Jack Ireland Surges to a Two Shot Lead After Three Rounds at The 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open

Steven Clements • July 30, 2021

Tyler, Texas - After 26 and a half holes of golf Thursday, Jack Ireland now leads the 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open. He will carry a two shot lead into the final round that will begin Friday morning.


After inclement weather halted play on Wednesday at 2:20 p.m. during the second round, play was able to re-commence at 8:00 a.m. this morning. At the conclusion of 36-holes, 63 players survived the 2-under-par cut line, including 11 amateurs and 52 professionals.


Ireland, of The Woodlands, Texas opened with a score of 63 and fired consecutive rounds of 6-under-par 64 to take a two shot lead over Dillon Board. 


“Kind of a crazy start getting back out and teeing off late in the same day. I went back home and took a nap so I was kinda thrown off.” Ireland continues, “I got it going a little sideways on number one, but then chipped in and was able to find my feet and had a good front 9 and keep it going on the back.” 


Ireland spent his collegiate days playing for Cal State Fullerton and UCLA and has been playing as a professional for roughly two years now. 


Ireland said after the round, “I saw a lot of improvement right when I turned pro. I got a lot better at certain things. I have been able to grow and get better as a person and it’s paid off so now I play good golf.” 


Ireland is two shots ahead of Dillon Board, who was the 36-hole leader. Board currently sits in solo second place after rounds of 62-64-67 and is 17-under-par. 


Matthew Watkins (a) of Heath, Texas, continued his consistent play, firing a 4-under-par 66 in the third round. He sits in a tie for low amateur honors at 11-under-par total, 67-66-66-199. Watkins is a rising sophomore at the University of New Mexico. 


“The back nine was slow. I was hitting it to 30 feet, and missed a few greens, but on hole 14 that’s where I got it back. I birdied that one and on the drivable par 4 15th hole I chipped in for an eagle,” said Watkins.


Watkins is tied with Paul Gonzalez (a) of Waxahachie, Texas,  who jumped back to sharing the top of the amtateur leaderboard after signing for a score of 3-under-par, 67 card. Gonzalez will be entering his senior year at the University of Texas at Arlington. 


“I feel good. I think today I came out a lot less nervous than yesterday, which kinda let me be more free on the course and so I wasn’t afraid to go at a few more pins today,” said Gonzalez. 


Watkins and Gonzalez are both former NTPGA Junior Tour members and enjoyed a lot of success in their junior careers. The two will battle it out tomorrow in the 9:12 a.m. pairing off of the first hole.


Play for the final round of the 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open will begin at 8:00 a.m. Friday morning and groups will start on the 1st and 10th holes. The decision to move to a double tee was made by officials due to a heat advisory that will be in effect combined with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. 


The Low PGA Club Professional at the conclusion of play will be recognized and awarded a silver trophy. Two PGA club professionals made it through the cut. Nic Ishee,

PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, currently leads this division at 3-under-par. Josh Havard, PGA Head Professional at Rolling Hills Country Club is one shot behind at 2-under-par.


The 51st Higginbotham Texas State Open is a 72-hole stroke play event consisting of 123 professionals and 33 amateurs competing for a Texas State Open record purse of $210,000 with the winner taking home $42,500. All four rounds will be contested at The Cascades Club from Tuesday, July 27 through Friday, July 30.

 

View the current leaderboard HERE

Lohmeyer Earns Player of the Year Honors

By Molly Rawlins • December 17, 2025
Paez, McCorkle, Shields also honored with Playing Awards

Bingaman, Shields Earn First Match Play Victories at the Duel in the Desert at Lajitas Golf Resort

