87th Texas Senior Amateur

The Nelson Golf & Sports Club

September 27-29, 2024




QUALIFYING INFORMATION

Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: June 5, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Exempt Entry Deadline: July 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Entries Close: July 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Qualifying TGA Staff Contact: Harris Milson – Tournament Coordinator

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 certified WHS Handicap Index of 6.4 or less. Please reference TGA Competition Policies 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 for the list of exempt players. Qualifying round starting times, pairings and additional information, including practice rounds, is available to view on the Qualifying Information page.

87th Texas Senior Amateur Qualifying Schedule

Date Region Course City Player Information Pairings / Leaderboard
August 1East
Willow Brook Country ClubTylerClick Here
Pairings / Leaderboard
August 2
DFW 1Firewheel Golf Park
Garland
Click Here
Pairings / Leaderboard
August 6
Houston 1
Lake Windcrest Golf Club
Magnolia Click Here
Pairings / Leaderboard
August 19
Hill Country
Lakecliff Golf Club
Spicewood
Click Here
Pairings / Leaderboard
August 29
Houston 2
Sugar Creek Country Club
Sugar Land
Click Here Pairings / Leaderboard
August 29West
Odessa Country Club – Links
Odessa
Click Here
Pairings / Leaderboard
TBDDFW 2
TBD
TBD
Click Here
Pairings / Leaderboard

87th Texas Senior Amateur Qualifying Schedule – Last Chance Qualifying

Date Region Course City Player Information Pairings / Leaderboard
Sept. 18
DFW
Shady Valley Country ClubArlington
Click Here Pairings / Leaderboard

*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, no later than August 2, 2024.

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, 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 TGA Men’s Competition Policies, at another qualifier.

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 TGA Men’s Competition Policies 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 located in the DFW area.

Entries Open: September 10th, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Entries Close: September 13th, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Last Chance Qualifying Fee: $175

Field Limit: 42

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Host Club: Shady Valley Country Club
Address: 4001 W Park Row Drive, Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: (817) 275-3092

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

TOURNAMENT HOMEPAGE
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
STARTING TIMES/PAIRINGS
LEADERBOARD
YARDAGES
TXGA HARD CARD
TXGA COMPETITION POLICIES
TXGA PAST CHAMPIONS
TXGA TWITTER
TXGA INSTAGRAM


Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Houston’s Durbin Wins 86th Texas Senior Amateur

AMARILLO – Gary Durbin of Houston finished at 3-under-par after 54 holes at Amarillo Country Club and won the 86th Texas Senior Amateur. This win marks Durbin’s third in the last six years.

“It’s beyond belief, one of my goals was to match my dear friend Mike Rice, who’s name is on that trophy three times,” said Durbin reflecting on his victory.

“Today was probably the toughest day, so you really had to hit some quality shots,” said Durbin. “This golf course you have to play from the fairway as it’s very tough to play from the rough.”

Durbin started the day one stroke back and found himself two back after a bogey on the par-3 second. He made birdie on No. 7, which gave him the lead, which he wouldn’t relinquish.

“I managed my game well today and kept hanging in there by making some key birdies,” said Durbin.

Durbin made a bogey on the par-4 10th but bounced back with a birdie on the par-3 11th. His drive found the right bunker on No. 12 and he was able to escape and get up-and-down for a par. He made par on Nos. 13-15 before knocking in a birdie on the par-4 16th. He found the greenside rough on No. 17 and would make double-bogey, but still had a two-stroke lead on the 18th tee.

He laid up short of the water and then hit a shot into the heart of the 18th green. From there he two-putted for par and sealed his victory at Amarillo Country Club.

Burleson’s Lewis Stephenson finished solo second after posting the low round on Sunday. Stephenson made five birdies on the day, including the par-5 18th which played right into the south wind. The past champion jumped up two spots on the day to claim runner-up honors.

San Antonio’s Bobby Baugh and Houston’s Sandy Pierce finished tied for third at even-par. Baugh was the 36-hole leader and finished with rounds of 69-68-76. Pierce is the defending Texas Senior Amateur Champion and fellow Champions Golf Club member with Durbin. Pierce was 4-over on the day after seven holes but finished 2-under in his last 11 to get to even-par overall.

Tray Tyner of Kerrville shot 1-under 70 and finished tied for fifth with Terrence Miskell of New Braunfels. Amarillo’s Kyle Kelting and Texarkana’s Chuck Gardner finished tied for seventh, while reigning Texas Golf Association Senior Player of the Year Mike Booker finished ninth.

