Northern Texas PGA Foundation Hosts Successful 4th Annual PGA HOPE Cup

Harper Lawson • November 14, 2024

Winning Team Advances to 2025 Secretary’s Cup at PGA Championship

On Wednesday, November 13, 14 teams comprised of a PGA professional and four Veterans competed at Indian Creek Golf Club in the 4th annual PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Cup. The winning team, led by Christopher Lawson, PGA head professional at Ridglea Country Club, alongside veterans Colin Cremin, Marco Garcia, Kenny Edwards, and Ryder Johnson, triumphed with a score of 6-under-par, shooting 30 on the front nine. Their victory earned them the coveted opportunity to represent the Northern Texas PGA at the 2025 Secretary’s Cup, which will take place during the PGA Championship at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.


However, as Lawson noted, the real win wasn’t just the title—it was the chance to give back to those who’ve given so much.


“There is no better way to give back than to those that protected us or are protecting us now,” said Lawson. 


His words reflect the heart of the PGA HOPE program, which introduces golf to military veterans as a tool for improving their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The tournament may have been competitive, but it was also a powerful reminder of the bonds shared between veterans and these PGA professionals.


The team’s journey to victory didn’t come easily. After a strong performance in the morning’s nine-hole segment, Lawson’s team advanced to a unique three-hole aggregate playoff. Playing on holes #11, #8, and #9, they posted a birdie, eagle, and birdie (4-under-par), securing a one-stroke win over the second-place team from Sammons Golf Course. The final putt came from Ryder Johnson, a Navy veteran, who sank an 8-foot putt on the final hole to clinch the win for the team. 


However, for Johnson, the win was more than a team triumph. As a Navy veteran, Johnson’s journey to the PGA HOPE Cup has been filled with personal battles that made his victory all the more poignant. 


“Ten months ago I was an addict and became homeless. This is therapy for me. It helps with my recovery. Each and every day I’m out here learning something on the golf course that I can apply in recovery and so it’s just a blessing to be out here,” Johnson shared, reflecting on the life-changing impact golf and PGA HOPE has had on him.


Johnson’s story is one of resilience and hope, exemplifying the transformative power of the PGA HOPE program. For veterans like him, the game of golf has become more than just a sport—it’s a tool for healing, a means of building camaraderie, and a source of peace.

Highlights from the Day


The day began with registration and tee gifts available starting at 8:00 a.m., with veterans receiving their gifts upon arrival. Players enjoyed breakfast before heading out for a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start on the beautiful Lakes Course at Indian Creek Golf Club. Lunch was served at noon in the clubhouse, where everyone had a chance to relax and network while wrapping up the competition.


A Strong Finish: Secretary’s Cup Qualifier


The Northern Texas PGA Foundation’s PGA HOPE Cup served as a qualifier for the 2025 Secretary’s Cup, which will be held at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, in conjunction with the 2025 PGA Championship. The winning team earned the honor of representing the NTPGA at this prestigious event in May 2025.


The Northern Texas PGA HOPE Cup format featured a unique three-hole playoff. The winners of each nine-hole segment advanced to the playoff, and the team with the lowest aggregate score from the three holes was crowned the champion. In the event of a tie, teams faced a sudden-death playoff to determine the winner, but this was not needed.


Thank You to All Who Made It Possible


A big thank you to all the PGA Professionals, veterans, and volunteers who helped make this year’s PGA HOPE Cup a success. Your dedication and hard work are what make the PGA HOPE programs so impactful, and we are grateful for your continued support in changing the lives of veterans. We’d also like to extend a special thank you to the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation, and the Indian Creek Golf Club staff for their invaluable support of this incredible tournament. A heartfelt thanks to the PGA of America Golf Professionals across our Section who hosted PGA HOPE programs in 2024, helping the NTPGA Foundation serve over 500 veterans this year.


As always, we’d like to thank everyone involved for making this event successful. Congratulations to the winning team, and thank you to all participants for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you again next year for another great day at the PGA HOPE Cup!

Missed the Event? You Can Still Make a Difference!


If you were unable to attend the PGA HOPE Cup, you can still contribute to the HOPE 4 Heroes initiative and support our veterans. Please consider donating to the cause by clicking HERE. Every donation helps provide life-changing opportunities for veterans through PGA HOPE programs. Thank you for your continued support.


View current results HERE.

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