51st Higginbotham Texas State Open Field to Feature Two Former NFL Quarterbacks
Romo, Manziel Accept Exemptions to Compete
DALLAS, TEXAS – The 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open will feature two former NFL quarterbacks. The first is former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and amateur golfer Tony Romo. The second is Tyler, Texas, native Johnny Manziel who will also be competing as an amateur. Both players have received a sponsor’s exemption into the event.
“I am honored to accept an exemption into the Higginbotham Texas State Open. This will be my fourth start in the tournament. I played back in 2004 and 2005 and then again a couple of years ago. The NTPGA conducts fantastic events and the hospitality at The Cascades Club and in Tyler is second to none. I am playing well, and I am excited to return and compete against a strong field this year,” said Romo.
In his previous three appearances Romo has missed the cut. In 2019, when he last played, he posted rounds of 69-75–144 to finish at +4. The cut line that year was at even par, 140.
Manziel announced earlier this year that instead of football he is going to focus on golf for the next twelve years. This will be his first Texas State Open appearance.
“I am excited to play in the Higginbotham Texas State Open later this month. I have been working hard on my game and I look forward to seeing how it stacks up against an incredibly strong field of professionals and amateurs,” said Manziel. “I grew up in Tyler and have played countless rounds at The Cascades Club. It’s a fantastic facility, always in great shape and it will be fun to play in front of family and friends. I’ll be ready!”
The 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open is scheduled to play Tuesday, July 27 through Friday, July 30 at The Cascades Club in Tyler, Texas. The 72-hole stroke play event will consist of 156 professionals and amateurs competing for a $200,000 projected purse. The field will play 36-holes before being cut to the low 55 scores and ties. All four rounds will be contested at The Cascades Club.
For more information about the 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open, please visit
www.ntpga.com/texas-state-open.
ABOUT HIGGINBOTHAM INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
Employee owned and customer inspired, Higginbotham is a single source solution for insurance, financial and HR services. The firm is ranked as the nation’s 21st largest independent insurance firm, making it the largest Texas-based broker. Serving thousands of businesses and individuals across 10 states, Higginbotham’s approach to finding insurance, employee benefit and risk management solutions is more individual and less institutional. By understanding customer priorities, eliminating inefficiencies and committing to transparency, Higginbotham is a place that leads with values so value leads.
ABOUT THE CASCADES CLUB
The Cascades, a Master-Planned 5-Star community, is the most comprehensive community in East Texas. This luxury lakefront golf, tennis, fitness and residential community sits on 386 acres and is located just five miles from downtown Tyler, Texas. The Cascades is also conveniently located midway between Dallas, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. The Cascades Club golf course was re-designed by PGA Tour player Mark Hayes to challenge players at any skill level. Lush, tour-quality greens and broad fairways wind among tall oak and pine trees, with many holes set alongside scenic lakes on the golf course, and a stunning backdrop framed by Lake Bellwood greeting you on your first tee shot of the day.
ABOUT THE NORTHERN TEXAS PGA
The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America, and its geographic territory includes the State of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin. The Northern Texas PGA has approximately 850 PGA Members and Associates employed at more than 300 facilities.
The Northern Texas PGA has 15 full-time staff members and is currently headquartered in Dallas. The Northern Texas PGA will be joining the PGA of America national office relocation to Frisco in 2022 with its own state of the art headquarters on the PGA Frisco campus.
In addition to managing the day-to-day affairs of the Section, the Northern Texas PGA also operates a non-profit and charitable foundation that focuses on five pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, inclusion, fellowships, and military & veterans. The mission of the Northern Texas PGA Foundation is positively impacting lives and communities through golf.
