Northern Texas PGA Announces The Ronny Golf Park

Molly Rawlins • December 16, 2022

Launches New Website ronnygolfpark.com

FRISCO, TX – The Northern Texas PGA is expanding the NTPGA Foundation’s community outreach and growth of the game programs with the opening of The Ronny Golf Park. At The Ronny,  golf is for everyone. Kids can learn the game through dedicated junior golf programs, families can have fun together, and our community can connect through the game of golf. 


The Ronny Golf Park is the first of its kind. It is a two-acre, lighted golf park made entirely of synthetic turf. It can be played on in rain or shine, day or night. It was designed with junior golfers in mind, and our staff offers a variety of programs for children ages 3-14 to learn the game at The Ronny. When not in use for programs, the Golf Park is free and open to the public. 


“Our mission is to serve our PGA Members and grow the game,” said Mark Harrison, Executive Director/CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “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. Having The Ronny Golf Park right outside the back door of the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House and two full-time team members as well as year-round interns dedicated to coaching means that we are now able to do even more for junior golf by introducing kids to the game at this one-of-a-kind facility that promotes the welcoming and fun aspects of the game.”


The Ronny Golf Park features two, reduced-sized, replica 18th hole putting greens from the East and West Courses of PGA Frisco, two chipping greens, a third practice putting green, an 18-hole putting course and a flex area with a playground and obstacle course specifically built for kids. 


Another unique aspect of The Ronny is the Carpool Putting Green that was made possible by a generous donation from the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation. Jordan grew up on the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and has supported our Foundation's growth of the game initiatives since 2013. What is unique about the Carpool Putting Green is that it features seven replicate putts of the five NTPGA Junior Tour Members that have won major championships including Spieth, Justin Leonard, Brittany Lang, Angela Stanford and Scottie Scheffler. 


Additional Golf Park features are highlighted further on the newly launched ronnygolfpark.com. You can find information on our new junior golf programs set to begin in mid-January 2023, our coaching staff, features of The Ronny, when it is open to the public and more. 


“We wanted the website to be kid-friendly, parent-friendly, and easy for the public to use and understand when they can come enjoy time at The Ronny,” Harrison stated about the website. “We wanted it to encompass exactly what The Ronny is – a place where everyone is welcome.” 


The Golf Park is named after Ronny Glanton, PGA, who has been the head professional at Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson, Texas, since 1985. He served as President of the Northern Texas PGA Section twice, the only professional in the Section’s history to do so. The most notable accomplishment under Glanton’s leadership was in 2018 when The PGA of America announced its relocation to Frisco, and that the PGA Frisco campus would include a new home for the Northern Texas PGA. With Ronny’s more than 30 years of service and dedication to the game, it made him the perfect namesake for The Ronny Golf Park.


“I am humbled that the Section’s Board of Directors, staff and longtime friends of mine would be generous enough to include my name on this wonderful space,” said Glanton. “In my time as a PGA professional, I have tried to keep in the forefront of my daily responsibility to the game to make sure me and my staff are doing all we can to grow the sport, and this golf park will provide an incredible place to do just that. The future is bright.”


The Northern Texas PGA invites you to take a look around ronnygolfpark.com to learn a bit more about the park, check when it is open, and get familiar with the features. Beginning January 16, 2023, come putt, chip, play and make memories at The Ronny. There’s no other place like it! 

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