News
Delagarza and Smith Win Women’s Four-Ball for Third Consecutive Time
Briefly: Faith Delagarza of Midland and Amari Smith of McKinney become the first to claim the Women’s Four-Ball championship three consecutive times with a gross tournament score of 9-under-par 135. Off to a slow start on day 1, the team finished the round 2-under-par 70 and 4 strokes back from the lead. Knowing they had to bring the fire for the final round, Delagarza and Smith stuck to their tried-and-true strategy with confidence.
“We use the same game plan every year,” Delagarza said. “We’re super close and we love each other so when one gets down, we lift each other up and that’s what lets us thrive here.”
The pair from Dallas Baptist University waltzed into the clubhouse with a bogey free 7-under 65 for the final round. Delagarza and Smith said they played both aggressive and conservative at the right times, allowing them to make history.
“It’s definitely fun and really special,” Smith said of the winning feeling. “No one’s ever done it before so it’s really cool and hopefully we can come back next year and continue the tradition,” Delagarza said.
The TGA would sincerely like to thank Royal Oaks and all its staff members and the volunteers for helping make this event possible.
Leaderboard:
1 Delagarza + Smith -9 70 65 135
2 Azarcon + Cassity -6 69 69 138
3 Head + Pistone -4 66 74 140
4 Bianchi + Choi -2 70 72 142
T5 Campise + Stramel -1 70 71 143
T5 Fox + Garcia -1 72 71 143
Golf Course: Founded in 1969, Royal Oaks Country Club is nestled between luscious trees and serene lakes in the heart of Dallas. Today, the club has become one of the premiere golf courses in Texas. With its opening design by Don January and Billy Martindale, the course was tough enough and made even more challenging by the renovation by Jay Morrish in 1985. Royal Oaks has been host to many TGA majors, including the 2010 Texas Amateur and the 2015 Texas Mid-Amateur.
Weather: The temperature reached 95 degrees with constant winds of 13 mph and gusts up to 24 mph out of the south-southwest.
In Contention: Grand Prairie’s Aysis Azarcon and Grace Cassity of Katy earned second place with a 6-under 138 gross total for the championship. Dallas Baptist University teammates Madison Head of Haslet and Meagan Pistone of Montgomery finish out the top three with a total gross score of 4-under 140.
What’s Next: The 2021 Women’s Senior Stroke Play at Ridgewood Country Club on October 13-15, 2021.
More Info: For more information on the 2021 Women’s Four-Ball Championship, click here.
News
Madison Head and Meagan Pistone Lead at Women’s Four-Ball After First Round
Briefly: Madison Head of Haslet and Meagan Pistone of Montgomery fired off a 6-under 66 to take the solo lead after the first round of the Women’s Four-Ball Championship.
Leaderboard:
1 Head + Pistone Montgomery, Haslet 66
T2 Azarcon + Cassity Katy, Grand Prairie 69
T2 Jones + Jones Austin 69
T3 Delagarza + Smith McKinney, Midland 70
T3 Bianchi + Choi Allen, Pflugerville 70
T3 Campise + Stramel Allen, Lewisville 70
Round 1 Results | Round 2 Pairings
Golf Course: Founded in 1969, Royal Oaks Country Club is nestled between luscious trees and serene lakes in the heart of Dallas. Today, the club has become one of the premiere golf courses in Texas. With its opening design by Don January and Billy Martindale, the course was tough enough and made even more challenging by the renovation by Jay Morrish in 1985. Royal Oaks has been host to many TGA majors, including the 2010 Texas Amateur and the 2015 Texas Mid-Amateur.
Weather: The temperature reached 96 degrees with steady winds at 13 mph and gusted up to 26 mph out of the south.
In Contention: Grand Prairie’s Aysis Azarcon and Grace Cassity of Katy are three shots off the lead entering the clubhouse at a 3-under-par 69, tied with the Jones duo, Shanna and Madelyn, of Austin. There’s a three-way tie for third, all teams sitting at 2-under 70. Allen’s Allie Bianchi and Pflugerville’s Hannah Choi, Simone Campise of Lewisville and Sidney Stramel of Allen and defending champs Faith Delagarza of Midland and Amari Smith of Mckinney are all in the hunt for the title.
What’s Next: Round 2 starts Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at Royal Oaks Country Club.
More Info: For more information on the 2021 Women’s Four-Ball Championship, click here.
News
In Memory of John Semander
It is with deep sadness that the TGA announces the passing of John Semander. Semander gave selflessly of his time, energy and resources to promote golf in Texas for many years. His contributions to the game of golf are immeasurable and have impacted the state’s entire golfing community. The longtime TGA volunteer and Past Director passed away on July 27. He was 89 years old.
Semander was a gentle spirit who didn’t know a stranger. He seemed to be friends with everyone and had a warm-hearted story to share about each one to back it up. The Houston native was recognized numerous times for his steadfast dedication and efforts in helping the TGA.
He was the recipient of the 2005 South Texas Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2009 Bob Wells Distinguished Service Award, the TGA’s highest honor for individuals who’ve contributed to the growth of the game through their volunteerism and meritorious service.
In addition to duties as a TGA Director, Semander also served as a member of the TGA Rules Committee, as well as the USGA Junior Amateur Committee.
In 2010, Semander captained the South Texas team to victory in the Texas Shootout held at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands.
The longtime Shell employee was also very active with the Houston Golf Association among other pursuits.
In 2017, the TGA established the John Semander Family Scholarship to financially assist golfers who are seeking higher education. Semander’s dedication, character and lifelong connection to golf were attributes that the scholarship program endeavored to honor and encourage in the next generation of golfers.
The TGA mourns the loss of John Semander and sends its condolences to his family and friends.