Vilaubi Victorious at Energy Producers, Inc. Texas Women's Open at Firewheel Golf Park

Abigail Kasitz • July 9, 2019

Claims Title for a Second Time


GARLAND, TX - Savannah Vilaubi of Downey, California, captured the Energy Producers, Inc. Texas Women’s Open at Firewheel Golf Park for a second time firing an impressive 6-under 66 in today’s round to best Round Two leader Nicole Budnik of The Woodlands by one stroke. Vilaubi carded an impressive eight birdies during the final round, including one on the final hole forcing Budnik to get up and down from the front of the green for par.

Vilaubi, who won this event in 2016 at Rolling Hills Country Club, had a little work to do after her opening round of 72, but carded rounds of 70 and 66 for a Championship total of 208, 8-under par.

“During my round today I really embodied this idea of bringing confidence with me and not letting it build after having made birdies. That was the goal to start. Let’s keep up the birdies and get rid of the bogeys. So, I just made sure to just kind of start with that and let that set the tone and give me momentum,” said Vilaubi after the round.

With her victory, Savannah takes home $10,000 and, more importantly, an exemption into the 2019 Volunteers of America Classic to be played on October 3-6, 2019, at Old American Golf Club. Both the 2018 Texas Women’s Open champion and the 2019 champion will have a place in the LPGA Tour event’s field.

“I feel extreme gratitude and a little bit of disbelief. The Texas Women’s Open, I think, is the best State Open that there is with the exemption up for grabs and the purse getting higher. When your hard work and patience pays off not only in the form of a check, but also in the form of an exemption, it is something really, really special,” Vilaubi said.

With rounds of 66-73-72—211 (5-under-par), amateur Meagan Winans of Richardson, Texas, finished as the Low Amateur for the Championship in solo third. The Energy Producers, Inc. Texas Women’s Open adjusted its eligibility in 2017 having participants 17 years of age and younger qualify. Winans was one of the four to qualify. Winans is committed to play collegiate golf at The University of Oklahoma, but will be a junior in high school this coming fall at Plano East. Winans and sister Libby, who finished T4 at 1-under, are both former Northern Texas PGA Junior Tour members.

“Coming down 18 I didn’t really know where I stood, so I thought I had to birdie. I ended up having a little bit of wiggle room for Low-Am, but I still wanted to birdie there. I made a decently long putt for birdie, so that was pretty good for me. I actually did see on leaderboard and [my sister] was starting to chase up the leaderboard. We’re competitive, but we both root for each other. So, it was good either way.”

Following yesterday’s round, the 106-player field was cut to the low 50 scores and ties. 53 players made the cut, which was at 9-over-par 153. The 53 players consisted of 32 professionals and 21 amateurs.

The 32 professionals that remained in the field competed for a share of the professional purse. The 18 amateurs competed for the Low Amateur award and a crystal trophy. The top five amateurs received gift certificates. The overall championship purse is $50,000.

The 54-hole stroke play event was conducted from July 7-9 at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland, Texas. This was the first year for Firewheel Golf Park to host the Championship. Presenting sponsors of the 2019 Energy Producers, Inc. Texas Women’s Open at Firewheel Golf Park included the City of Garland and Volvik.

Firewheel Golf Park – Bridges Course (Masters/Champions) - 6,409 yards, par 72.

(a): Denotes Amateur


Final Results.

Bingaman, Shields Earn First Match Play Victories at the Duel in the Desert at Lajitas Golf Resort

By Margaret Miller • December 9, 2025
LAJITAS, Texas (December 9) – Brandon Bingaman, PGA assistant professional at Gleneagles Country Club, won the Duel in the Desert at Lajitas Golf Resort to claim the 2025 Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon and Nike Match Play Championship Open Division title. Rob Shields, PGA member at The Winsford Group, claimed the Senior Division title. The No. 2-seeded Bingaman battled No. 12 Jon Antunes, PGA director of instruction at Heart of Texas Golf Academy, in a 36-hole final match for the title and $10,000. Both players began their run to the championship match back in October at White Bluff Resort, where they battled their way through the 32-player Match Play Championship bracket. “It’s incredible out here,” said Bingaman. “Jon is awesome; we couldn’t have had more fun. It’s hard, because on one hand you want to win and it's stressful, but on the other hand we were just two guys enjoying playing golf.” After playing 18 holes on Monday, their match stood at 2UP in favor of Bingaman. He continued his charge with birdies on holes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, extending his lead to 7UP. Antunes quickly answered back with a long putt on the 9th hole to cut into Bingaman's lead. But, Bingaman drained a birdie putt on hole 13 to end the match. He claimed his first Match Play title 7&5. Bingaman made a putter switch in between the 36-hole match. “I brought two putters with me. I’ve been flipping back and forth recently between a L.A.B Putter and a Scottie Cameron, which did me well last week. Going into this weekend, I had a good feeling [about the latter], and good feelings turned into good playing.” This is the first year that Bingaman has made it to the final match. Antunes has won the title twice, previously in 2021 and 2022. “This was my first time qualifying for [Duel in the Desert], and I was super excited because I’ve heard nothing but great things about Lajitas Golf Resort,” said Bingaman. In the Senior Division, Rob Shields, PGA Member of the Winsford Group, started the day with a 1UP lead over Billy Harris. Harris birdied the 2nd hole to tie the match, and on the next hole, he went 1UP. Shields and Harris battled back and forth on holes 4, 5, 6 and 7 before Shields won holes 8, 9 and 10. His 3UP lead was enough to take the victory on hole 16, 3&2. “I think my putting was good. I hit the fairways today, which is good because if not, you’re playing in the trees, or desert; but, it was fun. I had a good time,” said Shields. He continued by praising his opponent and friend, Billy Harris, “I’ve known Billy for a long time. He’s a good guy.” Shields earned $5,000 for his victory today and his first match play title. This year was the fourth year that the Open Division championship match was conducted in Lajitas and the second year that the Senior Division joined them. “This place is a hidden gem. It’s a great golf course, lots and lots of fun. It was a joy being out here. The elevation changes are awesome,” said Shields about Lajitas Golf Resort. The Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon and Nike Match Play Championship was presented by Adventures In Golf, Lajitas Golf Resort, PGA TOUR, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, TPx Communications and XXIO.
Cameron Doan GY

