86th Texas Senior Amateur
Amarillo Country Club
September 8-10, 2023
QUALIFYING INFORMATION
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: May 17, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Exempt Entry Deadline: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entries Close: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Qualifying TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Coordinator – Harris Milson
Click here to purchase a Strackaline Yardage Book
Entry Fee: $175
Eligibility: Entries are open to male amateur golfers who reside in the state of Texas age 55 or older as of the first round of tournament play, with a WHS Handicap Index of 6.4 or less. Please reference TGA Policies and Procedures for further details, including Policies and Procedures, and Terms of Competition.
Entry Procedure/Qualifying: All players who are not exempt must qualify via an 18-hole qualifying round. Please see “Exemptions” tab for list of exempt players. Exempt players must register by the published exempt entry deadline. Qualifying round starting times, pairings and additional information is available to view on the Qualifying Information page.
Texas Senior Amateur Qualifying Schedule
Texas Senior Amateur Qualifying Schedule – Last Chance Qualifying
Date | Region | Course | City | Player Information | Pairings / Leaderboard |
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August 22 |
DFW |
Westridge Golf Course |
McKinney, TX |
Click Here | Pairings / Leaderboard
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*see Last Chance Qualifying below for information, including entry and eligibility information
Qualifying Information
Format: All players who are not exempt must participate in an 18-hole qualifier. Qualifying round starting times, pairings and additional information, including practice rounds, will be posted in the Qualifying Schedule table, above, by a date TBD.
What’s Included: The qualifying entry fee includes the qualifying round green fee, and usage of the practice facilities. Players will have the ability to play one (1) practice round at a reduced rate. See site specific Player Information for more details.
TGA Cart Policy: Included in the entry fees, all players have access to ride in a shared cart during their qualifying round. Players may walk or ride during TGA qualifying rounds. While a caddie is not prohibited from riding in a cart in Texas Amateur Qualifying, the TGA has adopted a ‘One-Seat’ Policy. The player can ride in or move a golf cart with another player’s caddie in it, so long as the player whose caddie is in the cart is not riding in another cart at the same time. As a reminder, players are responsible for the actions of their caddie.
Transferring Qualifying Site: Changing a qualifying site is permissible, only before the tournament entry deadline. Or, a player may choose to follow the “Walk-Up Procedure” as outlined below.
Walk-Up Procedure for Qualifying Rounds: If a player is entered in a Texas Senior Amateur qualifier and the entry deadline has passed and circumstances arise that would cause him to miss his assigned qualifier, he may follow the ‘Walk Up Procedure’, outlined in the Men’s Polices & Procedures, at another qualifier. Any walk up player at a qualifying site will be drawn by lot to replace players in the field that fail to show up at their designated starting time.
To be a part of the Walk-Up procedure you must be registered at another qualifying site. Players wishing to Walk-Up are required to check in with the TGA official at the 1st tee 30 minutes prior to the start of the qualifying round. Players attempting to transfer qualifying sites who are late to check in will be placed at the bottom of the Walk-Up list. Once play begins, if a player who is in the starting field fails to show up at the tee at the designated time, an alternate player will be called. If the player does not show within five minutes, the alternate player’s ball will be in play.
Qualifying Places: The number of qualifying spots allocated to each site will be determined by the TGA after the entry deadline has closed and all eligible entries are confirmed. This number of spots available is based on the field size at each site. Each qualifying site will have a predetermined field limit and may fill up. Each qualifying site must have at least 5 players or it will be canceled. If the requested qualifying site is full or cancelled, applicants will be reassigned by the TGA to the nearest qualifying site available. If reassignment is unacceptable, a full refund will be granted.
Ties: The last qualifying spot or an alternate position shall be decided by a sudden death hole-by-hole playoff immediately after the last score has been approved and posted by the on-site TGA Official.
Score Posting: At the conclusion of each qualifier, each player’s score will be automatically posted to the World Handicap System. Please do not enter your own scores from the competitive rounds, as this will result in a double post.
Last Chance Qualifying – Entry and Eligibility Information
Last Chance Qualifying is open to all eligible players including unsuccessful qualifiers or any players missing the original entry deadline. Entries are accepted on a first-in basis and a limited wait list will be established. There will be only one Last Chance Qualifying site.
Date: August 22, 2023Host Club: Westridge Golf Course
Address: 9055 N Cotton Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75072
Phone:(972) 346-2212
Entries Open: August 15, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Entries Close: August 18, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Last Chance Qualifying Fee: $175
Field Limit: 42
Available Qualifying Spots (Applies to Last Chance Qualifying Only): The number of players to qualify will be as follows: Field size of 15 or less players, 2 will qualify; Field size of 16-30 players, 4 will qualify; Field size of 31-42, 6 will qualify. No alternate positions will be given out at Last Chance Qualifying.
