinbach Hoffman Thursday April 9, 2025 3:00 P.M. CST REGISTER HERE Join retail expert Nicole Leinbach Hoffman of Retail Minded to discover proven strategies for increasing average units per transaction. Learn how merchandising, staff engagement, and strategic product pairings can boost sales and enhance the customer experience. The REAL Impact™ of One - Rita Goodroe Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:00 P.M. CST REGISTER HERE The REAL Impact™ of One shows how YOU make the difference between business as usual and business that wins. In an industry where timing and relationships drive results, every action ripples across the organization. With humor, storytelling, and practical tools, award-winning connection expert Rita Goodroe lights up the room—leaving you thinking about your impact in ways you never have before.

New Hotel Partnership Formed with SportGo Travel and the STPGA!

By Southern Texas PGA • March 5, 2025
No matter where your travel takes you, find the best discounted hotel options now!

First Community Expands Partnership With Southern Texas PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • February 19, 2025
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.”

57th EDUCATION SUMMIT & ANNUAL MEETING COMES TO A CLOSE!

By 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.
Show More