Northern Texas PGA Announces 2025 Section Award Winners

By Molly Rawlins • November 21, 2025
2025 NTPGA Award Winners

Team NTPGA Victorious at Historic 45th Texas Joe Black Cup Matches

November 18, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 18, 2025) – The historic 45th Joe Black Cup has concluded, and we proudly congratulate Team NTPGA on securing the victory at BraeBurn Country Club with a final score of 15.5–8.5 over Team STPGA. Team NTPGA established early momentum during Day One, delivering an impressive performance in the Four-Ball and Foursomes matches, where they earned 9.5 points to build a commanding lead. Their strong play continued into the Singles matches, where they successfully held off a determined rally from Team STPGA. Throughout Tuesday’s competition, spectators were treated to a dynamic and engaging battle, with the leaderboard frequently shifting between red and blue as both teams exchanged critical points to tie the session 6-6. This year’s event was elevated by a truly memorable “Evening of Honor,” during which we welcomed and celebrated 29 Past Captains. Their presence underscored the tradition, legacy, and camaraderie that define the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the event’s rich history and the influential leaders who have helped shape its enduring significance. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Team NTPGA for their outstanding performance and to both teams for exemplifying sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and pride in their respective sections. The 45th Joe Black Cup will long be remembered as a fitting tribute to the heritage of golf in Texas, Mr. Joe Black, and the individuals who continue to elevate the game. After 45 years of competition, the Northern Texas PGA now holds a 22–21–2 lead over the Southern Texas PGA in the storied history of the Joe Black Cup Matches. The 46th playing will return to Midland Country Club on November 16–17, 2026, where Team STPGA will look to reclaim the cup and bring it back to Southern Texas. A special thank you to Club Car, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, Peter Millar, and Winston Collection for their outstanding partnership and support in creating a world-class atmosphere befitting this historic 45th edition of the Matches. To view the final results, click here .

Dillard Earns $25,000 at Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Shootout at The Oaks

By Molly Rawlins • November 9, 2025
GREENVILLE, Texas (November 9) – Spencer Dillard, PGA head professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, claimed the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Shootout at The Oaks title, taking home $25,000 for the shootout win. It took two playoff holes for Dillard to best runner-up Matt Lohmeyer, PGA director of instruction at SLICGOLF, with Dillard making par on the second playoff hole while Lohmeyer made bogey after his tee shot found its way into the creek. “Playing hole nine a few times was hard,” commented Dillard. “[The shootout] is different than stroke play golf. It was like match play. You kind of saw what your opponents were in position for and what they were going to do, just trying to outlast them to the finish line. I was pretty comfortable in the shootout portion. Having Mark [Harrison] and Randy [Smith] there with the mics commenting and having some good banter kept us all relaxed. It is awesome to win that kind of money. Quite life-changing for those of us who get the chance to play for it. Thanks, Mr. Ransom, for everything you do for the Section.” Longtime NTPGA Foundation supporter Jerry J. Ransom welcomed 70 Northern Texas PGA Members and Associates to The Oaks Country Club for the second annual Shootout. The event was created last year as a way to recognize the PGA Professionals across the Section who dedicate their time and energy to growing the game through the NTPGA Foundation’s initiatives. The event was developed by Ransom in collaboration with NTPGA CEO Mark Harrison as a way to thank PGA Professionals across the Northern Texas Section while also providing exposure to The Oaks Country Club. The Oaks is a top-five nine-hole course in Texas according to the Dallas Morning News golf course rankings. The format for the event features a 9-hole qualifier, with the top three finishers and one randomly selected participant moving on to the afternoon shootout. Darren Malicki, PGA Associate at Cascades Country Club, was the first qualifier after finishing 3-under-par. Lohmeyer was the next to advance at 2-under, and finally Dillard at 1-under. Andrew Martin, PGA Associate at Tanglewood Golf Course, was the random drawing winner. The nine-hole Shootout portion of the event was played in three stages of three holes each, with one professional eliminated after every stage. After the first three holes, Martin was eliminated and landed a prize of $2,500. The scores were then reset to even par and the second three holes saw Darren Malicki bow out, but still earned $7,500. The scores again reset to even par for the final three-hole segment, where Dillard and Lohmeyer battled it out in five. The Oaks Country Club 9 Holes Par 36 3,355 yards View the final results HERE