RELATED INFORMATION |
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TOURNAMENT HOMEPAGE |
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION |
STARTING TIMES/PAIRINGS |
LEADERBOARD |
YARDAGES |
TXGA HARD CARD |
TXGA COMPETITION POLICIES |
TXGA PAST CHAMPIONS |
TXGA TWITTER |
TXGA INSTAGRAM |
86th Texas Senior Amateur
Amarillo Country Club
September 8-10, 2023
RELATED INFORMATION
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TOURNAMENT INFORMATION |
QUALIFYING INFORMATION
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STARTING TIMES/PAIRINGS |
LEADERBOARD |
YARDAGES |
TXGA HARD CARD
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TXGA COMPETITION POLICIES
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TXGA
PAST CHAMPIONS
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TXGA TWITTER
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TXGA INSTAGRAM
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General Information
Date: September 8-10, 2023
Host Club: Amarillo Country Club
TGA Staff Contact: Senior Tournament Director - Chris Untiedt
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: May 17, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Exempt Entry Deadline: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entries Close: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee for Qualifiers: $175
Exempt Entry Fee: $325
Eligibility: Entries are open to male amateur golfers who reside in the state of Texas age 55 or older as of the first round of tournament play, with a WHS Handicap Index of 6.4 or less. Please reference TGA Policies and Procedures for further details, including Policies and Procedures, and Terms of Competition.
Entry Procedure/Qualifying: All players who are not exempt must qualify via an 18-hole qualifying round. Please see “Exemptions” tab for list of exempt players. Exempt players must register by the published exempt entry deadline. Qualifying round starting times, pairings and additional information is available to view on the Qualifying Information page.
Championship Information
Format/Field Size: Play will be contested over 54 holes of individual stroke play. All players will be competing in one division from the same tees and yardage. The field is limited to 144 players. At the completion of the 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties.
Practice Round Information: Each player is allowed one (1) complimentary practice round on Thursday, September 7, 2023 only. Players must contact the host club golf shop directly to schedule a practice round tee time.
Registration Information: Player registration will take place on Thursday, September 7 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Registration will be located outside the golf shop. Please check-in prior to your scheduled practice round. If you are unable to play an official practice round on Thursday, September 7, please inform the TGA staff that you cannot register, but intend to compete in the championship.
Starting Times/Pairings Information: Starting times / pairings for the first and second rounds will be made no later than September 5, 2023 online at www.txga.org. Final round starting times/pairings will be available in the evening preceding play (approximately one hour after the completion of play) online at www.txga.org. Final round starting times/pairings will be re-drawn based on total score following the previous round of play.
For complete championship information, click here.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, May 17
9:00 AM - Registration Open
Wednesday, July 12
5:00 PM - Registration Exempt Deadline/Registration Close
Qualifying Window: July 17 - August 11, 2023
Last Chance Qualifying: August 22, 2023
Tuesday, September 5
First and Second Round Pairings Released
Thursday, September 7
8:00 AM – Player Registration & Practice Rounds
6:00 PM – Golf Course Closes
6:30 PM – Player Welcome Reception
Friday, September 8
8:00 AM – Round 1, Wave 1 begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
11:30 AM – Player Lunch Begins
1:00 PM – Round 1, Wave 2 begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
Following Play – Field cut to low 54 players (and ties)
Saturday, September 9
8:00 AM – Round 2, Wave 1 begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
11:30 AM – Player Lunch Begins
1:00 PM – Round 2, Wave 2 begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
Following Play – Field cut to low 54 players (and ties)
Sunday, September 10
8:00 AM – Final Round Begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
Following Play – Awards Presentation
Provided players are otherwise eligible, exemptions are given to the following:
a) Last five (5) Texas Senior Amateur Champions
- Sandy Pierce ('22), Gary Durbin ('21), John Derrick ('20), Gary Durbin ('19), Lewis Stephenson ('18)
b) Top twenty (20) and ties from previous year’s Texas Senior Amateur;
- Sandy Pierce, Andrew Hydorn, Mike Booker, Terrence Miskell, Kyle Kelting, David Ortego, Chuck Gardner, Lewis Stephenson, Lee Sandlin, Tray Tyner, Tommy Tucker, John McClure, Donald O'Connor, Mark Motes, Chris Hartenstein, Bobby Baugh, Todd Bonneau, Pat Youngs, William Shock, Todd Lacoste, Jonathan Shipley, John Pierce, Grady Bruce, John Derrick
c) Made cut in current year’s Texas Amateur;
- TBD (June 15-18, 2023)
d) Made cut in previous year’s Texas Mid-Amateur;
- Gary Durbin, Terrence Miskell
e) Top five (5) finishers and ties in current year’s West Texas Amateur (Senior Division);
- TBD (July 21-23, 2023)
f) Winner from current year’s West Texas Amateur (Super Senior Division)
- TBD (July 21-23, 2023)
g) Top fifteen (15) finishers and ties in current year’s Regional Senior Amateurs
- North: TBD (April 3-4, 2023)
- South: TBD (April 4-5, 2023)
h) Top five (5) and ties from previous year’s TGA State Senior Player of the Year
- Mike Booker, Sandy Pierce, Lewis Stephenson, Terrence Miskell, Andrew Hydorn
i) Top three (3) and ties from previous year’s TGA State Super Senior Player of the Year
- Chuck Gardner, Michael Puls, Mike Booker, Hollis Sullivan
j) Current year’s Mid-Amateur Match Play winner, runner-up and semi-finalists
- TBD (July 27-30, 2023)
k) Top three (3) finishers and ties from the current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Super Senior Division)
- TBD (April 24-26, 2023)
l) Winner from current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Legends Division)
- TBD (April 24-26, 2023)
m) Top 3,000 in the R&A/USGA World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) as of Registration Open Date
- TBD
For past results, click here.
The TGA reserves the right to select players to be in the field. Exempt players must complete registration for the event by the published exemption deadline or they will lose their spot in the field.
