Texas Super Senior Amateur Set for April 22-24

Riverbend Country Club in Sugar Land will be the host site for the 9th Texas Super Senior Amateur, to be played from April 22-24.

This year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur will be the fourth TGA championship held at Riverbend Country Club, which most recently hosted the 2022 Women’s Four-Ball, won by Elise Parel and Jacqueline Nguyen.

“We are thrilled to return to such a wonderful venue as Riverbend Country Club,” said Owen Kinney, TGA Tournament Manager. “The club has been a tremendous supporter of the amateur game, and we know the membership and staff are looking forward to showcasing their exceptional facility and providing a memorable experience for the players.”

Designed by Press Maxwell, Riverbend Country Club opened for play in 1957. Maxwell routed the challenging layout through gently rolling terrain and created interest and strategy by incorporating the site’s abundant natural features. In 2010, architect Jeff Blume oversaw an extensive renovation project that included rebuilding and shifting tees and bunkers, reconstructing green complexes, and upgrading irrigation and drainage systems.

“Riverbend is a thorough test of golf from tee to green,” Kinney said. “It’s a very traditional design that demands accuracy and good course management skills and I know the players will enjoy competing for the championship title on this great stage.”

First conducted in 2015, the Texas Super Senior features two age divisions: 65 and older (Super Senior) and 75 and older (Legends). Entries are open to male amateur golfers who meet the age requirements by the first round of tournament play and have an up-to-date WHS Handicap Index® not exceeding 12.4 (16.4 for Legends) issued through a member club of the TGA.

The starting field of 84 players (60 Super Seniors, 24 Legends) will play 54 holes of individual stroke play over three days with no cut. Each age division will compete from different tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized. Players who are 75 and older can opt to compete in the Super Senior Division at the time an entry form is submitted. The top three finishers and ties in the Super Senior Division, regardless of age, and the winner of the Legends Division will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Senior Amateur to be held Sept. 27-29 on the Tournament Players Course at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club in Irving. In addition to the overall Super Senior and Legends champions, awards will also be given to the lowest net scores in each division.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted online at txga.org no later than April 16. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Riverbend Country Club.

At the 2023 Texas Super Senior Amateur, Chuck Gardner of Texarkana won for the second year in a row with rounds of 72-74-69 on the New Course at White Bluff Resort in Whitney. His one-under-par 215 total was good for a one-shot margin of victory over 2016 champion Jerry Hudgins of Tyler. With the win, Gardner became the first person in the event’s history to successfully defend the title. Bill Holstead of Wichita Falls shot 73-76-83 to claim a wire-to-wire victory in the Legends Division. Holstead, the 1970 Texas Amateur champion, finished at 16-over 232 and well ahead of a trio of players tied at 237. Ed Turner of Dallas and Jay Trahan of Montgomery won low net honors in the Super Senior and Legends Divisions, respectively.

Cedar Crest Golf Course First of Six Courses Hosting U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifier

Addison – Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas is set to host their first U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifier. The qualifier will be one of only six sites across the United States between April 16 to May 7.  

In 2017, the USGA followed through with a pledge to establish a “championship for the adaptive golf community”. The U.S. Adaptive Open is the 15th and newest USGA Championship for men and women amateur golfers. The tournament is split into eight groups based on the player’s disability and features the widest age range of players with eligible players ranging from 16-80 years old. Modifications in the Rules of Golf were added by the USGA in 2023, permitting players to “compete using on-course aides, loosened club-anchoring rules, and adjusted drops” to accommodate carts. The players compete for two trophies that are given to the lowest-scoring players in the women’s and men’s divisions while copper medals are awarded to the lowest scorers in each of the divisions in the tournament.  

Blazing a path for the future of adaptive golf, you can say that more than a trophy is what is on the line for these players. This is a golf event unlike any other with an opportunity to grow the adaptive golf community year-by-year going into the future. Every golfer wants to uphold this great game and keep improving it and these players are no different. Some of the players shared with the USGA after last year’s event that they wouldn’t even think they could play a full 18 holes and now they are playing as part of a USGA championship.  

With the first two tournaments taking place at Pinehurst Country Club & Resort, this is the first year the tournament will head to a new site. That is not the only new part of the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open with this year’s event featuring a cut for the first time. Starting April 16, Adaptive players across the country will play in qualifiers to try and punch their ticket to Sand Creek Station.  

