Meet the Four Northern Texas PGA Members that will represent Our Section at the 47th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

Lexie Lenderman • November 15, 2023

Four Northern Texas PGA assistant professionals will be making the trip down to Port St. Lucie, Florida, to play in the 47th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship (PPC). The Championship will take place November 16-19 at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course. Learn more about these professionals below!


PGA Assistant Professional at Cross Timbers Golf Club Dustin Nelson will be competing in his third Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Nelson, the most seasoned Assistant PGA Professional Championship competitor out of the group, is looking to make the final cut again this year. “I’m excited to be back,” said Nelson. “The first time I went I didn't make the cut and last year I did so I’m looking forward to doing better this time.” He is pretty familiar with playing at PGA Golf Club, and shared that his favorite hole on the Wanamaker course is hole 1. “On the days you get to start on hole 1, you get to jump off to a good start.” Since Nelson is a returnee to the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, he said that he would tell a first-time qualifier to treat it as just another tournament. “I would tell them not to overthink it. It is just another golf tournament like we’ve all played.” He shared, “The first year I went I made it bigger than what it was going in instead of just playing another golf round.” 


First time Assistant PGA Professional Championship qualifier, Corbin Renner, PGA assistant professional at Shady Oaks Country Club, is excited for the opportunity to play. He shared that most of his family lives near Port St. Lucie, so he feels as if he has a “home crowd advantage” this week. He is not only looking forward to being back in the Florida weather, but also seeing his friends from other Sections, specifically the friends he made from the New York Section (Metropolitan) while earning his PGA Membership. Renner mentioned that his golf mentor, Ben Parks, played a major role in where he is today. “He took me under his wing and showed me everything from saying ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘no ma’am’ to the fundamentals of golf.” He added, “I make sure that when I’m teaching kids and mentoring them, the values that he instilled in me I pass on to everyone else.” While Renner hopes to be successful this week, he knows that he will have an enjoyable trip simply knowing that he will have friends and family cheering him on. “I’m going to give it my best and know that I’ll be there supported by a lot of family and friends. I’m going to have as much fun as I can with the guys that I’m playing with, and the good golf will come.”


PGA Assistant Professional at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco Ricky Liu will also be competing in the Assistant PGA Professional Championship for the first time. “When I got the call I was shaking,” said Liu. “I’m excited about the competition, the environment and meeting new people.” Since becoming a Northern Texas PGA Member back in March, Ricky has been able to not only compete in tournaments, but also meet and learn from other professionals. “It’s cool to see what they do in the golf industry and how I can bring that to Fields Ranch.” He also mentioned being mentored by the professionals at Fields Ranch: Glen Griffith, PGA head golf professional, Trish Holt, PGA head golf professional, and Paul Earnest, PGA director of golf and operations. “Paul said I need to be healthy and take the time to focus on myself as I prepare for next week.” Liu was part of the Sam Houston State University PGA Golf Management program with fellow Northern Texas PGA qualifier Spencer Dillard. “It’s really cool to be part of this small crew from Sam Houston State and we all get to go play in this event together.” He added, “[Dillard] was a senior when I was a freshman and the bond is still there.”


Spencer Dillard, PGA assistant professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, is looking to continue his successful season at the Assistant PGA Professional Championship. He has not only qualified for the Assistant PPC, but also the Levy Cup Matches team, Duel in the Desert and the PGA Professional Championship. Dillard mentioned that being able to qualify for these tournaments has helped his momentum and confidence tremendously. “Playing more tournament golf throughout the entire year just makes you more prepared and more confident.” Dillard was able to card almost 20 rounds at the PGA Golf Course while playing golf at Sam Houston State University. “It kinda feels like a home course,” said Dillard. “I’ve been in all the places where you shouldn’t hit and should hit, so I have some pretty good feedback.” Dillard also mentioned with some enthusiasm that one of his golf mentors Mike Watson, PGA head golf professional and general manager at Castle Bay Country Club in Hampstead, North Carolina, will be in attendance to cheer him on.


The champion of the Assistant PGA Professional Championship will have the opportunity to play in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco on April 28 to May 1. 


We wish our Members the best of luck as they begin competing in the 47th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. We look forward to watching each of you as you compete this week. If you would like to follow along, please go to www.go.pga.com/scoring.

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 .

Dillard Earns $25,000 at Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Shootout at The Oaks

By Molly Rawlins • November 9, 2025
GREENVILLE, Texas (November 9) – Spencer Dillard, PGA head professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, claimed the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Shootout at The Oaks title, taking home $25,000 for the shootout win. It took two playoff holes for Dillard to best runner-up Matt Lohmeyer, PGA director of instruction at SLICGOLF, with Dillard making par on the second playoff hole while Lohmeyer made bogey after his tee shot found its way into the creek. “Playing hole nine a few times was hard,” commented Dillard. “[The shootout] is different than stroke play golf. It was like match play. You kind of saw what your opponents were in position for and what they were going to do, just trying to outlast them to the finish line. I was pretty comfortable in the shootout portion. Having Mark [Harrison] and Randy [Smith] there with the mics commenting and having some good banter kept us all relaxed. It is awesome to win that kind of money. Quite life-changing for those of us who get the chance to play for it. Thanks, Mr. Ransom, for everything you do for the Section.” Longtime NTPGA Foundation supporter Jerry J. Ransom welcomed 70 Northern Texas PGA Members and Associates to The Oaks Country Club for the second annual Shootout. The event was created last year as a way to recognize the PGA Professionals across the Section who dedicate their time and energy to growing the game through the NTPGA Foundation’s initiatives. The event was developed by Ransom in collaboration with NTPGA CEO Mark Harrison as a way to thank PGA Professionals across the Northern Texas Section while also providing exposure to The Oaks Country Club. The Oaks is a top-five nine-hole course in Texas according to the Dallas Morning News golf course rankings. The format for the event features a 9-hole qualifier, with the top three finishers and one randomly selected participant moving on to the afternoon shootout. Darren Malicki, PGA Associate at Cascades Country Club, was the first qualifier after finishing 3-under-par. Lohmeyer was the next to advance at 2-under, and finally Dillard at 1-under. Andrew Martin, PGA Associate at Tanglewood Golf Course, was the random drawing winner. The nine-hole Shootout portion of the event was played in three stages of three holes each, with one professional eliminated after every stage. After the first three holes, Martin was eliminated and landed a prize of $2,500. The scores were then reset to even par and the second three holes saw Darren Malicki bow out, but still earned $7,500. The scores again reset to even par for the final three-hole segment, where Dillard and Lohmeyer battled it out in five. The Oaks Country Club 9 Holes Par 36 3,355 yards View the final results HERE