The Inaugural Levy Cup Matches Tied After Day One

NTPGA • October 16, 2017

Dallas, Texas – The Northern Texas PGA and the Southern Texas PGA are tied at six points apiece after day one of the Levy Cup Matches. The Levy Cup Matches is a newly created annual competition between the Northern Texas PGA and the Southern Texas PGA Sections. This is the inaugural year of the Matches.

The Ryder Cup-style format features teams represented by six Assistant PGA Professionals and six Senior PGA Professionals (any classification, aged 50 and older) who qualified through their respective Section Major Championships. The teams competed in Four-Ball and Foursome Matches day one and will compete in Singles Matches the final day. These Matches were created this year to celebrate the PGA of America's President, Paul Levy who is completing his first year of a two-year term as President of the PGA of America.

“It's all tied up after the first day, just like it should be. Northern and Southern Texas have had a great relationship in the PGA for years. Being a member of Southern Texas forever, it's kind of cool to see the Matches be even," said Paul Levy. "There was some great golf out there today, and it should be really close again tomorrow."

The Matches were tied at three points apiece following the morning Four-Ball Matches. The STPGA took the first three Matches of the morning, but the NTPGA roared back and won the final three Matches to even the score.

Corey Roberson, assistant professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, and Bruce Smith, director of instruction at Black Belt Golf Academy won their Match on the 18th hole, finishing 1-up against Christopher Pribyl, assistant professional at Houston Country Club, and Billy Sitton, golf executive at Triumph Golf. Greg Gregory, assistant professional at Hidden Creek Golf Course, and Perry Arthur, part-owner of The Golf Club of Dallas, finished their Match 2&1 against Michael Rodriguez, assistant professional at Royal Oaks Country Club, and Troy Schleicher, teaching professional at Lake Windcrest Golf Club. After trailing early, Shane Pearce, assistant professional at Hurricane Creek Country Club, and Tom Strueber, PGA Life Member, had the most decisive victory of the Four-Ball Matches for the NTPGA Team. They finished 3&2 against Brandon Drake, assistant professional at Spanish Oaks Golf Course, and Edwin Dickens, assistant professional at Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course.

In the afternoon Foursome Matches, Northern and Southern Texas both won two Matches and halved two Matches, leaving the Matches at all-square, six points apiece, leading into the final day's Singles Matches.

Randy Smith, golf professional emeritus and director of instruction at Royal Oaks Country Club, and Clif Nelson, assistant professional at Royal Oaks Country Club, are serving as Co-Captains for the NTPGA Team. The STPGA Co-Captains are Charlie Eskridge, a golf executive at with Padre Isles Management Company and Eskridge Properties, and Christopher Pribyl, assistant professional at Houston Country Club.

One point is awarded to a winning match and a half point is awarded to any match that is tied after eighteen holes. Singles Matches will begin at 8:15 a.m. off of the first tee on Tuesday morning. The Matches are being contested at Royal Oaks Country Club a par 71 layout in Dallas, Texas.

Day One Results.

Lohmeyer Earns Player of the Year Honors

By Molly Rawlins • December 17, 2025
Paez, McCorkle, Shields also honored with Playing Awards

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 .