The Texas Golf Association is one of six AGAs (Allied Golf Associations) hosting a qualifier with Cedar Crest Golf Course hosting the first U.S Adaptive Open qualifier in the Lonestar State.  

“We are very excited to be a part of this growing initiative for adaptive golf. Cedar Crest is a great and historic course, and we couldn’t think of a better place for a USGA qualifier site,” said Managing Director of TGA Foundation/Outreach Kelly Kilgo “To be a part of six other AGAs hosting a qualifier is something special. We can’t wait to meet these players and not only see them play some great golf but also hear some of their incredible stories.” 

Cedar Crest Golf Course has a rich history of golf and is a favorite amongst metroplex golfers. Designed by A.W Tillinghast, the course held the 1927 PGA Championship, 1926 Dallas Open, 1954 USGA Negro National Open and USGA’s Public Links Championship. The country club was turned public in 1946 after the City of Dallas purchased it. In 2001 the club built a new clubhouse and renovated the course. 

“It means a great deal to Cedar Crest and our team to be able to host an event like this,” shared Cedar Crest’s PGA Professional Ira Molayo. “This provides an opportunity to promote golf in an inclusive way.”  

The Texas Golf Association will be working with the Texas Adaptive Golf Association and hosting its 3rd Texas Adaptive Golf Championship later this fall at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas on October 7-9.  The TGA has supported the Texas Adaptive Golf Association to help with staff, volunteers, and rules officials for the tournament and this year the TGA will be more involved with the event. Based in Fort Worth, TAGA was founded by Bobby Bell, Randy Shack, and Josh Tankersley to bring the game of adaptive golf to Texas.  

For more information on the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open, click here. For more information on the Texas Golf Association Adaptive Open, click here.  

Shyla Brown, Henry Guan make First-Ever U.S. National Junior Team

In a press release yesterday, the USGA announced the inaugural U.S. National Junior Team that includes Texans Shyla Brown and Henry Guan.

With the 2024 Olympics kicking off and the Presidents Cup taking place in September, the United States of America has a big year ahead in sports. The USGA elevated it more by grabbing golfers’ attention with their announcement for the U.S. Junior National Team. The team is the newest addition of the U.S. National Development Program which was established to make the United States the global leader in golf. The elite 10 girls and eight boys on the roster will represent the United States on a global level while nurturing the future of America’s top junior players.

The 18-player roster was announced on March 26^th and will grow to 30 players over the next three years. The roster will be evaluated annually by a selection committee while the players will participate in bi-annual camps and compete internationally with the first international friendly taking place this summer against Australia. The players will also receive year-round world-class coaching, sports psychology, and nutritional guidance. By 2033, the USGA plans to have state pilot programs to launch players into the U.S. National Junior Roster.

Out of the eight boys and 10 girls announced for the U.S. National Junior Team, two familiar faces from Texas made the roster. Shyla Brown of McKinney and Henry Guan of Irving made the inaugural roster with other junior golfers from the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington. Brown and Guan, both elite golfers, could not be more deserving of the recognition and the chance to represent the United States of America.

Shyla Brown, the 15-year-old sophomore and two-time Legends Junior Tour winner is coming off a strong 2023 and 2024 season. Brown was one of four junior golfers elected to compete in the Southwest Airlines Showcase, a collegiate event at Cedar Crest Golf Course in November. Brown showed off her skills finishing second behind Allyn Stephens of Houston. Earlier in the year, Brown finished second at the Texas Junior Amateur held at White Bluff Resort in Whitney, Texas. As if that wasn’t impressive already, she went on to finish eighth at the Texas Women’s Open, a professional event held by the Northern Texas PGA Section.  Brown is just getting started and adding U.S. Junior National Team to her resume just shows the skill the Texas Golfer has.

Henry Guan of Irving has an impressive resume that helped propel him into the U.S. Junior National Team roster. The 425^th-ranked World Amateur Golfer competed on the Junior Presidents Cup team alongside former Legends Junior Tour player Preston Stout. Guan finished secnd  at the 2022 Veritex Bank Byron Nelson Junior Championship and heading into 2023 finished in the Top 20 at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. His list of achievements and wins in tournaments builds every year and playing on the U.S. Junior National Team will only make him more successful.

The eyes of Texas fall on Brown and Guan as they take this big step in junior golf but rest assured, they will be ready.

To read more on the U.S. Junior National Team selection, click here.