The conditions were tough for the final day of the tournament, with winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour throughout the day. The winds switched out of the south, which serves as the prevailing wind, allowing Amarillo Country Club to show its strength.

This is the first time the Texas Senior Amateur has come out to Amarillo Country Club and the course put up a strong test over three days. The scoring average was 77.55 and the field produced a total of 506 birdies and five eagles for the week. The Texas Golf Association thanks the Amarillo CC staff, membership and committees for hosting this year’s event.

The Texas Senior Amateur is the state’s premier event for male golfers age 55 and older. This year’s championship featured a 144-player field that was made up from exemptions and 18-hole qualifiers. The qualifying schedule spanned across the state and saw more than 200 players attempt to qualify.

With this win Durbin secures 1,250 points towards the Senior Player of the Year. Mike Booker entered this week leading the 2023 Texas Senior Player of the Year race and earned 450 points with his ninth-place finish.

The 87th Texas Senior Amateur will head to Byron Nelson Sports Club in Las Colinas next September. Qualifying sites will be announced by the new year and the players will take on the former tour stop.

For more information on the 86th Texas Senior Amateur, click here. To see all the scores click here.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Baugh Leads Texas Senior Amateur after 36 Holes

AMARILLO – Bobby Baugh of San Antonio finished with back-to-back birdies on Saturday and climbed atop the 86th Texas Senior Amateur leaderboard after two rounds. Baugh is 5-under through 36 holes at Amarillo Country Club.

“I had a really good drive on eight to set up a pitching wedge from 137 yards, which was hit to five feet and I made it,” said Baugh regarding his finish. “The final hole I hit a drive in the left rough, then missed the green to the left. Hit a flop shot to about six feet and I made the putt.”

Baugh hit 16 of 18 fairways and greens in his second round but credited his putter for his solid play on Saturday.

“That’s what I’ve been struggling the most with lately, the putting,” said Baugh. “I’ve hit the ball well and luckily the hole got in the way of the ball a few times today.”

Following rounds of 69-68 in the first two days, Baugh seeks the Texas Senior Amateur title and will play alongside the last two champions of the tournament.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow and feel a lot better after having a good round of putting.”

Joining Baugh in the final pairing on Sunday, will be Round 1 co-leaders Gary Durbin and Sandy Pierce of Houston.

Durbin shot even-par 71 in the second round. He was the winner of this event in 2021 and 2019 and looks to become the sixth three-time winner of this event. Durbin’s rounds of 67-71 have him at 4-under-par.

Pierce posted a round of 2-over 73 on Saturday and is the defending champion. He is looking to become the first back-to-back winner since Don Addington won in 1997-1998. Through 36 holes he has made eight birdies and four bogeys or worse and is 2-under-par.

Tied for fourth is Texarakana’s Chuck Gardner and Burleson’s Lewis Stephenson. Gardner played 2-under in his second round, making four birdies as he moved 12 spots up the leaderboard. Stephenson, who is also a two-time winner of this event, stayed consistent with rounds of 71-72 to get to 1-over.

Terrence Miskell of New Braunfels is in sixth place at 2-over-par, while Aledo’s Wayne Wright is in seventh at 3-over. Five players are tied for eighth at 4-over, two players tied for 14th at 5-over and six players tied for 15th at 6-over.

The tournament was cut following the second round with 58 players finishing at 10-over or better on Saturday.

Through 36 holes, the 144-player field amassed 435 birdies and played to an average score of 77.6 at Amarillo Country Club. There were five total eagles with three of them coming on the par-5 ninth which plays 502 yards. The course played 6,622 yards in the second round.

Amarillo Country Club underwent a renovation in 2013 and features a compact par-71 layout on the northwest side of town. The routing offers a variety of left-to-right and right-to-left holes that are bordered by trees. There are only six penalty areas around the routing with the perimeter being the lone boundary to avoid.

This is the first time Amarillo CC is hosting the Texas Senior Amateur and joins an exclusive list of past host sites such as Champions Golf Club, Oak Hills Country Club, Brook Hollow Country Club and Midland Country Club. The tournament was first held at San Antonio Country Club in 1937 and was held there for the first 23 years. The Texas Senior Amateur returned to West Texas for the first time since 2010, when Odessa Country Club hosted.

Temperatures started in the low 60s on Saturday and reached the low 90s by the afternoon. Winds were steady but not as strong as the previous day as gusts were up to 20 miles per hour in the afternoon.

