Northern Texas PGA Announces 2024 Section Award Winners

Margaret Miller • November 22, 2024

Neil Lockie Named Golf Professional of the Year

FRISCO, Texas (November 22, 2024) – Each year, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) recognizes its Members and others in the golf community through the NTPGA awards program. On behalf of the Northern Texas PGA Awards Committee and Past Presidents of the Section, it is our pleasure to announce the 2024 Section Award winners.


Neil Lockie, PGA director of golf at Dallas National Golf Club, is the recipient of the 2024 Northern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest honor given annually to a Northern Texas PGA Member, and is awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the NTPGA as well as the game of golf.


Lockie currently serves on the NTPGA’s Board as an At-Large Director. He has been an active volunteer on NTPGA committees, serving in the past on the Ewing Charity Classic Committee and is currently the chairperson of the Professional Development Committee. Additionally, Lockie was the recipient of the 2023 Northern Texas PGA Professional Development Award.


In December 2019, Lockie moved to North Texas after accepting the role as PGA Director of Golf at Dallas National Golf Club.  Lockie leads a team of PGA Professionals known for providing an exceptional golf experience and first-class member and guest service. Throughout this five-year tenure, Lockie has established new events such as The Flat Iron Pro-Member and The Duel Member-Member. Alongside his talented team, they have enhanced the tournament culture at the club, created a best-in-class retail program and have begun developing a pool of talented young professionals. 


Lockie is a frequent competitor in Northern Texas PGA Chapter and Section events. Along with competing, Lockie has been a regular in the Ewing Charity Classic, and this year played 100 holes on The Swing at PGA Frisco supporting Birdies for Kids. The Flat Iron Pro-Member, an event he started at Dallas National, has raised nearly $60,000 for the Northern Texas PGA Foundation.


In addition to Lockie, congratulations to the following 2024 NTPGA Award winners.

PGA Member Award Categories

Neil Lockie, PGA  (Dallas National Golf Club) – PGA Golf Professional of the Year


Clay Kinnaird, PGA (PGA Life Member) – Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a PGA Member in recognition of long-standing exceptional performance as a golf professional and distinguished service to the game.


Trish Holt, PGA (Fields Ranch) – Bill Strausbaugh Award 

This award is presented to a PGA Member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Members and Associates, building a talented team environment at their facility, and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Members.


Andrew Lewis, PGA (Sherrill Park Golf Course) – Teacher & Coach of the Year Award

This award is given to a PGA Member for promoting the game of golf through outstanding service and expertise in teaching. 


Eric Hunt, PGA (Grapevine Golf Course) – PGA Professional Development Award 

This award honors a PGA Member who has made significant and ongoing contributions to advancing educational opportunities and enhancing the professional growth of fellow PGA Members. This award recognizes dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the golf industry.


Joey Anders, PGA (Brookhaven Country Club) – Randy Smith Youth Player Development Award

This award recognizes a PGA Member who exemplifies leadership in junior golf, embodying a deep commitment to fostering youth development through the game. This award honors individuals who provide meaningful opportunities and impactful experiences, inspiring young players to learn, grow, and enjoy the game of golf.


Kirsten Pike, PGA (Las Colinas Country Club) – PGA Player Development Award 

This award honors a PGA Member who has made outstanding contributions to player development, playing a pivotal role in initiatives to grow the game. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding access to golf and inspiring new and seasoned players alike.


Jarred Jeter, PGA (Midland Country Club) – PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award presented by Veritex Bank

This award is presented to an Assistant Golf Professional who demonstrates high moral character and leadership and performs his or her duties at their facility at an elevated level.


Leah Berst, PGA (Highlands Performance Golf Center) – Patriot Award

The Patriot Award honors a PGA Member whose exceptional, ongoing dedication to PGA HOPE and other initiatives supporting Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and their families has made a profound and lasting impact. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to enrich the lives of our military community through the game of golf.


Alicia Singer, PGA (Colonial Country Club) – PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award: Private

Keith Harris, PGA (White Bluff Resort) – PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award: Public

Paul Earnest, PGA (Fields Ranch) – PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award: Resort

The Merchandiser of the Year Award celebrates PGA Members who excel in promoting the game of golf through outstanding business and merchandising practices. This award honors those who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional retail experiences, fostering customer engagement, and supporting the growth of golf in their communities.


Playing Awards

Spencer Dillard, PGA  (Preston Trail Golf Club) – Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon & Nike Player of the Year Award &  Ben Hogan / NTPGA Stroke Play Average Award Winner


Rob Shields, PGA (The Winsford Group) – Rolex | XXIO Senior Points Challenge Winner


Katelyn Sepmoree, PGA (Willow Brook Country Club) – NTPGA Woman Player of the Year Award


View more about the playing awards HERE.


