Hear from Incoming District 12 Director - Dale Morgan, PGA

Southern Texas PGA • November 19, 2024

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

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Gray and Uresti Win the 2026 Player's Cup

By Southern Texas PGA • August 26, 2026

CORPUS CHRISTI (August 25, 2026) – Bret Gray, PGA Assistant Coach at Sam Houston State University and Omar Uresti, PGA Life Member emerged victorious at the 2026 Player's Cup at Corpus Christi Country Club. Gray claimed the Open Division title at 9-under par, while Uresti won the Senior Division at 8-under after defeating Carl Baker, PGA Life Member, in a playoff. Gray and Uresti both opened the championship with bogey-free rounds to take control of their respective divisions. Gray finished Round 1 at 6-under to lead the Open Division, while Uresti put himself in a strong position atop the Senior Division leaderboard at 7-under to lead by three. Conditions became more difficult during the second round as the wind picked up across Corpus Christi Country Club. Gray entered the final day knowing bogeys could happen in the tougher conditions, but remained committed to his game plan and focused on bouncing back whenever mistakes occurred. That approach helped him maintain his lead and complete a wire-to-wire victory at 9-under par. “Leading after the first round, I didn’t want to change my approach,” Gray said. “I knew that if I played my game, that would allow me to play my best. At the same time, I knew the winds were going to pick up and that bogeys could happen, so I was more focused on bouncing back and recovering when they did.” During the final round, Grey got off to a fast start with 4 birdies in the first seven holes but as he was expecting made a couple of bogeys on the back nine. His birdie on the reachable par-5 15 was critical to winning the title. In the Senior Division, Uresti carded four bogeys on the front nine of Round 2 and briefly surrendered the lead as Baker closed the gap. Baker birdied five out of six holes starting on hole seven to take the lead, but Uresti responded with four birdies on the back nine to eventually tie Baker. While both players had birdie putts on 18, extra holes were needed with Uresti making a birdie on the first playoff hole to secure the Senior Division title. “I had a rough start to the day, and Carl played great, so I knew I was going to have to play extremely well on the back nine to keep it within reach,” Uresti said. “Carl’s putting was lights out, and thankfully I started getting birdies to drop. It was a lot of fun out there today with some great competition.” The Southern Texas PGA extends its appreciation to Joe Mitchell, PGA Head Professional, and the entire staff at Corpus Christi Country Club for hosting the championship. The Section also thanks Vortex, Prize Possessions, Clubessential/ForeUP/BlueGolf, GT Golf Supply, Club Car, HUB, PRG, Hole-in-One USA, and AndersonOrd for their support of the Player's Cup. The STPGA would also like to thank the Port of Corpus Christi, Kleberg Bank, Buick GMC North, andAnderson Alexander Law for their support of our Pro-Am prior to the event and the overall championship.

Nominations Open for the Inaugural Class of the STPGA Hall of Fame!

By Julia Doucet • August 5, 2026

The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce the launch of the STPGA Hall of Fame , established to honor PGA Professionals whose leadership, service, mentorship, competitive excellence, and instructional impact have helped shape the legacy of golf across Southern Texas. Candidates will be evaluated through five core pillars: Leadership Recognizing those who have inspired their peers, strengthened the profession, and maintained a distinguished professional reputation. Service Honoring PGA Professionals with a sustained record of service to the Association, their communities, and the growth of the game. Mentorship Celebrating those who have dedicated their careers to educating, supporting, and advancing fellow PGA Professionals. Competitive Record Recognizing individuals with a proven and sustained record of excellence in competitive play. Instructional Leadership Honoring those who have made a meaningful impact on player development and elevated performance at any level of the game.

Meet the Member: Chris Martinez, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • July 29, 2026

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Omar Uresti Wins Back to Back STPGA Senior Championships

