Northern Texas PGA Announces Foundation Name Change, Launches Updated Website

Molly Rawlins • February 15, 2019

Northern Texas PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Northern Texas PGA, is the new name of the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation.

Northern Texas PGA Foundation - New Website by Long Drive Agency

The Northern Texas PGA is taking new steps towards furthering our commitment of growing the game in North Texas by renaming our Foundation to the Northern Texas PGA Foundation.

The renaming comes as the Section is expanding its Foundation programs beyond junior golf. The five pillars of the Northern Texas PGA Foundation now include – junior golf, college scholarships, fellowships, inclusion and military & veterans.

“Over the past 36 years, our Foundation’s primary focus has been on junior golf, and the impact has been tremendous,” said Ronny Glanton, President of the Northern Texas PGA. “However, as our influence continues to grow and expand, particularly with the recent announcement of PGA Frisco, it was becoming very apparent that we could and needed to do more to continue to grow the game and positively impact lives.”

In 1983, the Northern Texas PGA established the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with the purpose of growing the game of golf among juniors in the area. The NTPGA Junior Golf Foundation was committed to promoting and growing the game of golf to a diverse group of kids in North Texas and instilling in them the positive, character developing traits for which the game is so well known.

“Growing the game through junior golf is a major component of what we do and it will always be what we are laser focused on,” said Mark Harrison Executive Director / CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “With the demographics in North Texas changing every day, our sport needs to become more welcoming and inclusive, therefore, inclusion is a new pillar of our Foundation.”

“Our mission is to serve our PGA Members and grow the game,” Harrison continued. “We are incredibly excited to also announce that we are adding a fifth pillar of our Foundation that targets military and veterans through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere).”

PGA HOPE is the PGA of America’s flagship military initiative that introduces golf to military and veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For the last several years, the Northern Texas PGA has piloted a PGA HOPE program at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, that has been led by PGA General Manager Ira Molayo.

“The programming was so successful and the impact being made was so significant, that our Board of Directors made the decision to add inclusion and also military and veterans to the Foundation’s pillars, hence, the Foundation’s name change,” said Mark Harrison.

PGA HOPE programming will be expanded in Dallas and new locations will be added in Plano, Trophy Club, Odessa and Amarillo this spring. Programming will be conducted by PGA Professionals, several of whom are veterans themselves. There is no charge for active military and veterans to participate in PGA HOPE.

The expansion was made possible primarily through the support from a military fundraising event called “The Salute” that was hosted and conducted by the members at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas. The event raised funds for David Feherty’s Troops First Foundation, the Defenders of Freedom and also the Northern Texas PGA Foundation’s PGA HOPE programming.

Along with the Foundation transformation, the Northern Texas PGA is also excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website found at www.ntpga.com.

This new design boasts an updated look, an improved layout to better serve our visitors as well as a dedicated space for the Northern Texas PGA Foundation.

“We knew that along with these changes to our Foundation, its programs and outreach, that we would need an enhanced space to showcase these initiatives,” said Harrison. “That is exactly what the new ntpga.com helps us do.”

Having reached countless people through the game of golf since the Section was established, the Northern Texas PGA’s Board of Directors, staff and membership at-large are excited for the new expansion and what the next 50 years hold for the Section, Foundation and golfers in the northern Texas area.

“While the Foundation’s name has changed to reflect its scale, reach and growth, our core focus of growing the game of golf holds true,” said Ronny Glanton. “As we expand the scope of our initiatives, we are confident that under our new name, Northern Texas PGA Foundation, we will continue to be synonymous with exceptional service, programming and a dedication to the game for which we are known.”

For more information on the Northern Texas PGA Foundation, please visit the Section’s redesigned website at www.ntpga.com.

Team NTPGA Falls Shy in 9th Levy Cup Matches

By Steven Clements • November 4, 2025
PLANO, Texas (November 4) – The Northern Texas PGA team fell just shy of winning its fifth straight Levy Cup Matches. Team NTPGA lost to Team STPGA 11.5 to 12.5 after two days of competition at Gleneagles Country Club - Queen’s Course. The Levy Cup is a Ryder Cup-style format tournament featuring teams represented by four Assistant PGA Professionals and four Senior PGA Professionals (any classification, aged 50 and older) and four PGA Members Other who qualified through their respective Section Major Championships. The Matches were created in 2017 to celebrate Paul Levy, PGA, who was completing his first year of a two-year term as President of the PGA of America. During his career, Paul has been a member of both Sections. After Monday’s Four-Ball and Foursomes Matches, Team NTPGA trailed 7 to 5. They came out battling in the Singles Matches, winning 5.5 points in the first seven matches. That put Team NTPGA in the lead, but Team STPGA was able to win four of the last five Singles Matches and win the Levy Cup for the first time since 2020. “It was a very hard-fought couple of days by both teams. I could not have been happier to have been a part of this,” said NTPGA Captain Keith Harris, PGA. The 9th Levy Cup Matches were supported by Club Car, Dunning and Ping. Gleneagles Country Club - Queen’s Course Par: 36-35–71 Yardage: 6,676 yards View Final Match Standings HERE

