Northern Texas PGA Announces 2024 Section Award Winners

Margaret Miller • November 22, 2024

Neil Lockie Named Golf Professional of the Year

FRISCO, Texas (November 22, 2024) – Each year, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) recognizes its Members and others in the golf community through the NTPGA awards program. On behalf of the Northern Texas PGA Awards Committee and Past Presidents of the Section, it is our pleasure to announce the 2024 Section Award winners.


Neil Lockie, PGA director of golf at Dallas National Golf Club, is the recipient of the 2024 Northern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. 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.


Lockie currently serves on the NTPGA’s Board as an At-Large Director. He has been an active volunteer on NTPGA committees, serving in the past on the Ewing Charity Classic Committee and is currently the chairperson of the Professional Development Committee. Additionally, Lockie was the recipient of the 2023 Northern Texas PGA Professional Development Award.


In December 2019, Lockie moved to North Texas after accepting the role as PGA Director of Golf at Dallas National Golf Club.  Lockie leads a team of PGA Professionals known for providing an exceptional golf experience and first-class member and guest service. Throughout this five-year tenure, Lockie has established new events such as The Flat Iron Pro-Member and The Duel Member-Member. Alongside his talented team, they have enhanced the tournament culture at the club, created a best-in-class retail program and have begun developing a pool of talented young professionals. 


Lockie is a frequent competitor in Northern Texas PGA Chapter and Section events. Along with competing, Lockie has been a regular in the Ewing Charity Classic, and this year played 100 holes on The Swing at PGA Frisco supporting Birdies for Kids. The Flat Iron Pro-Member, an event he started at Dallas National, has raised nearly $60,000 for the Northern Texas PGA Foundation.


In addition to Lockie, congratulations to the following 2024 NTPGA Award winners.

PGA Member Award Categories

Neil Lockie, PGA  (Dallas National Golf Club) – PGA Golf Professional of the Year


Clay Kinnaird, PGA (PGA Life Member) – Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a PGA Member in recognition of long-standing exceptional performance as a golf professional and distinguished service to the game.


Trish Holt, PGA (Fields Ranch) – Bill Strausbaugh Award 

This 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.


Andrew Lewis, PGA (Sherrill Park Golf Course) – Teacher & Coach of the Year Award

This award is given to a PGA Member for promoting the game of golf through outstanding service and expertise in teaching. 


Eric Hunt, PGA (Grapevine Golf Course) – PGA Professional Development Award 

This 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.


Joey Anders, PGA (Brookhaven Country Club) – Randy Smith Youth Player Development Award

This 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.


Kirsten Pike, PGA (Las Colinas Country Club) – PGA Player Development Award 

This 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.


Jarred Jeter, PGA (Midland Country Club) – PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award presented by Veritex Bank

This award is presented to an Assistant Golf Professional who demonstrates high moral character and leadership and performs his or her duties at their facility at an elevated level.


Leah Berst, PGA (Highlands Performance Golf Center) – Patriot Award

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.


Alicia Singer, PGA (Colonial Country Club) – PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award: Private

Keith Harris, PGA (White Bluff Resort) – PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award: Public

Paul Earnest, PGA (Fields Ranch) – PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award: Resort

The Merchandiser of the Year Award celebrates PGA Members who excel in promoting the game of golf through outstanding business and merchandising practices. This award honors those who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional retail experiences, fostering customer engagement, and supporting the growth of golf in their communities.


Playing Awards

Spencer Dillard, PGA  (Preston Trail Golf Club) – Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon & Nike Player of the Year Award &  Ben Hogan / NTPGA Stroke Play Average Award Winner


Rob Shields, PGA (The Winsford Group) – Rolex | XXIO Senior Points Challenge Winner


Katelyn Sepmoree, PGA (Willow Brook Country Club) – NTPGA Woman Player of the Year Award


View more about the playing awards HERE.


Non-PGA Member Award Categories

Phil Hicks (Tyler Morning Telegraph) – Bob Galt Award

This award is presented to a member of the media in recognition of the significant contributions in promoting the golf profession and the game.


Robert Stennett (Ben Hogan Foundation) – Byron Nelson Award (Amateur) 

This award is presented to an amateur golfer for significant contributions in promoting golf and fostering its continued growth.