The Final Round is set to begin at 8:00 am off the No. 1 and 10 tees on Sunday, September 10. Pairings can be viewed by clicking here. For more information on the 86th Texas Senior Amateur, click here. To see all the scores from the first two rounds, click here.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Pierce and Durbin Share Lead at Texas Senior Amateur

AMARILLO – Sandy Pierce and Gary Durbin of Houston each posted rounds of 4-under 67 at Amarillo Country Club and sit atop the 86th Texas Senior Amateur field after the first round. Both players are seeking another win in the Texas Golf Association’s Senior Amateur Championship.

Pierce’s round started off hot with birdies on the par-4 first, fourth and seventh holes and finished the front nine with a four on the par-5 ninth. He added another birdie on the par-3 12th to get to 5-under, but made bogey on the par-4 12th.

“All-in-all I’m thrilled,” said Pierce following his round. “Sixty-seven on this course is a great score for me.”

Pierce is defending his win from last year’s championship, which was held at Champions Golf Club in Houston. He posted rounds of 72-71-68 to get to 2-under overall and won in a playoff.

“Coming back this year and just seeing how many good players there are competing helped me realize what an achievement it was,” said Pierce. “As far as this week goes I’m going to try and keep doing what I’m doing and at the end of the week we’ll see where I stand.”

Durbin played in the afternoon and made an eagle on the par-5 ninth to get to 4-under-par and match the low score posted on Friday.

“I hit a really good drive and had 183 yards left, hit a seven iron to five feet and rolled it in,” said Durbin regarding his eagle on his last hole of the day.

Durbin is seeking his third victory in the Texas Senior Amateur after winning in 2021 at Westwood Golf Club and in 2019 at Deerwood Club. This is his first time playing Amarillo Country Club and he spoke about the importance of keeping the ball in the fairway.

“I think it’s critical at this golf course to drive the ball well,” said Durbin. “This is my first time being up at Amarillo Country Club and it’s a really good golf course.”

In third place is Terrence Miskell, who shot 3-under 68 in his opening round. The New Braunfels native was even-par through his first ten holes but made birdie on four of his next five holes. He dropped a shot on the par-4 eighth and made par on the ninth, which was his final hole, to finish at 3-under and one stroke behind the leaders.

Bobby Baugh of San Antonio made eagle on the par-5 18th to finish at 2-under 69. Baugh was one of four players to finish in red numbers on the par-71 layout at Amarillo CC, which played to 6,685 yards in the First Round.

Amarillo’s Ralph Ellis posted a score of even-par 71 and sits tied for fifth. Burleson’s Lewis Stephenson equaled his even-par score on Friday and is a two-time champion of this event (2016 & 2018).

Five players finished tied for seventh at 1-over, while four players finished tied for 12th at 2-over heading into Saturday’s second round.

Amarillo Country Club was established in 1919 and boasts a deep tradition of hosting amateur and professional events. The club hosted the Amarillo Open in 1990, which was won by Lindy Miller from Fort Worth. The course saw a renovation in 2013 by D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolfard before hosting the 2016 Women’s Senior Stroke Play and the 2018 West Texas Amateur, which are both conducted by the Texas Golf Association.

This year’s field features 144 of the top senior golfers in the state, including 10 past champions as well as the reigning Senior Player of the Year. Players earned their way into the tournament through exemptions or competing in one of five qualifiers around the state. This was the first year, the TGA installed 18-hole qualifying for the Texas Senior Amateur.

Temperatures started in the low 60s on Friday but crept up into the mid-90s by 2:00 pm. The winds also intensified for the afternoon wave with gusts out of the north up to 35 miles per hour.

The Second Round is set to begin at 7:45 am off the No. 1 and 10 tees on Saturday, September 9. Pairings can be viewed by clicking here. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties heading into Sunday’s Final Round.

For more information on the 86th Texas Senior Amateur, click here. To see all the scores from the first round, click here.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

86th Texas Senior Amateur Set for Sept. 8-10

Amarillo Country Club will be the host site for the 86th Texas Senior Amateur, the third of this year’s four men’s major amateur championships conducted by the Texas Golf Association (TGA). The championship, which features the state’s top amateur golfers aged 55 and older, is scheduled for Sept. 8-10.

The Texas Senior will be the third TGA championship to be held at the historic Texas Panhandle club, which previously hosted the 2016 Women’s Senior Stroke Play, won by Texas Golf Hall of Famer Carolyn Creekmore, and the 2018 West Texas Amateur, won by David Bolen.