Note: All players who are not exempt under the categories listed above for the 86th Texas Senior Amateur must participate in an 18-hole individual stroke play qualifier. For 86th Texas Senior Amateur qualifying information, see the Qualifying tab.
86th Texas Senior Amateur Qualifying Schedule
Entries Open: May 17, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Exempt Entry Deadline: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entries Close: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Qualifying TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Coordinator - Harris Milson
Entry Fee: $175
Date
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Region
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Course |
City |
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August 1, 2023 | Hill Country | Brackenridge Park Golf Course |
San Antonio, TX |
August 8, 2023 | Houston | Northgate Country Club |
Houston, TX |
August 8, 2023 |
DFW | Shady Valley Country Club |
Arlington, TX |
August 1, 2023 |
West | Pampa Country Club |
Pampa, TX |
Last Chance Qualifying Schedule
Date
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Regional
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Course
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City
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August 22, 2023 |
DFW |
Westridge Golf Course |
McKinney, TX |
For complete qualifying information, click here.
86th Texas Senior Amateur
Amarillo Country Club
September 8-10, 2023
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
General Information
Date: September 8-10, 2023
Host Club: Amarillo Country Club
Address: 4800 Bushland Blvd, Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone: (806) 355-3371
TGA Staff Contact: Senior Tournament Director – Chris Untiedt
Click here to purchase a Strackaline Yardage Book
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: May 17, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Exempt Entry Deadline: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entries Close: July 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee for Qualifiers: $175
Exempt Entry Fee: $325
Eligibility: Entries are open to male amateur golfers who reside in the state of Texas age 55 or older as of the first round of tournament play, with a WHS Handicap Index of 6.4 or less. Please reference TGA Policies and Procedures for further details, including Policies and Procedures, and Terms of Competition.
Entry Procedure: All players who are not exempt must qualify via an 18-hole qualifying round. Please see “Exemptions” tab for list of exempt players. Exempt players must register by the published exempt entry deadline. Qualifying round starting times, pairings and additional information is available to view on the Qualifying Information page.
Exemptions: Provided players are otherwise eligible, exemptions are given to the following:
a) Last five (5) Texas Senior Amateur Champions;
b) Top twenty (20) and ties from previous year’s Texas Senior Amateur;
c) Made cut in current year’s Texas Amateur;
d) Made cut in previous year’s Texas Mid-Amateur;
e) Top five (5) finishers and ties in current year’s West Texas Amateur (Senior Division);
f) Winner from current year’s West Texas Amateur (Super Senior Division);
g) Top fifteen (15) finishers and ties in current year’s Regional Senior Amateurs;
h) Top five (5) and ties from previous year’s TGA State Senior Player of the Year;
i) Top three (3) and ties from previous year’s TGA State Super Senior Player of the Year;
j) Current year’s Mid-Amateur Match Play winner, runner-up and semi-finalists;
k) Top three (3) finishers and ties from the current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Super Senior Division);
l) Winner from current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Legends Division);
m) Top 3,000 in the R&A/USGA World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) as of Registration Open Date
The TGA reserves the right to select players to be in the field. For exemption request details, please view TGA Competition Policies. Exempt players must enter by the published deadline or they will lose their exempt status and spot in the final field.
Championship Information
Format/Field Size: Play will be contested over 54 holes of individual stroke play. All players will be competing in one division from the same tees and yardage. The field is limited to 144 players. At the completion of the 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties.
Practice Round Information: Each player is allowed one (1) complimentary practice round on September 7, 2023 only. Players must contact the host club golf shop directly to schedule a practice round tee time.
Registration Information: Player registration will take place on Thursday, September 7 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Registration will be located outside the golf shop. Please check-in prior to your scheduled practice round. If you are unable to play an official practice round on Thursday, September 7, please inform the TGA staff that you cannot register, but intend to compete in the championship.
Starting Times/Pairings Information: Starting times / pairings for the first and second rounds will be made no later than September 4, 2023 online at www.txga.org. Final round starting times/pairings will be available in the evening preceding play (approximately one hour after the completion of play) online at www.txga.org. Final round starting times/pairings will be re-drawn based on total score following the previous round of play.
Caddies: Caddies are permitted and must adhere to all TGA Competition Policies and host club policies.
Cancellation/Withdrawal Procedure: Prior to the entry deadline players looking to withdraw should do so online through their Golf Genius user profile or by contacting the TGA Staff Contact directly. After the entry deadline has passed players should either call the Texas Golf Association at (214) 468-8942 or email the TGA Staff Contact directly. Only withdrawals on the day of the competition should be directed to the host club golf shop.
Transportation: Players may walk or ride at their own discretion. Cart fees are included in the players entry fee. The TGA ‘One-Seat’ Policy is in effect. Spectators must walk at all times.
Medical Cart: Spectators in accordance of ADA compliance may request golf carts. Requests for golf carts must be supported by complete documentation, including the fully-completed Cart Request Form and the required accompanying medical documentation specified in that form for all first-time requests. Any medical cart request that is granted by the TGA will be good for that individual for the remainder of that calendar season. A request will not be deemed complete until all required information and documentation has been provided. For further information and details contact Senior Tournament Director – Chris Untiedt.
Score Posting: The TGA will post all scores for individual stroke play events to players GHIN number. Players are asked to not post scores for individual TGA stroke play events as it will result in a duplicate posting.