David Stewart, PGA (Yamaha Golf-Car Company) – Leon Faucett Award

This award honors an industry sales 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.


Merlin Tielkemeier (Grapevine Golf Course) – Golf Course Superintendent Award

This award is presented to a GCSAA Superintendent for service and contributions to the game, the Section and the PGA of America Golf Professional.


The winners will be honored at an awards banquet on February 2, 2025, at River Crest Country Club in Fort Worth. Playing Awards will be recognized at the Northern Texas PGA Annual Meeting on February 3, 2025, at Ridglea Country Club.


For PDF format and media assets click HERE.


Contact: Kelly Gilley at kgilley@ntpga.com or (214) 379-8155


About the Northern Texas PGA
The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Over 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals employed at more than 300 facilities comprise this Section. Its geographic territory includes the State of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin. Northern Texas PGA headquarters are located on the PGA Frisco campus and feature picturesque office space, a growth of the game pavilion and a golf park designed for junior golfers. The Northern Texas PGA staff’s mission is to serve PGA of America golf professionals and grow the game by managing the day-to-day affairs of the Section. The Northern Texas PGA also operates the Northern Texas PGA Foundation and The Ronny Golf Park. For year-long coverage of the Northern Texas PGA, visit ntpga.com or follow @ntxpga on Facebook, Instagram and X.

55th M&P Group Texas State Open Now Available for Registration

By Steven Clements • April 11, 2025
The 55th playing of the M&P Group Texas State Open is set to return to Cascades Country Club in Tyler, TX. The tournament will occur July 29 - August 1, 2025, and registration is now open. The 55th M&P Group Texas State Open is a 72-hole stroke play event, and the field will play 36 holes before a cut is made to the low 55 scores and ties. The projected purse is $200,000. The Championship is open to all professionals, competitive amateurs and junior golfers with advanced tournament experience. The Championship field will feature 156 players who will qualify or are exempt. Qualifying for the Championship will be conducted throughout June and July at 17 sites. The deadline to register for qualifying is Thursday, May 29. Exempt players, should they choose to participate, are determined from the following categories: (1) Past Champions, (2) Top 10 professionals and ties from the 2024 Texas State Open, (3) Top 2 amateurs and ties from the 2024 Texas State Open, (4) Low PGA Professional from the 2024 Texas State Open, (5) Top 15 and ties from the 2024 final Northern Texas PGA and Southern Texas PGA Player of the Year Point Standings, (9) Top 10 point earners on the 2025 Northern Texas PGA Players Tour, (10) Top money leader from the All Pro Tour 2024 Fall Series Money List. Sponsors and host facility exemptions will also be reserved for certain players. Congratulations to the players who received exemptions at the beginning of March upon the completion of the NTPGA Players Tour: Matthew Watkins - Rockwall, TX; Philip Barbaree Jr. - Shreveport, LA; Ryan Grider - Lewisville, TX; John Sand - Hoquiam, WA; Garrison Smith - Mansfield, TX; Toni Hakula - Round Rock, TX; Hunter Bott - Montgomery, TX; Michael Sanders - Frisco, TX; Sam Murphy - Ruston, LA; Brian Dwyer - Southlake, TX, have all earned a place in this year’s Championship. This is M&P Group’s third year as the title sponsor after signing a multi-year agreement with the Northern Texas PGA. “We are looking forward to hosting the M&P Group Texas State Open at Cascades Country Club for the 14th time,” said Myoung S. Choi, owner of M&P Group. “The last two years have been great, and we value our partnership with the Northern Texas PGA.” The Championship will be presented by Joyce Crane. Proceeds from the Championship will benefit the Northern Texas PGA Foundation’s scholarship program. The M&P Group Texas State Open scholarship is designated for a Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour Member high school senior from the Tyler area. This year alone, the Northern Texas PGA Foundation is projected to award more than $700,000 in scholarships to approximately 75 high school seniors from North Texas. Registration is now available at ntpga.com, and again, the entry deadline is Thursday, May 29. For all Championship and qualifying details, please visit https://www.ntpga.com/texas-state-open now. ### ABOUT MYOUNG S. CHOI AND THE M&P GROUP Myoung S. Choi has been in the entrepreneurship industry for over 30 years. In 1986, Mr. Choi came to the United States to pursue his master’s at Texas Christian University. Shortly after in 1998, he opened a Dojo in Dallas, TX, to make his impact in the community by teaching Taekwondo. One of his notable students was former Olympian James Villasana that competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. In 1999, Mr. Choi made his first mark on the creation of M&P Investment Group US. The creation of Q Building Maintenance Inc. specialized in janitorial services. After a successful 6 years, Mr. Choi merged Q Building with a new construction company Q Total Building Inc. With all his successes, Mr. Choi always strived for more with the creation of M&P Group US in 2017. Mr. Choi’s vision was always set to more than he could possibly imagine. His goal and dream of coming to the United States were to purchase and run golf courses. He made that dream come true in 2019 purchasing Shady Valley Country Club located in Arlington, TX. After the first Mr. Choi didn’t settle for less, purchasing Coyote Ridge Golf Club and Cascades Country Club in the same year of 2021. It is not a surprise that Mr. Choi has always had a passion for being successful as he has proved himself time and time again. His passion for the game of golf has always been with him playing professional golf from 1994-1996. His goal is to leave his mark on the surrounding community, and it is without saying that Mr. Choi has just begun doing just that. He strives for more and the only question is what is next? ABOUT CASCADES COUNTRY CLUB Cascades Country Club, a Master-Planned 5-Star community, is the most comprehensive community in East Texas. This luxury lakefront golf, tennis, fitness and residential community sits on 386 acres and is located just five miles from downtown Tyler, Texas. Cascades Country Club is also conveniently located midway between Dallas, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. The golf course was re-designed by PGA Tour player Mark Hayes to challenge players at any skill level. Lush, tour-quality greens and broad fairways wind among tall oak and pine trees, with many holes set alongside scenic lakes on the golf course, and a stunning backdrop framed by Lake Bellwood greeting you on your first tee shot of the day. ABOUT THE NORTHERN TEXAS PGA The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Over 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals employed at more than 300 facilities comprise this Section. Its geographic territory includes the State of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin. The Northern Texas PGA headquarters are located on the PGA Frisco campus and feature picturesque office space, a growth of the game pavilion and a golf park designed for junior golfers and families. The Northern Texas PGA staff’s mission is to serve PGA of America golf professionals and grow the game by managing the day-to-day affairs of the Section. The Northern Texas PGA also operates the Northern Texas PGA Foundation and The Ronny Golf Park.

