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.

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