Non-PGA Member Award Categories

Phil Hicks (Tyler Morning Telegraph) – Bob Galt Award

This award is presented to a member of the media in recognition of the significant contributions in promoting the golf profession and the game.


Robert Stennett (Ben Hogan Foundation) – Byron Nelson Award (Amateur) 

This award is presented to an amateur golfer for significant contributions in promoting golf and fostering its continued growth.


David Stewart, PGA (Yamaha Golf-Car Company) – Leon Faucett Award

This award honors an industry sales representative who exemplifies outstanding support for PGA Members and Section initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and a genuine passion for the game. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to fostering growth and excellence in the golf community.


Merlin Tielkemeier (Grapevine Golf Course) – Golf Course Superintendent Award

This award is presented to a GCSAA Superintendent for service and contributions to the game, the Section and the PGA of America Golf Professional.


The winners will be honored at an awards banquet on February 2, 2025, at River Crest Country Club in Fort Worth. Playing Awards will be recognized at the Northern Texas PGA Annual Meeting on February 3, 2025, at Ridglea Country Club.


For PDF format and media assets click HERE.


Contact: Kelly Gilley at kgilley@ntpga.com or (214) 379-8155


About the Northern Texas PGA
The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Over 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals employed at more than 300 facilities comprise this Section. Its geographic territory includes the State of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin. Northern Texas PGA headquarters are located on the PGA Frisco campus and feature picturesque office space, a growth of the game pavilion and a golf park designed for junior golfers. The Northern Texas PGA staff’s mission is to serve PGA of America golf professionals and grow the game by managing the day-to-day affairs of the Section. The Northern Texas PGA also operates the Northern Texas PGA Foundation and The Ronny Golf Park. For year-long coverage of the Northern Texas PGA, visit
ntpga.com or follow @ntxpga on Facebook, Instagram and X.