“We are honored to be back at Amarillo Country Club and to have the opportunity to conduct one of most important championships at such a remarkable venue,” said Chris Untiedt, TGA Senior Tournament Director. “The club has been a tremendous supporter of amateur golf and it is a privilege to be working with the members and staff in providing a truly memorable experience for the players.”

Established in 1919 by banker and oilman Charles Fisk, Amarillo Country Club was the first of its kind in the region. The course was designed by William McConnell, who took advantage of the natural terrain of what was once rolling farmland to create the challenging layout. Warren Cantrell renovated the course in 1960, with additional revisions completed by Jay Morrish in 1983.

After nearly 30 years without any significant upgrades, in 2011 the membership approved an extensive modernization plan overseen by Weibring-Wolfard Golf Design. The multimillion-dollar project touched on every aspect of the course including the rerouting of several holes, regrading landing zones and approaches, repositioning tees and bunkers, and rebuilding and reshaping green complexes. To improve playing conditions, more than 350 trees were removed, a new irrigation and drainage system was installed, and the course was reseeded with cool-season grasses.

The impressive renovation produced an exacting par-71 layout, which can now stretch to nearly 7,000 yards, highlighted by twisting doglegs in both directions, deep bunkers, canted greens, and thick fescue rough around the playing perimeters.

“Amarillo has a remarkable variety of holes and is a great test of strategy and execution,” Untiedt said. “The course is going to be in fantastic condition for the championship and we are confident it will provide a tremendous arena for the talented senior amateurs to showcase their skills.”

To continue to ensure the strongest fields possible for the state’s premier senior amateur championship, an 18-hole qualifying stage has been established for all except exempt players, beginning in 2023. In addition, there are also expanded pathways into the championship through increased exemption categories, including the top players ranked in the World Amateur Golf Rankings®.

Sandy Pierce of Houston won last year’s Texas Senior Amateur in a playoff at Champions Golf Club’s Jackrabbit Course and is one of seven past champions among the 70 players who were fully exempt from having to qualify. Joining Pierce are Gary Durbin of Houston (who won in 2019 and 2021), John Derrick of Waco (2020), Lewis Stephenson of Burleson (2016, ’18), Mike Booker of Houston (2015), Mike Peck of Irving (2013), and Chuck Palmer of Dallas (2012).

Among the other exempt players are current North Senior Amateur champion John Schaefer of Plano and Texas Super Senior champion Chuck Gardner of Texarkana, as well as top finishers from the 2022 championship including Andrew Hydorn of Houston (Runner-Up), Terrence Miskell of New Braunfels (T3), Kyle Kelting of Amarillo (T3), David Ortego of Spring (T6), Lee Sandlin of Dallas (T9), and Tray Tyner of Kerrville (T9).

The remaining 74 spots in the 144-player starting field have been filled with the players who successfully advanced out of the 18-hole qualifiers held Aug. 1-22 at five sites statewide.

The format for the championship is 54 holes of individual stroke play. All contestants play 18 holes on both Sept. 8-9. After 36 holes the field will be cut to the low 54 scorers and ties heading into the final round.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted on the TGA website no later than Sept. 4. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from Amarillo Country Club.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Texas Senior Amateur Moves to Qualifying Process

The Texas Golf Association is pleased to announce it has elevated one of its most popular championships to an exciting, new level. Starting with this fall’s 86th Texas Senior Amateur, to be held Sept. 8-10 at Amarillo Country Club, there will now be a qualifying process to earn a spot in the 54-hole major championship for all except exempt players.

Registration for the four, single-day qualifiers for each region of the state opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 17. There is a qualifier available in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, West Texas, and Hill Country areas. Each 18-hole qualifier occurs on either Aug. 1 or Aug. 8. There also is a Last Chance Qualifier scheduled for Aug. 22 in McKinney.

For specific qualifying information for the 86th Texas Senior Amateur, click here. For more information on the September championship itself, click here.

“We spent the last few years collecting feedback and examining the results of the championship,” said John Cochran IV, the TGA’s Director of Championships for South Texas. “We determined a qualifying process will provide stronger fields for the Texas Senior Amateur, just as they have for the Texas Amateur and Texas Mid-Amateur.”

In addition to the qualifiers, the TGA also provided players with an expanded pathway into the championship through increased exemption categories, including the top players ranked in the World Amateur Golf Rankings® (WAGR).

The TGA looks forward to assembling one of the strongest fields ever for this year’s Texas Senior Amateur.