Policies & Procedures
To ensure competitors the best experience at all Texas Golf Association (TGA) events, it is helpful to be knowledgeable of TGA Policies & Procedures.
RELATED INFORMATION |
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TOURNAMENT HOMEPAGE |
QUALIFYING INFORMATION |
STARTING TIMES/PAIRINGS |
LEADERBOARD |
YARDAGES
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TXGA HARD CARD
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TXGA COMPETITION POLICIES
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TXGA PAST CHAMPIONS
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TXGA TWITTER |
TXGA INSTAGRAM |
News
Sandy Pierce Wins 85th Texas Senior Amateur on Home Course
HOUSTON – Champions Golf Club Member Sandy Pierce won the 85th Texas Senior Amateur in a one-hole playoff over Andy Hydorn of Houston. Pierce fired a final round 3-under 68 that included back-to-back birdies on the sixteenth and seventeenth holes to put himself in the playoff.
Pierce, a member of Champions Golf Club for 49 years, rolled in a seven-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to capture the victory. Fittingly, Pierce lives on Jackrabbit, the course being used for the championship.
“It’s really special. I live on this golf course and to win an event of this stature is a big deal, a thrill, and an honor,” Pierce said of what this victory means to him. “I couldn’t be more excited.”
Pierce saved his best for last. He came into Sunday’s final round five shots back of the lead after rounds of 1-over 72 and even-par 71 but went low to cap the championship off.
“I was playing pretty good all day,” Pierce said. “I was hitting the ball in play and pretty solid. I had a few putts go in later in the round. That was really the difference. I played pretty solidly the first couple days and gave away a few strokes here and there, but this afternoon, particularly the last nine holes, a couple putts went in and that was the difference.”
Pierce joins elite company not only on the Frank M. Lewis Trophy but also as a winner on the historic grounds of Champions Golf Club, a place that has seen Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus win.
“I’ve got so many lifelong friends out here at Champions,” Pierce said of how he’ll celebrate the win. “I love this place. I’ll probably just go in and hang out with my buddies for a little while and kind of let it all soak in. I’m thrilled and honored…I really am.”
Hydorn, a former member of Champions Golf Club, finished runner-up after being defeated in the playoff. He shot a final round 2-over 73 that included five birdies. Ultimately, a quadruple bogey on the par-3 eleventh hole proved to be costly.
Three players finished in a tie for third at even-par for the championship. Past champion Mike Booker of Houston, Amarillo’s Kyle Kelting, and New Braunfels’ Terrence Miskell all put together valiant efforts on Sunday but came up just short.
The Texas Golf Association would like to extend a big thank you to the Champions Golf Club staff and their wonderful members for being gracious hosts leading up to and during this year’s 85th Texas Senior Amateur.
Champions Golf Club was founded in 1957 by World Golf Hall of Fame members Jack Burke Jr. and the late Jimmy Demaret. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Champions features 36 holes that weave through a rolling landscape of tall pine trees, creeks, and waterways. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the Cypress Creek Course opened in 1959, followed by the Jackrabbit Course designed by George Fazio, which opened in 1964 and is the course that was used for this week’s Championship. Tom Fazio, George’s nephew, supervised a renovation of the Jackrabbit Course in 2002. Chet Williams led a renovation of the Cypress Creek Course in 2018.
For more information on the 85th Texas Senior Amateur, click here.
News
Andrew Hydorn Leads 85th Texas Senior Amateur after 36 Holes
HOUSTON – Houston’s Andrew Hydorn fired a second round 4-under 67 to take the 36-hole lead at the 85th Texas Senior Amateur. Hydorn matched the low round of the championship by rolling in five birdies on Champions Golf Club’s Jackrabbit Course.
Hydorn, who finished T-6 at the 2020 Texas Senior Amateur, leads by three strokes over three players tied at 1-under par for the championship.
I hit it good today for the most part,” Hydorn said. “I hit 15 greens, but really, I putted really well today. I made a lot of 10-12 footers and that was the difference.”
Hydorn came out of the gates hot during Saturday’s second round by going 3-under in his first six holes. The lone bogey of the day came on the par-4 eighth hole, but the Northgate Country Club member tacked on two more birdies on the back nine.
“This whole year I’ve been playing terrible,” Hydorn said about his play of recent. “The last two weeks I’ve been playing well, so you know, that’s golf right?”
Hydorn will look to claim the Texas Senior Amateur title for the first time on Sunday.
Three shots back in a three-way tie for second are a trio of seasoned players eager to add the 85th Texas Senior Amateur to their resumes. John McClure of Austin, Amarillo’s Kyle Kelting, and Lewis Stephenson of Burleson all sit at 1-under for the championship.
Kelting, last year’s runner up, joins Hydorn as the only other player in the field to card consecutive rounds of even-par or better.
Stephenson is looking to add his name to the Frank M. Lewis Trophy for the third time having won the championship in 2016 and 2018.
Sitting in solo fifth place is New Braunfels’ Terrence Miskell at even-par for the championship after a second round 2-over 73.
Saturday marked another great day of weather for the top seniors in state.
A group of five competitors find themselves in a tie for sixth at 1-over par total. Included in the log jam is round one leader Scott Smith of Montgomery. Smith carded a 5-over 76 in round two. He is joined by Houston’s Sandy Pierce, Chuck Gardner of Texarkana, Dallas’ Mark Motes, and 2015 champion Mike Booker of Houston.
