Around the Green

Texas Mid-Amateur Set for Sept. 10-12

The state’s top amateur golfers aged 25 and older will gather at The Clubs at Houston Oaks in Hockley from Sept. 10-12 for the 38th Texas Mid-Amateur, the third of this year’s four men’s major amateur championships conducted by the Texas Golf Association.

This will be the first major stroke-play event and third TGA championship overall to be held at Houston Oaks. The club previously hosted two team match-play competitions, the 2018 Texas Shootout and 2020 Jackie Burke Cup Matches. Houston Oaks is also scheduled to host the 114th Texas Amateur in 2023.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to return to The Clubs at Houston Oaks for the 38th Texas Mid-Amateur,” said John Cochran IV, Director of Competitions for the TGA. “The club is committed to promoting amateur golf, and we are honored to be back at this exceptional facility and working together with their staff in conducting a truly memorable championship.”

The Clubs at Houston Oaks is a luxury family resort situated on nearly 1,000 acres in picturesque Waller County, about 35 miles northwest of downtown Houston, that was once home to Tennwood Golf Club. The club’s 18-hole championship course was designed by Chet Williams and opened for play in 2017 following an extensive 17-month reimagining and overhaul of the existing property. Williams’ stunning 7,007-yard, par-71 layout is framed by groves of centuries-old oak trees, natural water features and vast native areas. With a wonderful variety of long and short holes, doglegs, rolling fairways and large green complexes, Houston Oaks is certain to test every facet of a player’s game and identify a worthy champion.

“We’re really excited about having the Texas Mid-Amateur here, and the course will be in excellent condition,” said Nick Holligan, Houston Oaks’ Head Golf Professional. “We’re proud to host the TGA’s big amateur championships and are going to do our best to put on a good show and make sure everyone enjoys their time at Houston Oaks.”

The Texas Mid-Amateur is open to male amateurs with a World Handicap System Index of 8.4 or less, have reached the age of 25 by the tournament start date and are current Texas residents.

This year’s starting field will include 132 players, who earned entry into the championship through an exemption category or 18-hole sectional qualifying at one of 13 sites across the state from July 7 – Sept. 1.

Format for the championship is 54 holes individual stoke play. All contestants will play 18 holes Sept. 10-11. After 36 holes the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties heading into the final round. In addition to the overall champion, an award will be given to the Low Mid-Master (40-plus years of age).

At the 2020 Texas Mid-Amateur, held at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Ryan O’Rear of Leander drained an 8-foot birdie putt on the seventh playoff hole to win the title over two-time champion and host club member Colby Harwell. The two players were tied at the end of regulation play with 3-under-par 210 totals. Padden Nelson of Houston finished in third place, and also earned Low Mid-Master recognition, with a 2-under 211 total.

Both O’Rear and Harwell are set to compete at Houston Oaks and will be joined by five other Texas Mid-Amateur past champions. They are Christopher Wheeler of Addison (2019), Josh Irving of Dallas (2016), Clay Hodge of Bryan (2013), Beau Davis of Abilene (2011) and Rob Couture of Dallas (2008).

Among the other notable players who will be vying for the title include 2020 Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play champion Aaron Hickman of Tyler, 2020 Texas Senior Amateur champion John Derrick of Waco, 2020 Texas Senior Player of the Year Mike Lohner of Southlake and 2020 South Regional Player of the Year Kevin Liberto of Cypress.

Live scoring updates and daily recaps, as well as tee-times and pairings, will be available at txga.org once the action gets underway from The Clubs at Houston Oaks.