Regional Senior Amateurs Set for April 2-3

The Texas Golf Association’s 2024 men’s regional tournament series rolls on in the first week of April with the North and South Senior Amateurs. The championships will be held concurrently from April 2-3.

The North Senior Amateur will be played on the Pecan Course at Walnut Creek Country Club in Mansfield. Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne will be the host site for the South Senior Amateur.

This will be the fourth TGA championship held at Walnut Creek and the sixth at Tapatio Springs. The last TGA championship held at Walnut Creek was the 2019 North Four-Ball, won by Dru Fenimore and Jason Schultz. Tapatio Springs most recently hosted the 2023 Texas Father-Son, won by Brian and Wick Comegys. The resort has also hosted the TGA’s Texas Shamble, a mixed team event, for the last six years.

The Pecan Course at Walnut Creek Country Club opened in 1974 and was designed by Billy Martindale and Texas Golf Hall of Fame member Don January. The classic, parkland-style layout weaves through groves of trees, natural water hazards, and unspoiled native areas. Located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort opened in 1981 with a course originally designed by Bill Johnston. In 2015, Tripp Davis & Associates completed an extensive renovation of the facility which included reshaping and rebuilding all fairways, bunkers, teeing areas, and green complexes.

First played in 2003, the Regional Senior Amateurs feature two age divisions: 55 and older (Senior) and 65 and older (Super Senior). Entries are open to male amateur golfers who meet the age requirements by the first round of tournament play, have an up-to-date Handicap Index® not exceeding 8.4 (10.0 for Super Senior) issued through a member club of the TGA, and reside in the region relative to their respective championship. The delineation between the North and South regions is the 31st parallel that passes through the city of Salado.

Both championships are conducted using the same competitive format. The starting field of 84 players (60 Seniors, 24 Super Seniors) will play 36 holes of individual stroke play over two days with no cut. Each age division will compete from different tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized. Players who are 65 and older can opt to compete in the Senior Division at the time an entry form is submitted.

The top 15 finishers and ties in the Senior Division, regardless of age, will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Senior Amateur to be held Sept. 27-29 on the TPC Course at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club in Irving. In addition, the top five finishers and ties will earn performance points which will be applied to the year-long Senior Player of the Year race.

Starting times and pairings for the first round of both championships will be posted on the TGA website no later than March 27. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from Walnut Creek Country Club and Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort.

At the 2023 championships, Mike Booker secured his fifth overall South Senior Amateur title with a 36-hole total of 2-under-par 140 at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course in Houston. Charles Reeve won the Super Senior Division on the second playoff hole over Steve Moran after the two players tied at 4-over 146 at the end of regulation play. John Schaefer won the North Senior Amateur with rounds of 74-75 (+5) over 36 holes at Whitestone Golf Club in Benbrook. Rick Lindsay took home the honors in the Super Senior Division with a 7-over 151 total.

Chris Wheeler wins North Mid-Amateur

Briefly: Chris Wheeler of Addison, TX captures the 2024 North Mid-Amateur, and earns low Mid-Master recognition, at The Courses at Watters Creek for his third TGA championship victory. Wheeler closed the event with a bogey free final round of 3-under par 69. Wheeler improved his scores each day and was the only player to record three rounds of par or better. Overall, Wheeler recorded rounds of 72-71-69 for a 4-under par 212. With this win Wheeler earns an exemption into the 115th Texas Amateur at Trinity Forest Golf Club

Wheeler duked it out against 36-hole co-leader Luke Condon throughout the better part of the final round. Condon held serve until the final three holes, which he played in 5-over par. Condon finished the championship in third place, which opened the door for Rob Couture. Couture stayed within striking distance after posting 73-73-146 after 36 holes. Couture recorded a bogey free final round of 3-under par 69 to finish at 1-under par 215 and work his way into second place for the championship. With his 2nd place finish, Couture will also earn an exemption into the 115th Texas Amateur.

Final Results

Golf Course: Formerly known as Chase Oaks and redesigned by the the Weibring/Wolfard team, The Courses at Watters Creek weaves through woodlands of red oak, cedar elm and pecan trees. Comprised of 419 Bermuda grass fairways and mini verde greens, The Courses at Watters Creek offers a challenge to all levels of players.

Weather: The players navigated a soft, wet course during Friday’s first round due to an inch of overnight rain. Temperatures ranged from the high 50’s in the AM to mid 60’s in the afternoon on the overcast day. Players experienced similar temperatures during Saturday’s second round, but the cloud cover broke for a sunny afternoon. Conditions ramped up for Sunday’s final round with wind speeds of 20 mph and 30 mph gusts.

