Russell to Make Debut at 101st PGA Championship This Week

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.”

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.

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!