Team NTPGA Trails 7-5 After Day One of the 9th Levy Cup Matches

By Steven Clements • November 3, 2025
PLANO, Texas (November 3) – The Northern Texas PGA trails the Southern Texas PGA 7-5 after day one of the 9th Levy Cup Matches at Gleneagles Country Club - Queen’s Course. The Levy Cup is a Ryder Cup-style format featuring teams represented by four Assistant PGA Professionals and four Senior PGA Professionals (any classification, aged 50 and older) and four PGA Members Other who qualified through their respective Section Major Championships. The Matches were created in 2017 to celebrate Paul Levy, PGA who was completing his first year of a two-year term as President of the PGA of America. During his career Paul has been a member of both Sections. After last year’s Matches were shortened due to weather and Team NTPGA won 9-3, Team STPGA was motivated to have a strong showing this year. They took the lead in the morning Four-Ball Matches after winning the final four matches. In the afternoon Foursomes Team NTPGA won 3.5 points to cut into the STPGA lead. Team NTPGA will need to win seven points to keep their winning streak alive and win their fifth straight Matches. Singles Matches begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow The 9th Levy Cup Matches are supported by Club Car, Dunning and Ping. Gleneagles Country Club - Queen’s Course Par: 36-35–71 Yardage: 6,676 yards View Current Match Standings HERE

Northern Texas PGA Recognizes Newest Hall of Fame Members at 2025 Induction Ceremony

By Molly Rawlins • October 30, 2025
Frisco, TX (October 30) – The Northern Texas PGA honored its inaugural Byron Nelson Foundation | Northern Texas PGA Hall of Fame members during a luncheon ceremony held today at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco. Following the luncheon, attendees were welcomed to the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House, where the names of the 2025 inductees were officially unveiled on the Byron Nelson Foundation | Northern Texas PGA Hall of Fame display. The inaugural class of 2025 included PGA Members Joe Black, Ross Collins, Ronny Glanton, David Price and Randy Smith, as well as non-Members/Ambassadors Dr. Bill Blair, Fin Ewing III and Jerry J. Ransom. “This means a lot,” said Dr. Blair after the ceremony. “Particularly coming from the Northern Texas Section, an organization that I have a lot of respect and admiration for. The induction ceremony was a great event, and a wonderful event to be a part of.” The Byron Nelson Foundation | Northern Texas PGA Hall of Fame was created to honor those in our community who embody the simple but powerful belief that Byron Nelson himself lived by every day: “Be good to the game and give back.” Those we celebrated today are more than great golf professionals or leaders. They are people who have devoted themselves to lifting others, to growing the game, and to leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations. Each inductee has distinguished themselves in four meaningful ways: Leadership and service Achievements and awards Support of the NTPGA Foundation and its growth-of-the-game initiatives The lasting impact they have made on those around them “What a special day to be a part of,” said Jake McCullough, honorary NTPGA President and chair of the Hall of Fame selection committee. “It has been an honor to help launch the hall of fame this year, and these eight men are very deserving of the honor they have received. The members of the Class of 2025 are game-changers who embody Mr. Nelson’s words of ‘be good to the game and give back.’” To be considered, nominees must be at least 50 years old, have made their mark over at least a decade within the Section, and, if a PGA Professional, they must be a Member in good standing. New members will be welcomed every other year. Learn more about each of the inductees on our website www.ntpga.com/hall-of-fame .

Golf Clubs at The Tribute General Manager Mike McCabe Earns PGA Master Professional Designation

By Molly Rawlins • October 29, 2025
Mike McCabe, the General Manager of The Golf Clubs at The Tribute in The Colony, Texas, has earned PGA Master Professional Status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain. The program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations. McCabe is the 477th to earn the recognition, joining a special group among the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals within the Association. He achieved his designation in Executive Management. “I’m passionate about being a PGA of America Golf Professional, and to achieve the highest honor in our educational program is something I don’t take lightly,” said McCabe, a PGA of America Golf Professional since 2007. “It’s a tremendous honor to be among an elite group of PGA Master Professionals. Going forward I look to continue mentoring the next generation to be good stewards of this beautiful game and growing future professionals.” The PGA Master Professional Program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation. McCabe, a native of Emporia, Kansas, graduated from The Golf Academy of America in December of 1996 and was the director of golf at Tour 18 Golf Course in Dallas. From 2003-11 he was the director of golf for Bridlewood Golf Club in Flower Mound where he was awarded the 2010 Northern Texas PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year award. In 2011 he became the general manager of The Old American Golf Club. In 2020, McCabe spearheaded the combination of Old American and the Tribute Golf Links into a semi-private, 36-hole club, now known as The Golf Clubs at The Tribute. Under his direction as general manager, the facility has become an award winning, nationally ranked member resort. McCabe was instrumental in bringing the LPGA Tour’s Volunteers of America Classic to the North Texas facility in 2018, which at the time was the only LPGA Tour event in Texas.