Champions Golf Club was founded in 1957 by World Golf Hall of Fame members Jack Burke Jr. and the late Jimmy Demaret. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Champions features 36 holes that weave through a rolling landscape of tall pine trees, creeks, and waterways. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the Cypress Creek Course opened in 1959, followed by the Jackrabbit Course designed by George Fazio, which opened in 1964 and is the course being used for this week’s Championship. Tom Fazio, George’s nephew, supervised a renovation of the Jackrabbit Course in 2002. Chet Williams led a renovation of the Cypress Creek Course in 2018.
The final round of the 85th Texas Senior Amateur starts Sunday at 8 a.m. For more information, click here.
News
Scott Smith Leads after Round 1 at 85th Texas Senior Amateur
HOUSTON – Montgomery’s Scott Smith fired an opening round 4-under 67 to take the early lead at Champions Golf Club’s Jackrabbit Course. Smith tallied up six birdies on the day including four on his front nine.
Smith, who recently finished tied for fifth in the Senior Division at the Texas Four-Ball in August, holds a one-shot lead over two others headed into Saturday’s second round of the 54-hole stroke play major championship.
“I hit it close a few times today and putted it really well,” said Smith, who finished T-15 at the 83rd Texas Senior Amateur in 2020. “I made a good number of putts when I had to and was just very successful on the greens.”
As he looks ahead to the weekend, Smith mentioned wanting to keep his driver in the fairway a little bit more and continue to keep his putter hot.
Great weather was enjoyed by all during Friday’s first round as temperatures began at a little over 70 degrees and never got higher than 92.
Chuck Gardner of Texarkana and San Antonio’s John Pierce will enter the second round just one shot back of Smith after carding rounds of 3-under 68.
Sitting two shots back of the lead via rounds of 2-under 69 are Austin’s John McClure, New Braunfels’ Terrence Miskell, and Burleson’s Lewis Stephenson.
“I was just real consistent today,” Stephenson said. “I’ve been kind of struggling with that the past couple of weeks. Today was a consistent day of striking the ball well and managing the golf course. It’s a great course, but you have to manage the course – where you are and where you play on the greens.”
Stephenson made it to match play at the U.S. Senior Amateur just a couple of weeks ago and will look to build upon his already strong year on the course.
Three shots back in a five-way tie for seventh via opening rounds of 1-under 70 are San Antonio’s Bobby Baugh, Bill Jackson of Van Alstyne, Jeff Stafford of Flower Mound, Dallas’ Mark Motes, and Amarillo’s Kyle Kelting. Notably, Kelting was runner-up in last year’s championship and won the Texas Father-Son back in July for the third consecutive year.
This is Champions second TGA Championship to host having previously hosted the 2006 Texas Mid-Amateur. The northwest Houston gem has also welcomed many of our USGA Championship Qualifiers. Champions has hosted numerous USGA Championships, PGA Tour Championships, and a Ryder Cup. Most recently, Champions hosted the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open. The Jackrabbit Course was used alongside the Cypress Creek Course for the first two rounds.
Champions Golf Club was founded in 1957 by World Golf Hall of Fame members Jack Burke Jr. and the late Jimmy Demaret. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Champions features 36 holes that weave through a rolling landscape of tall pine trees, creeks, and waterways. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the Cypress Creek Course opened in 1959, followed by the Jackrabbit Course designed by George Fazio, which opened in 1964 and is the course being used for this week’s Championship. Tom Fazio, George’s nephew, supervised a renovation of the Jackrabbit Course in 2002. Chet Williams led a renovation of the Cypress Creek Course in 2018.
During Thursday night’s Players’ Reception, Lewis Stephenson received his 2021 Texas Senior Player of the Year award. In 2021, Stephenson finished in a tie for sixth at the Texas Senior Amateur, made it to the round of 16 in the U.S. Senior Amateur, and finished runner-up in the Senior Division of the West Texas Amateur.
“It means a lot. Texas is so strong in golf,” Stephenson said when asked about the award. “Being able to do that with my friends and peers meant a lot.”
The second round of the 85th Texas Senior Amateur starts Saturday at 8 a.m. For more information, click here.
News
85th Texas Senior Amateur Set for Sept. 9-11
Champions Golf Club in Houston will be the host site for the 85th Texas Senior Amateur, the third of this year’s four men’s major amateur championships conducted by the Texas Golf Association. The championship, which features the state’s top amateur golfers aged 55 and older, will be contested on the Jackrabbit Course from Sept. 9-11.
This will be the first Texas Senior and sixth overall TGA championship held at Champions. The 2016 Texas Shootout was the most recent TGA championship played at the historic club.
“We are incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to return to such a special place as Champions Golf Club,” said Justin Guthrie, TGA Tournament Director. “Champions has been a proud supporter of the game at all levels, and we look forward to working together with the members and staff to provide a truly memorable experience for the players.”
Champions Golf Club was founded in 1957 by World Golf Hall of Fame members Jack Burke Jr. and the late Jimmy Demaret. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Houston, Champions features 36 holes that weave through a rolling landscape of tall pine trees, creeks, and waterways. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the Cypress Creek Course opened in 1959, followed by the Jackrabbit Course designed by George Fazio, which opened in 1964. Tom Fazio, George’s nephew, supervised a renovation of the Jackrabbit Course in 2002. Chet Williams led a renovation of the Cypress Creek Course in 2018.