Top Finishers: Dallas’s Will Strickler and Tyler’s Aaron Hickman both finished tied for fourth at 2-over par 218 overall. Hickman held the 36-hole co-lead coming into the final round, but moved backwards after a final round 78. Strickler’s championship was quite the opposite. After an uncharacteristic 82 in the opening round, Strickler recorded rounds of 7-under 65 & 1-under 71 to charge back into the top five.

Plano’s Paul McNamara, Richardson’s Kendrick Vinar, Lantana’s Chase Traughber, and Fort Worth’s Adam Valickus all finished tied for sixth at 3-over par 219 overall.

Regional POY: North Player of the Year points will be awarded to the top finishers at the 2024 North Mid-Amateur. The winning player will receive 900 points, followed by 750 for second, 650 for third, 600 for fourth, and 550 for fifth.  Points will be awarded through the top 30 players and ties. For Regional POY information, click here.

What’s Next: The North Regional Series will head to Walnut Creek Country Club in Mansfield, TX for the North Senior Amateur.

Registration for the 115th Texas Amateur is currently open and will close on March 27 at 5:00 PM. For more information and to register for the Texas Amateur, click here.

More Info: The Texas Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of The Courses at Watters Creek, as well as our volunteers for their integral part in making the North Mid-Amateur a memorable and successful event. For more information on the North Mid-Amateur, click here.

Regional Mid-Amateurs Set for March 22-24

The TGA’s 2024 men’s regional tournament series continues this month with the North and South Mid-Amateurs. The championships will be held concurrently from March 22-24.

The North Mid-Amateur will be played on the Traditions Course at The Courses at Watters Creek in Plano. The South Mid-Amateur will be contested on a combination of the South and Shore nine-hole layouts at South Shore Harbour Country Club in League City.

This will be the fourth TGA championship held at Watters Creek and the third at South Shore Harbour. Watters Creek most recently hosted the 2023 North Four-Ball, won by Bobby Massa and Ryan Zamorano. The last TGA championship held at South Shore Harbour was the 2019 Women’s Eclectic, won by Anna Schultz.

Opened in 1986, the Traditions Course at Watters Creek was originally designed by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. It was remodeled by D.A. Weibring and Golf Resources Group in 2012. South Shore Harbour features three nine-hole courses (South, Shore, and Harbour) designed by Dave Marr and Jay Riviere. The original 18 holes, the South and Harbour Courses, opened for play in 1983, followed by the Shore Course, which opened in 1994.

First played in 2003, Regional Mid-Amateur entries are open to male amateur golfers who are 25 years of age or older by the tournament start date, have an up-to-date Handicap Index® not exceeding 8.4 issued through a member club of the TGA, and reside in the region relative to their respective championship. The delineation between the North and South regions is the 31st parallel that passes through the city of Salado.

Both championships are conducted using the same competitive format. The starting field of 84 players will play 54 holes of individual stroke play over three days with no cut. Along with crowning an overall champion, special recognition will be given to the low mid-master (player aged 40 and older). Regional performance points, which are applied to the yearlong North and South Regional Player of the Year races, are awarded to the top 30 finishers and ties. In addition, the top three finishers and ties in each event, as well as low mid-master, will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Mid-Amateur to be held this fall at a site to be announced.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted on the TGA website no later than March 19. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from The Courses at Watters Creek and South Shore Harbour Country Club.

At last year’s North Mid-Amateur, hosted by Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club in Rockwall, C.J. Brock won the title with rounds of 72-70-69. His 5-under-par 211 total was good for a one-stroke margin of victory over Brock Mulder. Brock and Mulder also finished 1-2 for low mid-master. Logan Thomason posted a 54-hole total of 3-over 219 on the Forest Course at The Clubs of Kingwood in Kingwood to capture the 2023 South Mid-Amateur by one shot over a quartet of players tied at 220. Otto Iskandar, one of the four second place finishers, claimed low mid-master honors.

TGA Mourns the Loss of Win Padgett

The TGA is saddened to report on the loss of H. Winfield “Win” Padgett of Dallas. Padgett passed away on March 6 at the age of 78.