By Logan Bearden June 9, 2026
Frisco, Texas (June 9, 2026) – The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2026 scholarship recipients. Ninety high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $947,500, breaking last year’s record by $184,500! Since its inception in 1983, the Foundation’s scholarship program has now reached an incredible milestone, surpassing 1,000 scholarships awarded for a lifetime total of nearly $7.5 million in student support. “What amazing numbers these are!” said Northern Texas PGA Chief Executive Officer Mark Harrison. “The growth and support we have seen for our scholarship program over the last few years is remarkable, and truly unmatched. I want to thank all of our partners who make this year-over-year record possible, and I also want to congratulate and wish the best of luck to the young men and women who have worked diligently throughout high school to receive one of our scholarships this year. I know they will go on to do great things.” The 2026 scholarship amounts vary from $2,500 to $20,000. In addition, two students were awarded a “last-dollar” full scholarship to two of the Foundation’s partner schools, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and one student was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of North Texas, which is a new partner school for this year. Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients: A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship Saydi Durbin – Mart High School Ethan Hocking – Mart High School Allison and Jerry Freeman Scholarship Niko Klassen – Homeschool ANNIKA Foundation Scholarship Alicia Bellendir – Coppell High School April and Mark Anthony Scholarship Huey Black – Canyon High School Baylor Scott & White Scholarship Garrick Ly – Lone Star High School Aliya Rasheed – Panther Creek High School Ben Hogan Foundation / Fred & Michele Reynolds Scholarship Jeffery Rubenstein – Highland Park High School Ben Hogan Foundation / Lillie Biggins Scholarship Mikayla Martin – Homeschool Ben Hogan Foundation / Mike McMahan Scholarship Adam Strauss – Greenhill School Ben Hogan Foundation / Mike Wright Scholarship Gracie Ellis – Clarendon High School Birdies For Kids Scholarship Sydnee Fain – Midland High Jade Mara – Argyle High School Cameron Doan NTPGA Golf Professional of the Year Scholarship Landon Reece – Mildred High School CJ Corporation Scholarship Katherine Bustetter – Centennial High School Harper Mallonee – Highland Park High School Luke Martin – Rockwall-Heath High School Delaney Newberry – Highland Park High School Yunjae Park – Prosper High School Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Yvette Altamirano – W. W. Samuell High School Matisse Edwards – David W. Carter High School Abril Guerrero – Thomas Jefferson High School Ariel Meza Meza – Thomas Jefferson High School Sa'Mareion Tucker – Lincoln High School Camyre' Williams – Lincoln High School Destination Grapevine Texas Women's Open Scholarship Audrey McCallum – Colleyville Heritage High School Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship Cameron Warner – Wakeland High School Ewing Automotive Scholarship Hannah Antunes – China Spring High School Avery Jones – Homeschool Fore Frisco Scholarship Amara Okafor – Lone Star High School Rajdeep Singh – Panther Creek High School Lauryn Spraggs – Panther Creek High School Nikki Zahedi – Lone Star High School Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship Alan Ocampo – Thomas Jefferson High School Fritz and Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship Taylor Carr – McKinney Boyd High School Giveback Foundation Scholarship Jelani Johnson Simon – Panther Creek High School Evan Tupper – Lone Star High School Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship Keegan Batla – Garden City High School Darby Ehrbar – Flower Mound High School Tyson Embry – Marcus High School Caroline Fent – Ursuline Academy of Dallas Riley Gudgeon – Hebron High School Xiyu Mei – Walnut Grove High School Jude Robbins – Wakeland High School I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship De'Asia Williams – David W. Carter High School Jackie Cupit Scholarship Brody Callens – White Oak High School Jerry Andrews Scholarship Dylan Wisener – Sachse High School Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship Max Cearley – Rockwall High School Brooks Head – Coppell High School Reed Heilig – Flower Mound High School Brooklynn Landrumm – Melissa High School Van Leugers – Rockwall High School Haylie Moore – Burleson Centennial High School Bryan Sargent – Walnut Grove High School Joe Black / Texas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship Jacob Mekelburg – Maypearl High School Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship William Wampler – Canton High School Jon and Kim Morgan Scholarship Aashi Vakta – Justin Wakeland High School Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship Damir Ali – Thomas Jefferson High School Marely Angeles – Lincoln High School Dayanara Aquino – W.W. Samuell High School Montrell Horner – Lincoln High School Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship Anisaa Abdullah – Emmett J. Conrad High School Reagan Lorenson – McKinney North High School Daphny Moore – Keene High School M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship Samuel Fate – Tyler Legacy High School Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship Anabelle Floriani – Lone Star High School Miss Katie Scholarship Gloria Solis – Thomas Jefferson High School Never Stop Believing Scholarship Annabeth Boyd – Trinity Preparatory Academy Perry Arthur Scholarship Faith Hughes – Community Christian School Philip Bleakney Scholarship Samuel Williams – Vilonia High School Randy Smith Scholarship Carson Niemann – Byron Nelson High School Ronny Glanton Scholarship Addison Akers – Bryan Adams High School Ronny Golf Park Scholarship Madison Bixler – Lone Star High School Riaan Nazrul – Panther Creek High School Carlo Rogers – Panther Creek High School Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship Kian Sköld – Frisco High School Scottie and Meredith Scheffler Scholarship Austin Morrissette – Northwest High School Addelyn Schwarzlose – Tascosa High School Sherrill Park / Two Dads and a Coach Scholarship Kristin Coffman – Berkner High School Tehan Scholarship Cooper Knapp – Wylie High School The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Scholarship Aiden Tiet – Garland Christian Academy UNT / Fore Frisco Scholarship Kayla Rochez – Panther Creek High School UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Daisy Navarro – W.W. Samuell High School UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Leibi Chavira Reyes – W.W. Samuell High School West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring Jenny Cox Claire Smiley – Amarillo High School West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring S.A. Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure, and Sherwin Cox Gunnar Barrera – Levelland High School Three additional scholarship winners will be announced later this June, with recipients selected via random drawings at two upcoming events. First, the Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am fundraising tournament will award a $5,000 scholarship to a participating recent graduate. Later in the month, the S.A. Smith West Texas Junior Invitational will host a drawing for two $2,500 memorial scholarships in honor of Jerry D. Smith, one awarded to a male participant and one to a female participant.