Over the years, Champions has acquired a well-earned reputation as one of the nation’s most esteemed tournament venues. The club has played host to five USGA championships in its 65-year history, including the 1969 U.S. Open, 1993 U.S. Amateur, 1998 and 2017 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, and the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open. In addition, Champions has also been the site of many other prominent events, including the 1967 Ryder Cup, five PGA Tour Championships, the Houston Champions International (now the Houston Open) between 1966-71, the Southern Amateur in 1973 and 1980, as well as the annual Champions Cup Invitational.
“Champions has an illustrious golf history, and it is an honor for us to be a part of it,” Guthrie said. “The players are excited about getting the chance to showcase their skills on the renowned Jackrabbit Course, which is an outstanding test of golf and the ideal stage for what is sure to be a great championship.”
First played in 1937, the Texas Senior Amateur is open to male amateurs who have a WHS Handicap Index® of 6.4 or less, will have reached the age of 55 on or before the tournament start date, and are current Texas residents.
The format for the championship is 54 holes of individual stroke play. The starting field of 144 golfers play two rounds on Sept. 9-10. At the completion of the 36 holes, the field is cut to the low 54 scores and ties for the final round.
Defending champion Gary Durbin of Houston, who also is a longtime member of the host club, heads the list of the elite senior amateurs who will convene at Champions. Durbin captured his second Texas Senior Amateur last year with rounds of 71-70-75 at Westwood Golf Club in Houston. Durbin, who will look to be the first to win back-to-back titles in over 20 years, also won the 2019 championship at Deerwood Club in Kingwood.
Seven other past champions will join Durbin in the starting field, including John Derrick of Waco (who won in 2020), Lewis Stephenson of Mansfield (2016, ’18), Ed Brooks of Fort Worth (2017), Mike Booker of The Woodlands (2015), Mike Peck of Irving (2013), Chuck Palmer of Dallas (2012), and John Grace of Fort Worth (2010).
Live scoring updates and daily recaps, as well as tee times and pairings, will be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Champions Golf Club.
85th Texas Senior Amateur
Champions Golf Club
September 9-11, 2022
General Information
Date: September 9-11, 2022
Host Club: Champions Golf Club (Jackrabbit Course)
Address: 13722 Champions Dr, Houston, TX 77069
Phone: (281) 444-6449
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Director, Justin Guthrie
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: June 8, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Entries Close: August 3, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Exempt Deadline: August 3, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: $325
Eligibility: Entries are open to male amateur golfers who reside in the state of Texas age 55 or older as of the first round of tournament play, with a WHS Handicap Index of 6.4 or less. Please reference TGA Policies and Procedures for further details, including Policies and Procedures, and Terms of Competition.
Entry Procedure: The field will be established by handicap index (lowest to highest) using the handicap “Effective Revision Date” of Wednesday, August 3. All applications, including exemptions, must be received by the entry close date of Wednesday, August 3 at 5:00 PM. After the entry deadline has passed, spots in the field will be allocated to any remaining exempt players and then the lowest handicap index players until the field is full. Those not making it into the field will be placed on the waitlist in rank order of their handicap index (lowest to highest).
Players will be notified by 5:00 PM Friday, August 5, if they are in the field, or where they stand on the wait list. Each week thereafter, TGA Staff will circulate an updated waitlist prior to the championship in an effort to keep players informed of their status.
The TGA reserves the right to select players to be in the field. For exemption request details, please view TGA Policies and Procedures. Exempt players must enter by the published deadline or they will lose their exempt status and spot in the final field.
Championship Information
Format/Field Size: Play will be contested over 54 holes of individual stroke play. All players will be competing in one division from the same tees and yardage. The field is limited to 144 players. At the completion of the 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties.
For full player information for the 85th Texas Senior Amateur, click here.
All events will take place at Champions GC, unless otherwise noted. Championship schedule is subject to changes and additions.
Thursday, September 8
8:00 AM – Practice Rounds Begin
6:00 PM – Golf Course Closes
Friday, September 9
8:00 AM – Round 1, Wave 1 Begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM – Player Lunch
1:00 PM – Round 1, Wave 2 Begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
Saturday, September 10
8:00 AM – Round 2, Wave 1 Begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM – Player Lunch
1:00 PM – Round 2, Wave 2 Begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
Sunday, September 11
8:00 AM– Final Round Begins (#1 & #10 Tees)
Following Play – Awards Presentation
Provided players are otherwise eligible, exemptions are given to the following:
a) Last five (5) Texas Senior Amateur Champions
- Gary Durbin (2021)
- John Derrick (2020)
- Gary Durbin (2019)
- Lewis Stephenson (2018)
- Ed Brooks (2017)
b) Top 20 (and ties) in previous year’s Senior Amateur
- Gary Durbin, Kyle Kelting, Hollis Sullivan, Chuck Gardner, Lee Sandlin, Lewis Stephenson, Jed Shreve, Alan Hill, John Pierce, John Dowdall, Steve Love, Mike Lohner, Larry Corson, Rob Teets, Vern Spurlock, Jacky Lee, Michael Jones, John Derrick, Rob Addington, Larry Nunez, Jerry Hudgins, Michael Guerrette, Bill Jackson
c) Finished in the top 20 (and ties) in current year’s Texas Amateur or current and/or previous year’s Texas Mid-Amateur
- N/A
d) Any player that qualified for the final field of the current year’s U.S. Senior Open and/or U.S. Senior Amateur
- Contact TGA directly or email [email protected].