Padgett was a tremendous supporter of amateur golf at the local, state and national levels, and devoted many years to giving back to the game that meant so much to him. Among his many significant contributions included serving on the Board of Directors of both the TGA and TGA Foundation. Padgett was the founding President of the TGA Foundation and was presented with the TGA’s Bob Wells Award for a lifetime of distinguished service in 2008. Padgett was also a member of the USGA Executive Committee and was a recipient of the USGA’s Issac B. Grainger Award, which recognizes 25 years of service to the Association.

In addition to his leadership roles with the TGA and USGA, Padgett served several terms on the Board of Directors at Brook Hollow Golf Club where he was a longtime member. Padgett had a passion for the history of the game as well and was a co-founder of the Society of Hickory Golfers, an organization that promotes the experience of golf in a manner consistent with how the ‘royal and ancient game’ was played in the hickory era.

Volunteer for USGA Championship at Oak Hills C.C. in San Antonio

Historic Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio is set to host the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball from May 11-15. The ninth edition of the national championship will showcase a starting field of 64 sides (128 players) of the best female amateur golfers competing in 36 holes of stroke-play qualifying May 11-12 to determine the 32 sides that will advance to the match-play portion of the championship May 13-15.

The club is thrilled to welcome this prestigious event and is looking to recruit volunteers to serve on various committees to help ensure a successful championship and that players enjoy their time in the Alamo City. It is a wonderful opportunity to support golf in Texas, and Oak Hills is looking forward to providing its volunteers with a fun and rewarding experience.

If you would like to learn more, please look over the information in the volunteer program below, and contact the championship office with any questions – [email protected].

> 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Volunteer Program

Mierl, Bellendir, Dent Win at Spring Preview

Dallas, Texas – Trenton Mierl claims the Spring Preview’s Boys 15-18 Division title with late round theatrics. Alicia Bellendir overcomes a two-shot deficit to win the Girls 12-18 Division and Declan Dent goes wire to wire to win the Boys 14 & Under Division.

Winners: Austin’s Trenton Mierl emerged victorious from a crowded leaderboard in the Boys 15-18 Division. Mierl started the final round three shots off the lead, but stayed within striking distance entering the back nine. After playing the first 15 holes 3-over par, Mierl holed a bunker shot for eagle on the par-5 16^th and rolled in a clutch birdie putt on the par-4 18^th to record an even-par 70 and finish at 1-under par 139 for the championship. This is Mierl’s first LJT victory in the Boys 15-18 Division. Playing in the final group, Coppell’s Alicia Bellendir began the final round two shots off the division lead. Bellendir recorded birdies on the par-5 14^th, par-4 18^th, and par-4 4^th enroute to a final round score of 4-over par 74. Bellendir finished the championship at 8-over par 148 after posting consecutive rounds of 74. This is Bellendir’s first victory with the LJT. Grapevine’s Declan Dent slept on a three shot lead after recording a first round 70, but completed the wire to wire victory after posting 1-over par 71 in the final round. Dent recorded five birdies in his final round, including three in a row between holes 14-16.

Top Finishers: In the Boys 15-18 Division, Duncanville’s Daniel Ferguson finished runner up at even-par 144 after recording a pair of even-par 70’s for the championship. Overnight leader Eli Walker Campbell finished third at 1-over par 141 after a final round 75. Rockwall’s Lucas Latimer recorded the low round of the day, 1-under 69, to move up into fourth place at 2-over 142. Wylie’s Jacob Lewallen, Norman’s Collin Bond, Dallas’s Andy Lieu, and Oklahoma City’s Ben Lathrop all finished tied for fifth at 4-over par 144. In the Girls 12-18 Division, Southlake’s Stephanie De Marco claims the runner-up title at 10-over 150, after a final round score of 1-over par 71. McKinney’s Kenzi Cho and Katy’s Maye Huang finished tied for third at 11-over par 151. McKinney’s Daniela Sitompul and Wichita’s Meg Tilma rounded out the top five tied for fifth at 12-over 152. In the Boys 14U Division, The Woodlands’ Anthony Butt finished in second, three shots off the pace at 4-over 144. Edmond’s Ainslie Stanford III and Tyler’s Davis Green finished tied for third at 8-over par 148. Flower Mound’s Nathan Lee rounded out the top five at 9-over par 149.

Weather: Sunday’s weather started with temperatures in the upper 50’s and rose throughout the day topping out at 80 degrees.  A challenging south wind blew all day long at 15-20 mph with 30 mph gusts adding another layer of difficulty.