Don’t forget online registration for these new qualifiers opens May 17 at 9 a.m. Click here to get started.

Around the Green

The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.

Texas Super Senior Amateur Set for April 24-26

White Bluff Resort in Whitney will be the host site for this year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur. Conducted by the Texas Golf Association (TGA), the championship will be played on the New Course from April 24-26.

The 8th Texas Super Senior Amateur, the foremost event for male amateur golfers ages 65 and older, will be the inaugural TGA championship held at White Bluff Resort, and the first of two the club will host in 2023. In late July, 240 of the top-ranked young golfers from across the state will assemble at White Bluff for the 97th Texas Junior Amateur.

“We are thrilled to welcome White Bluff Resort as a TGA championship host club,” said Chris Untiedt, TGA Senior Tournament Director. “It is a wonderful venue, and we know the players in the Texas Super Senior are looking forward to competing on this terrific course for the first time.”

Nestled along the shores of Lake Whitney, about 15 miles west of Hillsboro, White Bluff Resort features two 18-hole courses – the Old and the New – both of which were designed by 13-time PGA Tour winner Bruce Lietzke. Named after the two most famous courses at St Andrews Links in Scotland, the Old Course was the first to open in 1992, followed by the New Course in 1998. Both courses recently underwent major renovation projects, which included rebuilding and resurfacing all greens and bunkers, as well as upgrading drainage and irrigation systems to improve playing conditions.

The New Course, where the Texas Super Senior will be contested, features tree-lined fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and undulating green complexes. With many holes bending around strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, the par-72 layout, which measures just over 6,300 yards from the middle set of tees, provides plenty of risk-reward opportunities that will test the players’ shot-making and course management skills.

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. 8-10 at Amarillo Country Club. 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 on the TGA website no later than April 20. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from White Bluff Resort.

At the 2021 Texas Super Senior Amateur, Chuck Gardner of Texarkana captured the title with rounds of 72-71-68 on the Trent/Jones Courses at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land. His 5-under-par 211 total was good for a six-shot margin of victory over two-time Texas Senior Amateur champion Gary Durbin of Houston. Wayne Franklin of Abilene finished at 16-over 232 to win the Legends Division by five strokes over Bill Holstead of Wichita Falls. Gardner and Franklin also won low net honors in their respective divisions.


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

Date Region Course City Player Information Pairings / Leaderboard
August 1WestPampa Country ClubPampa, TXCompleted Final Results
August 1 Hill Country Brackenridge Park Golf Course San Antonio, TX Completed
August 8 Houston Northgate Country Club Houston, TX Completed
August 8 DFW Shady Valley Country Club Arlington, TX Completed Final Results

Texas Senior Amateur Qualifying Schedule – Last Chance Qualifying

Date Region Course City Player Information Pairings / Leaderboard
August 22 DFW Westridge Golf Course McKinney, TX Completed Final Results

*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, 2023
Host 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.


86th Texas Senior Amateur

Amarillo Country Club
September 8-10, 2023

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 (#1 & #10 Tees)
11:30 AM - Player Lunch Begins
1:00 PM - Round 1, Wave 2 (#1 & #10 Tees)
Following Play - Field cut to low 54 players (and ties)

Saturday, September 9
8:00 AM - Round 2, Wave 1 (#1 & #10 Tees)
11:30 AM - Player Lunch Begins
1:00 PM - Round 2, Wave 2 (#1 & #10 Tees)
Following Play - Field cut to low 54 players (and ties)

Sunday, September 10
8:00 AM - Final Round (#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;

  • N/A

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: John Schaefer, Neil Barfield, Mike Peck, Lewis Stephenson, John Stollenwerck, Larry Corson, Christopher Hansen, Mike Custer, Chuck Palmer, Bob Easterlin, Lee Sandlin, Michael Goff, Randall Conn, Chad Leopard, Brad Stumpf
  • South: Mike Booker, Terrence Miskell, Ron Byrd, John Pierce, Kurtis Lilley, Thomas Immenschuh, Bobby Baugh, Gary Durbin, Mike Padilla, Pat Youngs, Jed Shreve, Tony Escoyne, Charlie Jabbia, Gordon Wagner, John Dowdall

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)

  • Chuck Gardner, Jerry Hudgins, Ed Turner, Alan Fama

l) Winner from current year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur (Legends Division)

  • Bill Holstead

m) Top 3,000 in the R&A/USGA World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) as of Registration Open Date

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
Region
Course
City
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
Regional
Course
City
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 book your hotel in Amarillo

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.