2316 Southern Blvd SE, Suite C, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Email: info@suncountrygolfhouse.com Website: Sun Country Office: (505) 897-0864
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In the Sun Country PGA, excellence isn’t defined solely by trophies, it’s measured in character, leadership, and moments that grow the game. Each year, the Section pauses to recognize those who embody what it means to be a golf professional: mentors, motivators, and community builders.
At the forefront of this year’s honorees stand two extraordinary leaders. Brad Lardon, PGA, our Golf Professional of the Year, continues to set the standard both on and off the course. His unwavering dedication to his staff and club has earned deep respect throughout the Sun Country. Known for his world-class playing ability, Brad pairs technical mastery with a gift for connecting with people, members, peers, and friends alike. His humility, charisma, and professionalism make him a model for what every PGA professional strives to be.
Tom Velarde, PGA, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, has shaped the Sun Country Section in immeasurable ways. A mentor to many, Tom has inspired generations of golf professionals with his wisdom, calm presence, and heart for service. His thoughtful leadership and steadfast support of the Section’s Board have left a mark that extends well beyond club walls. Tom’s ability to listen, connect, and lead with humility continues to make him one of the most respected figures in our community.
The Sun Country PGA proudly congratulates all of this year’s award recipients:Ben Tolsma, PGA – Assistant of the Year AwardHenry Stetina, PGA – PGA Youth Player Development AwardJason Baldwin, PGA – Bill Strausbaugh AwardJoshua Salmon, PGA – Pat Gavin Professional Development AwardTJ McMullan, PGA – Jack Hardwick Teacher & Coach of the Year AwardJason White, PGA – Merchandiser of the Year - Public AwardGerome Espinoza, PGA – Merchandiser of the Year - Private AwardZach Hoefel, PGA – Merchandiser of the Year - Resort AwardJustin Dahrling, PGA – Salesperson of the YearJerry Cappadona, PGA – Dave Hoefel Patriot AwardRick Jensen & Gary Bauerschmidt – Marilea Bush Amateur of The Year
Congratulations to all our 2025 honorees your dedication, humility, and passion continue to strengthen the spirit of golf in the Sun Country.
Autumn settled over El Paso as teams gathered at Lone Star Golf Club for the 2025 Yamaha SCPGA Senior-Junior Team Championship, presented by Dunning, Greg Norman Collection and Tourney. The pairing of experience and younger golfer brought both familiarity and fire to this year’s field, a reminder of what makes this event one of the most unique on the section’s schedule.
Under crisp desert skies, Round 1 of the 2025 Yamaha SCPGA Senior-Junior Team Championship at Lone Star Golf Club opened with a mix of Texas Scramble and Scramble play that rewarded rhythm and trust. Carlton Blewett and Ritesh Bhakta found both, carding seven birdies and an eagle to tie Kurt Amhaus and Ricky Zonski at 60 (-11). A day later, temperatures dropped and a west wind turned the Four-Ball and Modified Alternate Shot formats into a mental test as much as a physical one. Blewett and Bhakta stayed steady, posting 66 to finish at 126 (-18) one shot ahead of Dustin Blair and Luis Delgadillo (-17). Through two days of shifting weather and creative formats, their win captured what the Senior-Junior is all about: communication and composure.
From warm sunshine to a crisp autumn wind, the two-day contest at Lone Star tested every facet of team golf: format adaptation, inter-generational collaboration, and mental resolve. Blewett & Bhakta’s victory reflects the values the Sun Country PGA Section holds dear, teamwork, respect, and shared love of the game.
Special thanks to Yamaha Golf, Dunning, Greg Norman Collection, Tourney, and the staff at Lone Star Golf Club for their continued support of this signature event.
At the first light of Monday morning at Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club, the teams gathered under a slightly cloudy field. The format was clear: each team, composed of one PGA professional and three amateurs, would count the best two balls of four for a gross total over 18 holes.
The field was immediately tight, two teams tied at 128, and four others one stroke behind at 129. Tuesday’s final round moved to Outlaw Golf Course, where the conditions turned more capricious where thunder rumbled and scattered showers threatened interruptions. This forced teams to play ready golf. Beyond the thunder, there were two groups of wild horses that delayed play but were majestic to look at as they roamed the course.
In the end it was the team led by Bill Harvey (Ladera Golf Course) with amateurs Lance Kuykendall (Alto Lakes G&CC), Scott Roser and Gaetan Biane (Ladera Golf Course) who steadied through the storms to post a winning total of 259. One stroke back stood the team of Sean Moore (New Mexico Tech Golf Course) and his three amateurs at 260; third place went to Daniel Nunez (US Senior Professional Tour) and his team at 262. Harvey claimed top professional honors with a two-round 138 (67–71, −5), while top amateur honors went to Mike Schultz (a) of Inn of the Mountain Gods with a 134 (65–69, −9). The day’s most difficult hole was on Hole 11 on Outlaw, averaging 8.70 strokes.
From slightly cloudy skies to rolling thunder and wild horses this year’s Pro-Scratch was a tournament that we will not forget. Congratulations to Bill Harvey and his team, and thank you to Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club, Outlaw Golf Course, SCAGA, Sterling Cut Glass, and Golf Pro Payments for supporting another successful event in the Sun Country PGA Section.
