Eighteen Competitors Advance to 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open Via Second Chance Qualifying

Molly Rawlins • July 23, 2021
Garland, Texas – The 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open Second Chance Qualifying tournament featured a field of 162 players competing for the final 18 spots into the Championship. The 18-hole stroke play event was contested at Firewheel Golf Park’s Bridges Course (Champion/Masters) and Lakes Course in Garland, Texas.


Congratulations to those who are advancing to the Championship.

Bridges Course Qualifiers:
Nick Duggan of San Antonio, Texas, Garrett Leek(a) of Millsap, Texas; Brandon Smith of Frisco; Texas; Chris Kunda of Grand Prairie, Texas; Aaron Guanlao of Haslet, Texas; Brandon Massey (a) of Fort Worth, Texas; Joseph Abella of Plano, Texas; Jake McCrory of Deer Park, Texas; and Matthew Watkins (a) of Heath, Texas.

Lakes Course Qualifiers:
Brian Dwyer of Southlake, Texas; Christian Jalomo of Richmond, Texas; Ben Hargis of Dallas, Texas; Holden Wisener (a) of Dallas, Texas; Zack Fischer of Benton, Arkansas; James Hart du Preez of South Africa; Hayden Foster of Pottsboro, Texas; Tanner Napier of Paris, Texas; and Gage Ihrig of Goodland, Kansas. 


Playoffs were conducted at each site to order alternate positions #1–#14.  Alternates #1, #3, #5, #7, #9, #11 and #13 were determined at the Bridges Course, and alternates #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, #12 and #14 were determined at the Lakes Course.  The official order of alternates for the Championship is listed below.


Official Alternate List:

1.  Adam House of Rockwall, TX

2. Austin Wylie of Boerne, TX

3. Spencer LaBarbera (a) of Mesquite, TX

4. Matthew Cole of Fayetteville, AR

5. Chris Malec of Bentbrook, TX

6. Eddie Griswold of Garland, TX

7. Hagen Hutchinson of Wichita Falls, TX

8. Clint Avara of McKinney, TX

9. Jake Ezell of Dripping Springs, TX

10. Kade Stewart of Tomball, TX

11. James Nitties of Dallas, TX

12. Roger Oliver of Burleson, TX

13. Francis Biondi of Austin, TX

14. Jason Shirey of Canton, TX


The 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open will be a 72-hole stroke play event consisting 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 from Tuesday, July 27 through Friday, July 30.

 

51st Higginbotham Texas State Open Second Chance Qualifying Tournament Final Results.


NOTE: (a) - denotes amateur

By Hailey Rasco September 16, 2025
Randolph and Shields Tied for Senior Division Lead
September 9, 2025
23 recent college and university graduates to get hands-on golf industry experience
By Steven Clements September 8, 2025
The PGA of America announced today that Ronny Glanton, PGA head professional at Sherrill Park Golf Course, will be inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame. Glanton, a native of Mineral Wells, Texas, began his career in 1981 as an Assistant Professional at Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson, Texas. Upon achieving PGA of America membership in 1984, he took over as Head Professional and has been at the Richardson facility ever since. He is the only member to serve twice as President of the NTPGA (2006-07, ‘18-’19). Glanton played a key role in the PGA of America’s relocation to Frisco, Texas. He is a passionate advocate for junior golf, developing impactful programs like the Sherrill Park Learning Center and the Hawks junior golf team, which have introduced thousands of new golfers to the game; his leadership in the creation of “The Ronny” Golf Park on the PGA Frisco campus further expands community outreach and player development. Among his previous awards are PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year (2020), NTPGA Golf Professional of the Year (1999, ‘07, ‘19), NTPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award (2003-05, ‘08, ‘14) and NTPGA Merchandiser of the Year (1994), plus induction into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2022. Glanton actively supports his colleagues, raising over $100,000 through pro-ams for PGA Members facing medical hardships. He’s also been a four-time contestant in the PGA Professional Championship, five-time contestant in the Senior PGA Professional National Championship and seven-time participant in the PGA TOUR Byron Nelson (now the CJ Cup Byron Nelson). Glanton is a three-time NTPGA Major Champion, six-time Senior Division Major Champion and a 17-time member of the NTPGA Joe Black Cup Team, which he has also captained three times. The PGA of America Hall of Fame originated in 1940 at the suggestion of famed sportswriter Grantland Rice. It is the highest honor the PGA of America can bestow upon its membership or ambassadors of the game. For a full list of PGA of America Hall of Fame members, click here. “The PGA of America is honored to recognize our 2025 Hall of Fame Class and celebrate the incredible impact they have had throughout their careers, inspiring thousands both on and off the course,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr., PGA Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “Whether they have won Major Championships, given thousands of lessons or captivated audiences with trick shots, each PGA Hall of Fame Member has played an essential role in shaping the game of golf as we know it today.” The 2025 PGA of America Hall of Fame Inductees fall under four induction categories: PGA of America Past President Category, PGA of America Golf Professional Category, Tour Player Professional Category and PGA of America Ambassador Category. Congratulations to Ronny on this momentous occasion!
By Molly Rawlins September 2, 2025
Four North Texans Named to 2025 USA Walker Cup Team, Including Three Former Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour Members