By Erik Anderson June 2, 2026
FRISCO, Texas (June 2, 2026) – Following a milestone celebration of their 20-year partnership this May, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and Ewing Automotive Group are proud to announce a five-year extension of their agreement. This agreement ensures the Ewing Automotive Group will remain a key supporter of golf in North Texas through 2030. Under the extended terms, Ewing Automotive Group will continue as the title sponsor of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and its three competitive tours. As one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, the Junior Tour serves approximately 4,500 members (ages 6–19) and conducts more than 450 tournaments annually. The pathway includes The Prep Tour powered by Ewing Subaru of Plano, The Medalist Tour powered by Ewing Buick GMC, and The All American Tour powered by Mercedes-Benz of Plano. A recent addition to the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour is the Randy Smith Tour . This non-competitive tour is a beginner-friendly tour focused on fun, teamwork, and learning, and is the first step on the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour pathway. Since the partnership’s inception in 2006, the scope of junior golf in the region has expanded significantly. The Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour has hosted over 6,565 tournaments and facilitated approximately 365,000 rounds of golf. Annual event totals have more than doubled, rising from 200 tournaments in 2006 to 457 in 2025. Beyond the numbers, the Junior Tour has become a premier proving ground for elite talent. Alumni of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour have secured nine Major Championships, including titles won by Scottie Scheffler (4), Jordan Spieth (3), Angela Stanford (1), and Brittany Lang (1). Remarkably, since 2006, NTPGA Junior Tour alumni have produced more major champions than entire nations, including England, Australia, Spain, and South Africa. The extension also reaffirms Ewing Automotive Group’s commitment to the Northern Texas PGA Foundation through the continued hosting of the Ewing Charity Classic. Over the past 30 years, the Ewing Charity Classic and its predecessor, The Westcott Pro-Am, have raised over $6.3 million to support community outreach programs. Furthermore, the "Closest-to-the-Hole" contest, a tradition started by Fin Ewing III in 2012 to recognize and thank participating PGA professionals, will continue through 2030 by awarding a new car for first place and cash prizes for second and third places in the shootout.  “Learning to play golf as a child was an incredible blessing that provided priceless time with my father and brother,” said Finley Ewing IV, CEO of Ewing Automotive Group. “We credit golf for our close family relationships, and that passion eventually led to scholarships at Vanderbilt and Texas Tech for my brother, Charlie, and me, providing access to amazing opportunities. We are honored to help provide that same foundation for the next generation.” The partnership extension also secures vital funding for the NTPGA Foundation’s scholarship program. Two Ewing Automotive Group scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, will be awarded annually to graduating seniors. This contribution supports a program that has grown from $62,000 in total annual giving in 2006 to $947,500 in 2026. “Simply put, we could not achieve our mission at the Northern Texas PGA without the unwavering support of Fin Ewing III and his family,” said Mark Harrison, CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “The Ewing name is synonymous with golf in North Texas, but more importantly, the family represents the very best of our community. Their generosity allows us to go above and beyond in serving our PGA professionals and growing the game. We are thrilled to formally extend this partnership, but even more grateful to continue the friendship through the end of the decade and well beyond.”
By Erik Anderson May 29, 2026
Rios (a) Claims Low Amateur Honors
By Erik Anderson May 29, 2026
GRAPEVINE, Texas (May 28, 2026) – Carding a 7-under-par second round 65, defending champion Sadie Englemann of Austin, TX, takes a four-stroke lead into the final round of the Destination Grapevine Texas Women’s Open. Englemann fired a bogey-free second round of 32-33–65, and sits at 13-under-par for the Championship. Last year, Englemann was looking for her first professional win. This year, she has the experience of a past champion and said, “Going into tomorrow, it’s not let’s try to get the first win. Let’s put my foot on the pedal and not get protective.” Through 36 holes, Englemann has not made a bogey. “If one comes tomorrow, it’s whatever, but it’s been a big key this week. Birdies are firing from everyone, so if you can keep from going backwards, it’s pretty important.” Sadie, a two-time champion with Stanford, closed with, “It was nice to watch my Cardinal win the national championship last night, so shout out to them.” A four-way tie for second at 9-under-par includes Abbey Daniel of West Point, MS, Samantha Vodry of Sherman, TX, and Katie Lu of Aiken, SC. Alicia Bellendir (a) leads the amateur division at 4-under-par after carding a second round of 34-36–70. Bellendir leads her sister, Elizabeth Bellendir (a) and Lauren Rios (a) by one stroke ahead of the final round. Alicia stated, “Most sisters don’t root for each other like we do. We both want each other to win. I especially want her to play well with recruiting coming up.” Elizabeth added, “We’re really close. We always practice together, so it’s super cool to be where we’re at.” Rios, a native of Coppell, TX, just finished her senior year at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She finished with All-Conference honors and a top ten finish at the American Conference Championships. She will return to UTSA next year for her final year of eligibility. There are seven players within five shots of the lead looking to surpass Englemann on Friday. Fifty players, including eight amateurs, survived the cut at even par and will play in tomorrow’s final round. The final round will begin tomorrow at 8 a.m. on the #1 tee. The final grouping will start at 10:51 a.m. The field is competing for a $80,000 Championship purse with the champion earning $13,250 for their victory on Friday. The top two finishers will earn exemptions into the Epson Tour’s Island Resort Championship. A $2,500 ANNIKA Foundation college scholarship will be awarded to a female NTPGA junior golfer tomorrow. That scholarship and a $5,000 Destination Grapevine Texas Women’s Open scholarship will be awarded at tomorrow afternoon’s awards ceremony. It will begin at approximately 3:45 p.m. Grapevine Golf Course (Pecan/Mockingbird) Par: 36-36–72 Yardage: 6,333 yards View the full leaderboard HERE View photos HERE View final round starting times HERE