e) Top five (5) finishers (and ties) in current year’s West Texas Amateur
- Kelly Eng, Joe Sconiers, Mike Booker, Lewis Stephenson, Jeff Ray, Terry Rice, Rick Houston
f) Top fifteen (15) finishers (and ties) in the current year’s Regional Senior Amateurs
- North: Neal Barfield, Lewis Stephenson, Michael Goff, Steve Love, Donald Oconnor, John Schaefer, Kevin Grimes, Bill Brown, Sam Manning, John Donahue, Scott Wolf, Chuck Palmer, Lance Tjaden, Larry Corson, Brad Stumpf
- South: Mike Booker, Kurt Lilley, Jed Shreve, Bill Shock, Todd Lacoste, Bobby Baugh, John Pierce, Kurt Martin, Charlie Jabbia, Tommy Tucker, Titus Harris, Michael Allen, Andy Hydorn, Fred Gintert, BK Cody, Tony Escoyne, John Dowdall
g) Low two (2) Seniors that make the cut in the current year’s Texas Amateur
- N/A
h) Previous year’s Statewide Senior Player of the Year
- Lewis Stephenson
i) Current year's Mid-Amateur Match Play winner and runner-up
- N/A
j) Top three (3) finishers (and ties) in the current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Super Senior Division)
- Chuck Gardner
- Gary Durbin
- Hollis Sullivan
85th Texas Senior Amateur
Champions Golf Club
September 9-11, 2022
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
General Information
Date: September 9-11, 2022
Host Club: Champions Golf Club (Jackrabbit Course)
Address: 13722 Champions Dr., Houston, TX 77069
Phone: (281) 444-6449
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Director, Justin Guthrie
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: June 8, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Exempt Entry Deadline: August 3, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Entries Close: August 3, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: $325
Eligibility: Entries are open to male amateur golfers who reside in the state of Texas age 55 or older as of the first round of tournament play, with a WHS Handicap Index of 6.4 or less. Please reference TGA Policies and Procedures for further details, including Policies and Procedures, and Terms of Competition.
Entry Procedure: The field will be established by handicap index (lowest to highest) using the handicap “Effective Revision Date” of Wednesday, August 3. All applications, including exemptions, must be received by the entry close date of Wednesday, August 3 at 5:00 PM. After the entry deadline has passed, spots in the field will be allocated to any remaining exempt players and then the lowest handicap index players until the field is full. Those not making it into the field will be placed on the waitlist in rank order of their handicap index (lowest to highest).
Players will be notified by 5:00 PM Friday, August 5, if they are in the field, or where they stand on the wait list. Each week thereafter, TGA Staff will circulate an updated waitlist prior to the championship in an effort to keep players informed of their status.
Exemptions: Provided players are otherwise eligible, exemptions are given to the following:
a) Last five (5) Texas Senior Amateur Champions
b) Top 20 (and ties) in previous year’s Senior Amateur
c) Finished in the top 20 (and ties) in current year’s Texas Amateur or current and/or previous year’s Texas Mid-Amateur
d) Any player that qualified for the final field of the current year’s U.S. Senior Open and/or U.S. Senior Amateur
e) Top five (5) finishers (and ties) in current year’s West Texas Amateur
f) Top fifteen (15) finishers (and ties) in the current year’s Regional Senior Amateurs
g) Low two (2) Seniors that make the cut in the current year’s Texas Amateur
h) Previous year’s Statewide Senior Player of the Year
i) Current year Mid-Amateur Match Play winner and runner-up
j) Top three (3) finishers (and ties) in the current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Super Senior Division)
k) Three (3) Host Club exemptions
The TGA reserves the right to select players to be in the field. For exemption request details, please view TGA Competition Policies. Exempt players must enter by the published deadline or they will lose their exempt status and spot in the final field.
Championship Information
Format/Field Size: Play will be contested over 54 holes of individual stroke play. All players will be competing in one division from the same tees and yardage. The field is limited to 144 players. At the completion of the 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties.
Practice Round Information: Each player is allowed one (1) complimentary practice round on Thursday, September 8 only. Players must contact the golf shop directly to schedule a practice round tee time.Golf Shop: (281) 444-6262.
Registration Information: Player registration will take place on Thursday, September 8th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Registration will be located outside the golf shop. Please check-in prior to your scheduled practice round. If you are unable to play an official practice round on Thursday, September 8th, please inform the TGA staff that you cannot register, but intend to compete in the championship.
Starting Times/Pairings Information: Starting times/pairings for the first and second rounds will be made no later than Tuesday, September 6 online at www.txga.org. Final round starting times/pairings will be available in the evening preceding play (approximately one hour after the completion of play) online at www.txga.org. Final round starting times/pairings will be re-drawn based on total score following the previous rounds of play.
Caddies: Caddies are permitted and must adhere to all TGA Competition Policies and host club policies.
Cancellation/Withdrawal Procedure: Prior to the entry deadline players looking to withdraw should do so online through their Golf Genius user profile or by contacting the TGA Staff Contact directly. After the entry deadline has passed players should either call the Texas Golf Association at (214) 468-8942 or email the TGA Staff Contact directly. Only withdrawals on the day of the competition should be directed to the host club golf shop.