By Southern Texas PGA • July 22, 2026

This marks Uresti’s 5th Senior Championship title, tying Robert Thompson for most all-time in STPGA history. Bryan, TX (July 22, 2026) – For the last two days, 48 STPGA Senior Professionals took on the challenging Traditions Club in Bryan, TX with PGA Life Member Omar Uresti coming away with a win after shooting two rounds of 74-70 for an overall score of even-par. This is Uresti’s 5 th time winning this event which included going 2-under on the back-nine in the final round to win by one over Eric Bogar, PGA Assistant Professional at Golfcrest Country Club and two over Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club. Bogar and Uresti were paired together in the final round and could see what each of them were doing shot for shot. Bogar started off hot with birdies at three and four but it was Uresti’s three birdies in six holes on the back nine that clinched it. While all eyes were on the main title up for grabs, players were also competing for a chance to play in the Senior PGA Professional Championship set to take place later this fall when PGA Members from all 41 PGA Sections compete together for the national title. Uresti, as a former winner of the national event, was already exempt along with Robert Thompson, PGA Teaching Professional at Whispering Pines. Uresti and Thompson will lead six other STPGA Members to the national event October 22-25 at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Arizona. The six qualifiers include: Eric Bogar, PGA Golfcrest Country Club Steve Jurgensen, PGA Westwood Golf Club Lonny Alexander, PGA Onion Creek Club David von Hoffmann, PGA Spanish Oaks Golf Club Chad Donegan, PGA Kissing Tree Golf Club Chris Kaufman, PGA Spanish Oaks Golf Club The STPGA would like to recognize round one leader, PGA Life Member Steve Veriato, who shot an even par-72 on Monday at the remarkable age of 80 years old, being the oldest player in the field. While his round two did not go as planned, it was still fun to watch on Monday in Aggieland. The STPGA would like to thank PGA Head Professional Bryan Minnick and his staff for hosting this year’s event. The players played the course to a par-72 at 6,666 yards for the male professionals and 5,666 yards for the female professionals. This event would not be possible without support from PXG, PGA TOUR, and Golf Channel. Click Here for the Photo Gallery. Click Here for the Final Results.

Litwak and Knudsen Ride Six-Birdie Surge to Texas Team Title

By Southern Texas PGA • July 8, 2026

HORSESHOE BAY, TEXAS – Jeff Litwak, PGA Head Professional at Lakeside Country Club, and Erik Knudsen, PGA Sales Representative at BagCaddie, captured the Texas Team Championship following a dramatic final-round climb at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The 36-hole, Four-Ball Stroke Play Championship featured 232 PGA Professionals and Associates from the Southern Texas PGA and Northern Texas PGA Sections. The field included 116 teams representing 91 unique facilities playing both Apple Rock, a par-72 layout, and Ram Rock, a par-71 course over two days. Litwak and Knudsen began the final round tied for 11th place before mounting their charge up the leaderboard.

Meet the Member: Travis Short, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • June 26, 2026

Travis Short, PGA - Determination and Belief in Yourself

Milstead and Bryant Capture 2026 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship!

By Southern Texas PGA • June 23, 2026

LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS (June 23, 2026) – Three countries, three formats and 27 holes later, Michael Milstead, PGA Associate at The Back Nine Golf (Houston Memorial), and Cooper Bryant, PGA Associate at Lakeside Country Club, emerged as champions of the 2026 Southern Texas PGA 9/9/9 Pro-Pro Championship at Magnolia Creek Golf Club. The one-day event featured nine holes of Scramble on the Scotland Nine, nine holes of Four-Ball on the Ireland Nine and nine holes of Modified Alternate Shot on the England Nine. Each format required a different approach, placing an emphasis on strategy, communication and execution throughout the 27-hole championship. Milstead and Bryant combined for a final score of 12-under-par, using strong iron play, timely putting and consistent teamwork to conquer the championship’s unique three-format test. “We started with some good momentum,” Milstead said. “I didn’t make him putt much during the Scramble, which was the goal, but in Alternate Shot he made some long putts. On the first hole of the day, he made one from about 30 feet, maybe even farther.”

Meet the Member: Rich Barcelo, PGA

By Southern Texas PGA • May 28, 2026

Rich Barcelo, PGA - Different Path, Always Golf

STPGA Section Awards Nomination Period is Now Open!

By Sarah Lummus • May 26, 2026

Each year the Southern Texas PGA recognizes fellow PGA of America Members for their outstanding work and achievements. Our 2026 Section Awards nomination period is currently open and will close on August 12th at 11:59 pm. Please note that only PGA Professionals may submit nominations for their fellow PGA Professionals in the Southern Texas Section. Nominees will be notified and sent their application on a rolling basis throughout the nomination period. All completed applications must be submitted by September 14th at 11:59pm. If you have any questions regarding the 2026 Section Awards and nomination process, please reach out to Sarah Lummus at slummus @pgahq.com . Head to the link below to read more about the awards process and nominate your fellow PGA members!

Sainz Jr. and Uresti Capture Omega Transactions Memorial Championship Titles

By Southern Texas PGA • May 20, 2026

COLUMBUS, TEXAS (May 20, 2026) — The Southern Texas PGA returned to Big Easy Ranch on May 18-19 for the 2026 Omega Transactions Memorial Championship, where shifting weather, difficult scoring conditions, and two strong closing performances defined the championship in Columbus. Round One brought heavy winds across Big Easy Ranch, forcing players to manage ball flight, stay patient, and grind through difficult conditions. Round Two began with light morning rain that delayed tee times, but the weather eventually gave way to a beautiful afternoon as the wind settled and scoring opportunities opened across the course.