The Northern Texas PGA Foundation Awards $696,500 in Scholarships, Continues to Break Own Record
June 5, 2023
The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2023 scholarship recipients. A record 80 high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $696,500 – the most ever awarded in a single year by the NTPGA Foundation.
The scholarship amounts vary from $2,500 to $20,000. In addition, two students were awarded a “last-dollar” full scholarship to two of the Foundation’s partner schools, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) and University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).
Two $5,000 scholarships, the iWash of Texas Scholarship and the Gary Dunkerson College Scholarship, will be awarded to two junior golfers via a random drawing during the SA Smith West Texas Junior Invitational tournament later this June.
Another two scholarships thanks to the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation totaling $10,000 will be awarded to two students graduating high school or currently in college who are the child or grandchild of a past NTPGA PGA HOPE graduate.
“To award $696,500 in scholarships this year to a record-breaking 80 students is truly incredible," said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA. “We would not be able to continue this program without the support of everyone who believes in our Foundation and our commitment to higher education. Thank you to our supporters, and congratulations to these 80 deserving students. We know they all have a bright future ahead.”
This year, of the scholarships awarded, 67% were based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement, while 33% were awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement.
Since 1983, the Northern Texas PGA Foundation has awarded $4.99 M in college scholarships to 754 deserving students.
Listed below are the names of the 2023 scholarship recipients:
- Allison & Jerry Freeman Scholarship – Jack Whalen – Dallas, TX
- April & Mark Anthony Scholarship – Luke Newton – Highland Village, TX
- Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Scholarship – Grace Frei – The Colony, TX
- AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Maddox Burton – Irving, TX
- AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Clarita Fuentes – Dallas, TX
- AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Gael Soto-Barboza – Dallas, TX
- AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Lizbeth Enriquez – Dallas, TX
- AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Gabriel Herrera – Dallas, TX
- AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Leslie Jamarillo – Dallas, TX
- Ben Hogan Foundation / Bruce & Gloria Devlin Scholarship – Brock Braden – Midland, TX
- Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – Matthew Rui – Allen, TX
- Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – James Thomson – Dallas, TX
- Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Seve Aguirre – Colleyville, TX
- Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Davis Ovard – Frisco, TX
- CMAA Scholarship – Lilly Sillis – Midlothian, TX
- Dean Larsson / Dallas District Golf Association Scholarship – Katherine Brown – Colleyville, TX
- Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Cithlaly Crispin – Dallas, TX
- Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Shane Davis – Dallas, TX
- Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Doris Gradiz – Dallas, TX
- Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Rachelle Gutierrez – Dallas, TX
- Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Jose Loredo Quintana – Dallas, TX
- Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Emily Silva – Dallas, TX
- Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship – Brett Walsh – Lantana, TX
- Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Sophie Drago – Mansfield, TX
- Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Nathan Womack – Elk City, OK
- Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship – Areli Macz Melchor – Dallas, TX
- Fritz & Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship – William Kroneberger – McGregor, TX
- Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – AJ Adams – Plano, TX
- Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jeremiah Cuellar – Midlothian, TX
- Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Chase Fields – Roswell, NM
- Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jack Kash – Flower Mound, TX
- Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jordyn Keeton – Forsan, TX
- Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jacob Pasteur – Roanoke, TX
- I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – Aliya Larzeia – Dallas, TX
- I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – JaLynn McKinney – Dallas, TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Dante Bush – Plano, TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Grant Kutz – Coppell, TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Lauren Gatsos – Fort Worth, TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Christian Willis – Hickory Creek, TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Katya Tibbets – Montgomery,TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Julia Helsel – Arlington, TX
- Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Madison Wong – Allen, TX
- Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship – Magen Dow – Ponder, TX
- Joe Black / Texas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship – Kade Burton – Midland, TX
- Jon & Kim Morgan Scholarship – Lucas Thorley – Alvarado, TX
- Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Greece Gomez – Dallas, TX
- Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Ashley Cruz – Dallas, TX
- Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Destiny Reed – Dallas, TX
- Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Luis Leon Pastor – Dallas, TX
- Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Grady Ault – Jacksonville, TX
- Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Madison Wert – Roanoke, TX
- Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Evan Wunsch – Trophy Club, TX
- M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship – William Gillen – Tyler, TX
- Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship – Maddie Anders – Fairview, TX
- Misty Morgan / Laura Morgan FISD Scholarship – Erica Kim – Frisco, TX
- Mizzen + Main Scholarship – Barret Wisener – Dallas, TX
- Perry Arthur Scholarship – Kennedy McCullough – Aledo, TX
- PGA Frisco Scholarship – Aashana Patel – Frisco, TX
- Philip Bleakney Scholarship – Chase Brown – Wichita Falls, TX
- Randy Smith Scholarship – Elena Jurado – Childress, TX
- Rob Norland Scholarship – Marcus Williams – Prosper, TX
- Ronny Glanton Scholarship – Blake Patterson – Forney, TX
- Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship – Madeleine Melson – Colleyville, TX
- Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Olivia Santiago – Flower Mound, TX
- Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Kara Kim – Frisco, TX
- Talley Riggins Construction Group Scholarship – Shay West – San Angelo, TX
- Tees for Keys Scholarship – Michael Rasmussen – Lufkin, TX
- The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Jackson Baughman – Prosper, TX
- Thomas Hanson Memorial Scholarship – Diane “Queenie” Guercio – Plano, TX
- Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Will Harris – Garland, TX
- Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Victoria Malott – Richardson, TX
- Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Catalina Malott – Richardson, TX
- UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Eh Tu Gae – Dallas, TX
- UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Joshua Puga – Dallas, TX
- West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring SA Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure and Sherwin Cox Scholarship – Ethan Evans – Amarillo, TX
- Workday Scholarship – David Jensen – Hickory Creek, TX
For more information about the Northern Texas PGA Foundation scholarship program or for additional information about our 2023 recipients, please contact Casey Rayburn at crayburn@ntpga.com or visit www.ntpgajuniorgolf.com/scholarships.
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.
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 .
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