Transportation: Players may walk or ride at their own discretion. Cart fees are included in the players entry fee. The TGA ‘One-Seat’ Policy is in effect. Spectators must walk at all times. For more information on TGA ‘One-Seat’ Policy, click here.
Medical Cart: Spectators in accordance of ADA compliance may request golf carts. Requests for golf carts must be supported by complete documentation, including the fully-completed Cart Request Form and the required accompanying medical documentation specified in that form for all first-time requests. Any medical cart request that is granted by the TGA will be good for that individual for the remainder of that calendar season. A request will not be deemed complete until all required information and documentation has been provided. For further information and details contact Director of Competitions – South Texas, John Cochran IV.
Score Posting: The TGA will post all scores for individual stroke play events to players GHIN number. Players are asked to not post scores for individual TGA stroke play events as it will result in a duplicate posting.
Policies & Procedures
To ensure competitors the best experience at all Texas Golf Association (TGA) events, it is helpful to be knowledgeable of TGA Policies & Procedures. For complete TGA Competition Policies, click here.
News
Gary Durbin Wins the 84th Texas Senior Amateur
HOUSTON – Gary Durbin won his second Texas Senior Amateur on Sunday at Westwood Golf Club, a one-shot victory in the 84th edition of the major championship. He played the classic parkland course at even-par 216 for 54 holes.
This one was quite a bit different from his 2019 win at Deerwood Club in Kingwood. Durbin stormed back from a six-shot deficit in the final round to win the 82nd Texas Senior Amateur. This time around, the Houstonian entered the last day with a two-shot lead and had to scrap and claw to hold on to victory.
“I was nervous,” said Durbin, who has also won the Greater Houston City Amateur twice (1989, ’91). “It was excitement and nervousness coming down 18. This is the biggest tournament we have for senior amateurs in Texas. Winning it twice is really special.”
Durbin credited his solid putting for his steady play all week at Westwood. He made a birdie right out of the gate Sunday to grab momentum. He walked off the first green at with a three-shot lead at 3-under par overall. He gave the shot back with a bogey on the difficult par-4 second hole, but pars on the next three holes led to a brief four-shot lead.
The field kept the heat on Durbin, however. TGA Director Lee Sandlin from Dallas birdied the sixth and eight holes to stay close; former TGA Executive Director Rob Addington from Dallas applied early pressure on Durbin as well.
After a bogey on the par-4 10th hole that saw Durbin’s lead shrink to one shot, he rolled in birdies on the 11th and 12th holes. He nearly made a third in a row on No. 13. From there, Durbin played the final five holes at 2-over to capture the one-shot victory over Kyle Kelting from Amarillo.
“This means a lot to me,” Durbin said. “I’m 64 now, so maybe it means more if you can win when you’re older, not just at 55 or 56. I’ve worked really, really hard on my swing the past two years. I have a great family and a wife who supports my golf, which is huge. I have friends at work with and really everyone in my life has been very supportive. It’s pretty cool. I feel very blessed.”
Kelting, the runner-up, shot a final round 71 to finish at 1-over 217. He’s a two-time winner of the Texas Father-Son; he and his son Derick won in 2020 and again earlier this summer. Kelting also finished fourth at the 80th Texas Senior Amateur in 2017 at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas.
“I played pretty good,” Kelting said. “I’m getting accustomed to Bermudagrass greens a little bit. We don’t have Bermuda in Amarillo; everything is bentgrass. All in all, the ball-striking was good. I enjoyed the guys I played with. The tournament was fantastic. I just wish it was a different outcome.”
Sandlin, along with Hollis Sullivan, a TGA Director from Westworth Village, and Texarkana’s Chuck Gardner, tied for third place at 2-over 218. Outside of Durbin, Mansfield’s Lewis Stephenson might have that the most impressive showing this weekend. After shooting an uncharacteristic 80 in the first round, the two-time Texas Senior Amateur champ went 70-70 in the final two rounds to earn a share of sixth place at 4-over 220. Jed Shreve from The Woodlands also tied for sixth with Stephenson.
The TGA extends its most sincere gratitude to Westwood Golf Club, including its staff and members, for all their hard work in creating such a welcoming atmosphere and memorable championship week. Special thanks are due to General Manager Ricky Lyons, Clubhouse Manager/Director of Membership Sales Jennifer Gonzalez, Head Golf Professional Andrew Riddle, Golf Course Superintendent Wesley Curtis and Chef Joseph Tyler. Each of them played an essential role in making the 84th Texas Senior Amateur a success.
By every measure, Westwood knocked it out of the park with its first TGA major championship. In addition to the wonderful food and the attentive and professional staff, Westwood’s golf course thoroughly challenged the best senior amateurs in the state, a testament to the conditioning and preparation by the club’s grounds crew.
It also speaks the thought-provoking routing and course design, originally done by the famed John Bredemus in 1928 when Westwood was founded as a nine-hole course. Ralph Plummer in 1957 transformed the venue into an 18-hole championship course. More recently, Keith Foster completed a comprehensive renovation in 2002, and Kevin Hargrave added new tee boxes, greens, and bunkers in 2018.
Several players throughout the week told TGA staff members how impressed they were with the golf course and hospitable atmosphere of the club.
The TGA also is grateful for our volunteers, who donated their time and expertise to ensure another first-class championship experience. For information on the 84th Texas Senior Amateur, click here.