Northern Texas PGA Members to Represent Section on the West Coast at the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship

“Just keep playing one hole at a time, but keep going regardless of how you're playing.”

An experienced PGA TOUR caddie, Little spends most weeks traveling and caddying for Gary Woodland on golf’s biggest stage. Recently, he celebrated back-to-back victories – one in late August at the Metro Chapter Individual Stroke Play tournament and the other claiming the Senior Division title at the Joyce Crane | Veritex Bank Section Championship. Little, who leads the group of NTPGA Members after winning the Club Car | XXIO Northern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship, is making his debut as a national championship qualifier. His success in qualifying is a testament to his golf knowledge and consistency, which he believes will give him a strong chance in the upcoming competition.

Caddying on the PGA TOUR has instilled in Little a unique approach to superstition. Rather than relying on any superstitious rituals, he actively avoids them by frequently changing ball colors, shirts, and other elements to maintain a fresh perspective. This mindset is reflective of his broader approach to the game, which has been significantly influenced by his work with Woodland and other PGA TOUR members. Woodland’s insights and mentorship, along with the collective experiences from various tour professionals, have greatly contributed to Little’s development and success on the course.

Rob Shields

"I think I'm close to where I was prior to the car wreck. The mental game is so much better than it was prior to the car wreck,

for sure."

A Northwest Texas native and first-time qualifier of this event, Shields has faced his share of challenges and triumphs. Following neck fusion surgery, Shields has committed to a rigorous training regimen that includes early morning workouts and consistent practice to ensure peak performance. 

Shields is known for his strong short game and putting, areas where he excels despite the physical adjustments he's had to make. With practice rounds set for the two courses in Oregon and plans to explore the coast with friends post-tournament, Shields is excited about the upcoming event. “North Texas has some of the best players in the country, so anytime you have an opportunity to be a part of the team that gets to go, it’s a plus,” he shares. In preparation, Shields has his strategy and lucky coins in hand and is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

John Sikes

"[Golf] has little peaks and valleys. Well, I feel like I'm through the valley and kind of coming up to the peak again."

John Sikes, a fierce competitor and veteran qualifier through the Club Car | XXIO Northern Texas Senior PGA Professional Championship, exemplifies mental toughness and a winning mentality on the course. His impressive resume, highlighted by four wins at the NTPGA Senior Championship, reflects not only his skill but also his remarkable psychological strength. Sikes's approach to golf goes beyond physical prowess; he recognizes that the sport demands as much mental fortitude as it does technical ability. This mindset has been vastly impactful on his physical game and it will undoubtedly serve him well as he prepares for the upcoming tournament in Oregon.

Known for his strategic preparation and resilience, Sikes’s success includes a remarkable three consecutive wins at the NTPGA Senior Championship from 2012 to 2014. His ability to embrace the mental aspects of the game—such as maintaining focus under pressure and leveraging his competitiveness—has been key to his performance. As he readies himself for the national stage, he leans on his mental acuity by carefully scoping out both golf courses before the tournament and drawing confidence from the presence of his family, his lucky charm, as they accompany him in Oregon. With his blend of physical skill and mental strength, Sikes is poised to represent the NTPGA well on the West Coast.

Karl Altheide 

"I'm just excited to go and do something, you know, something a little different for a while, getting to travel and represent the Section at a national event." 

Karl Altheide's enthusiasm for golf is matched only by his superstitions, which he manages with a quirky routine: always placing his tees in one pocket and his ball markers/coins in another. Despite this ritual, Altheide’s excitement for his upcoming national debut in Oregon is palpable. This first-time qualifier is eager to explore a new golf environment and embrace the unique challenges it presents. With no prior experience in Oregon, Altheide views this as an exciting opportunity to play in unfamiliar conditions and adapt his game accordingly.

Altheide’s commitment to the game goes beyond his superstitions and preparation. He finds great joy in traveling and competing, particularly when it means playing at new courses and connecting with fellow golfers. As a busy sales representative, these tournaments provide a welcome break from his routine and a chance to engage with the broader golf community. The prospect of playing eight rounds in a different part of the country is a challenge he's ready to embrace, and he looks forward to the adventure with a positive and open mindset.

Vince Jewell

"I think that the most important thing when I teach is to have the ability to impact somebody's life, but not just in golf, in every part of their life really because golf's not just about golf. It's about life skills."

Vince Jewell exemplifies a relentless commitment to growth and improvement in the world of golf. With a career marked by a deep passion for the game, Jewell has consistently sought to refine his skills and elevate his performance. His dedication is particularly evident in his focus on improving ball contact. Jewell understands that golf is not just a physical challenge but also a mental one, and he continuously works to harmonize both aspects. Recently, a simple adjustment in his stance, thanks to friendly feedback, has significantly enhanced his game. This small tweak has brought a newfound solidity to his shots, underscoring Jewell's openness to learning and his unyielding drive to remain competitive.

Beyond his technical improvements, Jewell's mental toughness shines through in his approach to competition. His calm demeanor and patient mindset have become cornerstones of his strategy, allowing him to handle pressure with poise. Whether navigating a challenging tournament or tackling new environments, Jewell remains grounded and focused on the fundamentals of the game. His ability to adapt and evolve, both mentally and physically, highlights his profound understanding of golf as a holistic sport.

As the Championship approaches, all eyes will be on these dedicated professionals as they vie for a spot on the Corebridge Financial PGA Team. The top 35 finishers will secure their place in the prestigious Senior PGA Championship, making its debut in the nation’s capital May 22-25, 2025.

Among the biggest and most competitive Sections in the country, the Northern Texas PGA stands out not only on the course. We sincerely wish our Members the best of luck and proudly support them. It is extremely remarkable how talented and dedicated ALL of our Members are, and we are thrilled that these PGA Professionals will represent our Section on the national stage. Click here to follow their adventure and receive real-time information.

*Unfortunately our sixth qualifier, Craig Liddle, PGA director of golf at Lakewood Country Club, had to withdraw from the Championship.