By Margaret Miller • December 9, 2025
LAJITAS, Texas (December 9) – Brandon Bingaman, PGA assistant professional at Gleneagles Country Club, won the Duel in the Desert at Lajitas Golf Resort to claim the 2025 Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon and Nike Match Play Championship Open Division title. Rob Shields, PGA member at The Winsford Group, claimed the Senior Division title. The No. 2-seeded Bingaman battled No. 12 Jon Antunes, PGA director of instruction at Heart of Texas Golf Academy, in a 36-hole final match for the title and $10,000. Both players began their run to the championship match back in October at White Bluff Resort, where they battled their way through the 32-player Match Play Championship bracket. “It’s incredible out here,” said Bingaman. “Jon is awesome; we couldn’t have had more fun. It’s hard, because on one hand you want to win and it's stressful, but on the other hand we were just two guys enjoying playing golf.” After playing 18 holes on Monday, their match stood at 2UP in favor of Bingaman. He continued his charge with birdies on holes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, extending his lead to 7UP. Antunes quickly answered back with a long putt on the 9th hole to cut into Bingaman's lead. But, Bingaman drained a birdie putt on hole 13 to end the match. He claimed his first Match Play title 7&5. Bingaman made a putter switch in between the 36-hole match. “I brought two putters with me. I’ve been flipping back and forth recently between a L.A.B Putter and a Scottie Cameron, which did me well last week. Going into this weekend, I had a good feeling [about the latter], and good feelings turned into good playing.” This is the first year that Bingaman has made it to the final match. Antunes has won the title twice, previously in 2021 and 2022. “This was my first time qualifying for [Duel in the Desert], and I was super excited because I’ve heard nothing but great things about Lajitas Golf Resort,” said Bingaman. In the Senior Division, Rob Shields, PGA Member of the Winsford Group, started the day with a 1UP lead over Billy Harris. Harris birdied the 2nd hole to tie the match, and on the next hole, he went 1UP. Shields and Harris battled back and forth on holes 4, 5, 6 and 7 before Shields won holes 8, 9 and 10. His 3UP lead was enough to take the victory on hole 16, 3&2. “I think my putting was good. I hit the fairways today, which is good because if not, you’re playing in the trees, or desert; but, it was fun. I had a good time,” said Shields. He continued by praising his opponent and friend, Billy Harris, “I’ve known Billy for a long time. He’s a good guy.” Shields earned $5,000 for his victory today and his first match play title. This year was the fourth year that the Open Division championship match was conducted in Lajitas and the second year that the Senior Division joined them. “This place is a hidden gem. It’s a great golf course, lots and lots of fun. It was a joy being out here. The elevation changes are awesome,” said Shields about Lajitas Golf Resort. The Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon and Nike Match Play Championship was presented by Adventures In Golf, Lajitas Golf Resort, PGA TOUR, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, TPx Communications and XXIO.
Cameron Doan GY

Northern Texas PGA Announces 2025 Section Award Winners

By Molly Rawlins • November 21, 2025
2025 NTPGA Award Winners

Team NTPGA Victorious at Historic 45th Texas Joe Black Cup Matches

November 18, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 18, 2025) – The historic 45th Joe Black Cup has concluded, and we proudly congratulate Team NTPGA on securing the victory at BraeBurn Country Club with a final score of 15.5–8.5 over Team STPGA. Team NTPGA established early momentum during Day One, delivering an impressive performance in the Four-Ball and Foursomes matches, where they earned 9.5 points to build a commanding lead. Their strong play continued into the Singles matches, where they successfully held off a determined rally from Team STPGA. Throughout Tuesday’s competition, spectators were treated to a dynamic and engaging battle, with the leaderboard frequently shifting between red and blue as both teams exchanged critical points to tie the session 6-6. This year’s event was elevated by a truly memorable “Evening of Honor,” during which we welcomed and celebrated 29 Past Captains. Their presence underscored the tradition, legacy, and camaraderie that define the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the event’s rich history and the influential leaders who have helped shape its enduring significance. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Team NTPGA for their outstanding performance and to both teams for exemplifying sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and pride in their respective sections. The 45th Joe Black Cup will long be remembered as a fitting tribute to the heritage of golf in Texas, Mr. Joe Black, and the individuals who continue to elevate the game. After 45 years of competition, the Northern Texas PGA now holds a 22–21–2 lead over the Southern Texas PGA in the storied history of the Joe Black Cup Matches. The 46th playing will return to Midland Country Club on November 16–17, 2026, where Team STPGA will look to reclaim the cup and bring it back to Southern Texas. A special thank you to Club Car, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, Peter Millar, and Winston Collection for their outstanding partnership and support in creating a world-class atmosphere befitting this historic 45th edition of the Matches. To view the final results, click here .