Host Course: Cedar Crest Golf Course is located in South Dallas and opened in 1919. The former Country Club that turned public in 1946 was designed by A.W. Tillinghast who also is the creator behind courses such as Brook Hollow GC, Dallas CC, Lakewood CC, Colonial CC, and Oak Hills CC. The course hosted the 1927 PGA Championship won by 11-time major winner Walter Hagen. The course also hosted the Dallas Open in 1926 won by Macdonald Smith and the USGA Public Links Championship in 1954. The course built a clubhouse in 2001 and was eventually renovated in 2004 by D.A. Weinberg. The course is a favorite amongst Metroplex golfers.  

Cedar Crest Golf Course is home to the “I Am a Golfer Foundation”. Established in 2018, IAMGF’s mission is to be a “Catalyst for community renewal and transformation in South Dallas through Programming, Preservation, and Promotion”.  IAMGF has engaged over 650 area youth in instructional programming, created and hosted over 90 paid internships, and awarded more than $300,000 in college and higher education scholarships. For more info on the IAMGF click here. 

Tournament History: The Spring Preview has been played every year since its inception in 2006. Past champions of this event include William Zalatoris, Maddie Szeryk, Stratton Nolen, Brad Dalke, Nathan Weant, Brendan Redfern, Travis Vick, Julia Beck, Cole Hammer, Hailee Cooper, Kyle Hogan, Turner Hosch and Hanna Alberto.

Player of the Year Points: With their wins today Trenton Mierl, Alicia Bellendir, and Declan Dent all earn 1000 points toward the 2024 Player of the Year Standings.

Next Up: The Legends Junior Tour heads to Bullard on March 11-13 for the Texas Cup Invitational. Eagle’s Bluff Country Club is hosting the first Major event for the Boys in 2024, after hosting the Texas Girls’ Invitational earlier this month.

To see all the scores from the Spring Preview, click here. For more information on the LJT Spring Preview, click here.

Gwin & Fullick Win South Four-Ball

Briefly: Robert Gwin and Clay Fullick pulled away from a crowded leaderboard to claim victory in the 2024 South Four-Ball hosted by Bearkat Course in Huntsville. Sitting in a four-way tie after the first round, the duo from Montgomery and Conroe, respectively, were able to distance themselves from the pack and win three strokes over defending champions Jonathan Alden / Austen Fulmer and Bill / Travis Skorheim. Gwin and Fullick posted a two-day total of 11-under par 131 after rounds of 66 and 65.

Final Results

Golf Course: The Bearkat Course, formerly known as Raven Nest Golf Club, located off Interstate 45 in Huntsville opened in 2003 and was designed by Tripp Davis. The par-71 course is home to the Professional Golf Management program at Sam Houston State University as well as the Bearkats’ golf program. This week’s championship played approximately 6,830 yards.

Weather: Saturday’s opening round consisted of sunny skies and a high of 76 degrees. A gentle breeze from the west provided ideal scoring conditions. Sunday’s final round saw a shift out of the south with gusts up to 25 mph and a high of 78 degrees.

Top Finishers: Gwin, a former Sam Houston State Bearkat golfer, used his local knowledge to help navigate the rolling piney woods terrain of Bearkat Course. He and Fullick, a former Texas A&M golfer, brother-in-lawed it around with Gwin posting two birdies and Fullick posting four in their final round.

Alden and Fulmer, who won the 2023 South Four-Ball at Vaaler Creek in Blanco, finished in a tie for second with father/son duo Bill and Travis Skorheim. Both teams finished the 36-hole championship at 8-under par 134. There was a three-way tie for fourth place at 7-under par 135 between the teams of Konana/Vickers, Smith/Dennis, and Martinez/Hernandez.

Regional POY: South Player of the Year points will be awarded to the top finishers at the 2024 South Four-Ball. The winning team will receive 400 points, followed by 250 for second, 200 for third, 150 for fourth, and 100 for fifth. Points will be awarded to both players on the team individually. For Regional POY information, click here.

 What’s Next: The South Regional Series will head to South Shore Harbour for the 2024 South Mid-Amateur. The event will be played March 22-24 on the South and Shore nines.

Registration for the 115^th Texas Amateur is currently open and will close on March 27 at 5:00 PM. For more information and to register for the Texas Amateur, click here.

More Info: The Texas Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff and members of Bearkat Course as well as our volunteers for their integral part in making the South Four-Ball a memorable and successful event. For more information on the South Four-Ball, click here.