2018 Northern Texas PGA Chapter Award Winners Announced

NTPGA • October 19, 2018

Each year the Northern Texas PGA Section recognizes its members and others in the golf community through the NTPGA Awards program. On behalf of each NTPGA Chapter Awards Committee, East Texas, West Texas and Metro Chapter, it is our pleasure to announce the 2018 Chapter Award Winners.

East Texas Chapter
• Golf Professional of the Year - Ed Gatlin, Van Zandt Country Club
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Douglas Myer, Emerald Bay Club
• Teacher of the Year - Darrell Chase, Oak Hurst Golf Course
• Youth Player Development Award - Darrell Chase, Oak Hurst Golf Course
• Bill Strausbaugh Award - Sean Hanson, Pinecrest Country Club
• Merchandiser of the Year - Private - James Bates, Eagle's Bluff Country Club

Metro Chapter
• Golf Professional of the Year - Marc Wielgosz, Maridoe Golf Club
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Corey Roberson, Preston Trail Golf Club
• Teacher of the Year - Jeff Barton, Preston Trail Golf Club
• Youth Player Development Award - Jack Daneshmand, Four Seasons Resort & Club
• Bill Strausbaugh Award - Abe Hernandez, Royal Oaks Country Club
• PGA Professional Development Award - Johnny Williams, Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club
• PGA Player Development Award - Nathan Grafe, Golf Academy of America
• Merchandiser of the Year - Private - Dean Larsson, Royal Oaks Country Club
• Merchandiser of the Year – Public / Resort - Jim Henderson, Stevens Park Golf Course

West Texas Chapter
• Golf Professional of the Year - Casey Renner, Palo Duro Creek Golf Course
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Thomas Martin, Green Tree Country Club
• Teacher of the Year - Lee Rhind, Midland Country Club
• Youth Player Development Award - Ryan Osgood, Odessa Country Club
• Bill Strausbaugh Award - Evan Dunkerson, Green Tree Country Club
• PGA Professional Development Award - Jake McCullough, Odessa Country Club
• PGA Player Development Award - Alan Coe, Tascosa Golf Club
• Merchandiser of the Year - Private - Jake McCullough, Odessa Country Club
• Merchandiser of the Year - Public - Greg Sikes, Hogan Park Golf Course

Congratulations!

In November, the Northern Texas PGA Awards Committee along with Past Presidents will select the Northern Texas PGA Section Major Award winners for 2018

By Sarah Jordan February 11, 2025
Spencer Dillard’s rise from a young golfer to a devoted PGA of America Golf Professional is a story of passion and purpose. His love for the game began when he was gifted a Tiger Wood’s golf video game as a kid. Spencer, who is now an Assistant Golf Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, reflects on a journey shaped by the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour. Spencer’s golfing journey began at the age of seven when his parents enrolled him in a small golf camp in McKinney, Texas. A year later, he discovered the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and started competing in tournaments. These early experiences helped him develop both his skills and excitement for the game. Spencer’s first experience on the junior tour was memorable. “I think I shot 72 for my very first [Prep Tour] event,” Dillard shares. “By the end of that year, I shot a 46. I was so happy to go from shooting a 72 for nine holes to [shooting] in the 40s.” 
By Molly Rawlins February 3, 2025
FORT WORTH, TX – The Northern Texas PGA held their annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, February 2, at River Crest Country Club. The banquet celebrated the 2024 NTPGA award winners, which included Northern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the Section's highest award, won by Neil Lockie, PGA director of golf at Dallas National Golf Club. This is the highest honor given annually to a Northern Texas PGA Member, and is awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the NTPGA as well as the game of golf. The complete list of award winners can be found HERE . Congratulations to all!
By Sarah Jordan January 22, 2025
Today, our Section was selected as the 2025 Herb Graffis Award recipient! The award is given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections for tireless dedication to growing the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community. Thank you to all of our PGA of America Golf Professionals who are involved in so many of our Foundation programs, helping us to impact lives in the communities we serve in North Texas!  Led by President Cameron Doan, PGA, and Executive Director Kelly Gilley, PGA, the Section is backed by a membership of more than 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who are employed at more than 300 facilities. The Section’s mission is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The NTPGA’s success is fueled by the Northern Texas PGA Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to promoting and growing the game of golf among diverse groups of kids in North Texas, and instilling in them the positive, character-developing traits for which the game is known. Annually, approximately 10,000 children and their families are impacted through the Foundation’s full circle of programs and services. Today, based on the three key pillars of the PGA of America REACH Foundation—Youth, Military, Diverse populations—as well as pillars for college scholarships, internships and inclusion, the Foundation reaches a greater audience to promote and grow the game. The centerpiece of the Foundation’s golf programming is the Ronny Golf Park, a first-of-its-kind facility that features a two-acre, lighted golf park made entirely of fully synthetic turf. It can be enjoyed rain or shine, day or night. It is designed with junior golfers in mind, and led by the Section’s PGA-led staff, who offer a variety of programs for children ages 3-14. The Section will be formally recognized again later this year when the PGA of America hosts its Annual Meeting at PGA Frisco in November. Congratulations to all of the 2025 PGA of America award recipients! A full list can be found HERE .
By Sarah Jordan January 21, 2025
At this year's PGA Show, eight Northern Texas PGA Members and Associates were recognized as #GameChanger Award recipients! The #GameChanger Awards celebrate PGA Jr. League Coaches who go above and beyond to grow the game. The awards honor the 25 largest PGA Jr. League programs in the country as well as the largest programs in each of the 41 PGA of America Sections. The ceremony at the PGA SHOW highlighted the efforts of PGA and LPGA Professionals who are leading the way for youth to enjoy and learn the game of golf. 
More Posts
Share by: