The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce our 2024 Section Award Winners

Southern Texas PGA • October 30, 2024

Southern Texas PGA Proudly Announces the 2024 Section Award Winners, Honoring Excellence in Golf Leadership and Achievement

SPRING, TX (October 30, 2024) – The Southern Texas PGA is thrilled to announce that PGA of America Member Bryan Minnick has been named the 2024 STPGA Golf Professional of the Year. This is the Association’s highest honor and is awarded for leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.


Minnick, elected to PGA Membership in 1998, has held Head Golf Professional roles at The Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, Shadow Hawk Golf Club in Richmond, and currently at Traditions Club in Bryan, TX.

Minnick’s journey of service and volunteerism with the Southern Texas PGA began 17 years ago on the Tournament Committee. Since then, he has served as Committee Chairman, At-Large Board Member, and most recently as President of the STPGA. His deep commitment to the organization comes from his desire to make things better. From tournament purses, to Member education, to growing the STPGA staff, he continues to push the entire team and Membership to improve and ensure we keep our Members’ best interest first.


“Bryan is all about relationships, listening, and then making decisions for the best interest of the PGA Member,” said Thomas Hutton, STPGA Executive Director. “I have developed a great appreciation for his ability to maintain levelness in turbulent times and ask the right questions before important decisions are needed.” 

For Minnick, golf has been more than a game—it has shaped his life by providing incredible mentors, lasting friendships, and most importantly, his true purpose. His dedication to growing the game reached a pinnacle in 2023 when he accepted the Herb Graffis Award on behalf of the Southern Texas PGA. This moment gave him the opportunity to stand before PGA of America leaders at the National Annual Meeting and highlight the remarkable impact that STPGA is having on individuals and the growth of STPGA programs over the last 5-10 years.


Congratulations to Bryan for winning this year’s Golf Professional of the Year!

Another notable Section Award winner is Craig Trahan, PGA Master Professional and Director of Instruction at Houston Country Club, as the 2024 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year. Named after the legendary PGA Professional and teacher Harvey Penick, this award is given to an individual for overall excellence in golf instruction.


Trahan has been a teacher of the game for 19 years and is a pinnacle example of a teacher. Trahan’s teaching style is his own unique style but pays homage to the greats that he had studied and those that have come before him. Trahan has built his teaching philosophy on these influences along with the guiding principle of listening to his students and their needs. Trahan gives every lesson with passion, enthusiasm, and praise to the golfer regardless of skill level. Craig’s ability to connect with his students and put his whole heart into his lessons makes the STPGA honored to call him the 2024 Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year award recipient.


“Craig is one of the hardest-working PGA Members I have ever met. His impact at Houston Country Club has been tremendous, and he has truly built something special there,” said STPGA Awards Committee Chairman Ricky Lyons. “This award is meant to honor someone who embodies the spirit of teaching, and Craig exemplifies that perfectly.”

In addition to these awards, the STPGA is also announcing 11 other Section Awards and numerous Chapter Awards. We would like to thank our Awards Committee, led by PGA Member Ricky Lyons, for their time and energy in selecting these winners.


Below we have listed a short phrase or sentence that helps speak to what each award is all about. Each year the STPGA receives many applications, and it is a true honor to win either a Section or Chapter Award!


Section Award winners will be formally presented with their honors during the STPGA’s 57th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 17, 2025, in College Station, Texas, while Chapter Awards will be presented at their respective Chapter Meetings later this Fall.


Congratulations to all award winners!


2024 Southern Texas PGA Section Awards


Bryan Minnick (Traditions Club) - Golf Professional of the Year


Craig Trahan (Houston Country Club) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year

Andrew Peterson (Alamo City Golf Trails) - The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Members and Associates, building a talented team environment at their facility, and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Members.

Kayla McFall (San Antonio Country Club) - The Assistant Professional Award is presented to an Assistant Golf Professional that demonstrates high moral character and leadership and performs his or her duties at their facility at an elevated level.


Doug Strawbridge (GOLFTEC – Upper Kirby) – The Professional Development Award honors a PGA Member who has made significant and ongoing contributions to advancing educational opportunities and enhancing the professional growth of fellow PGA Members. This award recognizes dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the golf industry.


Tirrel Baymon (Cypresswood Golf Course) – The Player Development Award honors a PGA Member who has made outstanding contributions to player development, playing a pivotal role in initiatives to grow the game. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding access to golf and inspiring new and seasoned players alike.


Roger Stebbins (High Meadow Ranch) - The Youth Player Development Award recognizes a PGA Member who exemplifies leadership in junior golf, embodying a deep commitment to fostering youth development through the game. This award honors individuals who provide meaningful opportunities and impactful experiences, inspiring young players to learn, grow, and enjoy the game of golf.


Doug Carlton (RIIM Golf Academy & Driving Range) – The Patriot Award honors a PGA Member whose exceptional, ongoing dedication to PGA HOPE and other initiatives supporting Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and their families has made a profound and lasting impact. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of our military community through the game of golf.


Bryant Hiskey (PING) – The Golf Sales Representative Award honors an industry representative who exemplifies outstanding support for PGA Members and Section initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and a genuine passion for the game. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to fostering growth and excellence in the golf community.


Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club (Public/Resort) & San Antonio Country Club (Private) – The Merchandiser of the Year Award celebrates Southern Texas PGA facilities that excel in promoting the game of golf through outstanding business and merchandising practices. This award honors facilities that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional retail experiences, fostering customer engagement, and supporting the growth of golf in their communities.


Asher Vargas & Lindsay Lee – The Junior Golfer of the Year Award is presented to two junior golfers who embody excellence both on and off the course. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, exemplary character, and unwavering sportsmanship. Recipients stand out for their dedication to the core values of golf and their commitment to playing at an elite level.

2024 STPGA Chapter Awards


Eastern Chapter
Matthew Nyren (The Woodlands Country Club) - Golf Professional of the Year
EJ Kim (Axis Golf Academy) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
James Larkin III (The Woodlands Country Club) - Youth Player Development Award
Champions Golf Club (Houston, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year


Western Chapter
Michael Frost (Briggs Ranch Golf Club) - Golf Professional of the Year
Eric Ilic (David Ogrin Golf Academy) - Harvey Penick Teacher of the Year
Jennifer MacCurrach (First Tee of Greater Austin) - Youth Player Development Award
Oak Hills Country Club (San Antonio, TX) - Merchandiser of the Year



Congratulations again to all award winners!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF THE AWARD WINNERS' GRAPHICS
By Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA April 15, 2025
STPGA Q1 UPDATE Strategic Plan, Mentoring, and More
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 .
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: 
By 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.
By Southern Texas PGA March 18, 2025
Rob Charter, PGA – Family in the Fairways
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.
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.
By Southern Texas PGA March 5, 2025
No matter where your travel takes you, find the best discounted hotel options now!
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.”
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