Norman and Massa (a) Win Again at the Srixon and Nike Pro-Scratch Championship

By Steven Clements • April 2, 2025
DALLAS, Texas (April 1) – Brian Norman, PGA instructor at Lakewood Country Club, and Bobby Massa (a) fought through a 3-hole playoff to win the 2025 Srixon and Nike Pro-Scratch title. It marks their third victory in four attempts. Starting the final round one-stroke behind the lead, they carded the second lowest round of the day at 8-under-par, 32-32–64. Their five birdies on the back-nine was enough to get them into a playoff. Joining them in the playoff was Peyton Coursey, Associate at Dallas Athletic Club, and David Schultz (a). The pair turned in the lowest round of the day and the Championship at 9-under-par, 31-32–63. Both teams played in the favorable morning conditions, which featured tame winds, compared to the gusty afternoon conditions. This also left them both with lengthy waits to see if their scores would hold up through the afternoon wave. They did. The playoff for the Open Division title began on the par-4, 18th hole. Both teams made par and they proceeded to the par-5, 3rd hole. Two birdies on the par-5, 3rd hole led both teams back to the 18th tee. All four players hit the fairway. Norman was the first to hit his approach and he hit the green. Then the pair from Dallas Athletic Club both missed the green. Finally, Massa (a) hit his approach to 15-feet, just off the green, long left of the hole. Massa (a) was the last to attempt his birdie opportunity and stepped up to the downhill left-to-right putt with a chance to win the Championship. Tracking the whole way, it dropped and the pair had won their third Pro-Scratch title. “We got off to a kind of slow start, but got on the back and got hot and made some birdies,” said Norman about their round this morning. “We were just ham and egging it,” added Massa (a). “We think very similarly about golf so it’s easy to bounce ideas back and forth,” said Massa (a) about the three-time winning duo. The team earned $2,000 ($1,000 each) for the victory today.

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