We are honored to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our 2024 Rolex Players of the Year: Carlos Sainz, Camille Enright, PGA, and Omar Uresti, PGA.
Sainz, a Teaching Professional at Houston Oaks Country Club, earned the Rolex Player of the Year title with a remarkable season. He claimed two of our major championships and finished in the Top 6 at every event in which he competed.
Enright, PGA Assistant Professional at Boot Ranch Golf Club, our Rolex Women’s Player of the Year, has achieved a historic back-to-back selection after also earning this honor in 2023. Camille has quickly made an incredible impact on the Southern Texas PGA since joining in 2023. She finished Top 25 in three events, including a Top-10 finish at our Memorial Championship in 2024.
Uresti, PGA Life Member who was named Rolex Senior Player of the Year, delivered an extraordinary season. He claimed victories as the senior champion at every major, won the 2024 Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open, and proudly represented Team STPGA on the 2024 Levy Cup Team. Omar is another back-to-back selection and it’s his third time earning this achievement.
These remarkable individuals have set the standard for achievement, sportsmanship and leadership in 2024. We look forward to seeing everyone back and competing during the 2025 season!
—Trey Crites
Mark Gurnow, PGA General Manager at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Mesa, Arizona, has been named the 51st recipient of the Southwest PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Award, the highest annual honor bestowed by the Southwest PGA on a PGA of America Golf Professional.
“I am truly honored to be selected as the PGA Professional of the year by my peers,” said Gurnow. “I know how many worthy professionals there are in the Southwest Section and to be recognized is humbling.
“This award is not just for me, but belongs to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with my entire career. Having been a member of the PGA of America since 1983, I have seen many worthy professionals honored. Being a part of the list of honorees will be one of the proudest moments in my golf career.”
Gurnow heads the 2024 Southwest PGA Awards class for “qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service” to the Southwest PGA and the game of golf. He will be honored at the Southwest PGA Awards Ceremony in February.
The full list of 2024 Southwest PGA Award winners includes:
Golf Professional of the Year – Mark Gurnow, Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club; Assistant Golf Professional of the Year – Collins Tamashiro, Southern Highlands Golf Club (Nev.); Teacher of the Year – Jeff Fisher, Longbow Golf Club; Youth Player Development Award – Blake Isakson, Perfect Circle Golf at Moon Valley Country Club; Bill Strausbaugh Award – Brent Lingel, Rolling Hills Golf Course; Player Development Award – Justin Bubser, Tucson Golf Program; PGA Professional Development Award – Kevin Reagan, Granite Falls Golf Club; The Patriot Award – Landyn Lewis, Tucson Golf Program; The Deacon Palmer Award – Robert Spikes, El Rio Golf Course; Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Samantha Sorensen, Las Vegas Country Club; Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Aaron Slonim, TPC Las Vegas; Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) – Eric Dettman, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club.
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The Southwest PGA will, sadly, for the final time, host a total of 10 qualifiers for the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open. The Section Qualifier will be held on Jan. 7 at McCormick Ranch G.C. (Pine) in Scottsdale, Arizona. The eight pre-qualifiers will be held Jan. 28-30 at: McCormick Ranch G.C. (Jan. 28 and Jan. 30), The 500 Club (Jan. 28), Dobson Ranch G.C. (Jan. 29), Aguila G.C. (Jan. 30), Lone Tree G.C. (Jan. 30), Toka Sticks G.C. (Jan. 30) and a site TBD (Jan. 29). The Open Qualifier will be held on Monday, Feb. 3 at Pinnacle Peak C.C. in Scottsdale. All competitors in the open qualifier will be competing for spots into the WM Phoenix Open, which takes place Feb. 6-9 at TPC Scottsdale on the Stadium Course.
For more information or to register, visit www.southwestpga.com.
—Bill Ibrahim
Tennessee’s top 32 professional and amateur golfers gathered at Colonial Country Club in Memphis for the 57th edition of the Tennessee Challenge Cup Matches. The coveted John Deal Trophy was awarded to the PGA of America Professional Team, who emerged victorious with a 17–15 win over the amateurs.
Historically, the professionals led the overall series 32-24 and were eager to extend their advantage, although the amateurs were riding a four-year winning streak. After Day 1, the amateurs held a slim 9–7 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling Day 2, where 16 points were on the line.
The day kicked off with Chase Harris narrowly defeating Seth Brandon 1-up in the opening match. Jared Melson fought to a tie against Alan Jones in the third, while Lee Whitehead delivered a dominant 4&2 victory. The Professional Team then built momentum, with Glenn Hudson winning 3&2, Kelvin Burgin securing a narrow 1-up victory, and Bobby Cochran and Greg Wyatt each posting commanding 4&3 wins. Mike Vance, Allie Knight and Josh Bevell also claimed victories, each winning with holes to spare — Vance 3&2, Knight 2&1 and Bevell 2&1.
With three matches remaining, the professionals needed just one more win to clinch the John Deal Trophy. Johan Kok’s match against Winston Margaritis ended in a tie, leaving two matches to decide the champion. Josh Bevell sealed the Professional Team’s victory with a 2&1 win, ensuring their triumph.
The PGA of America Professional Team featured notable players like Josh Bevell, Adam Forgey, Allie Knight and Chase Harris, led by Captain Jeff Cox, PGA, and Vice Captain Brock Shafer, PGA.
The 57th Tennessee Challenge Cup showcased exceptional golfing talent and fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among competitors.
—Kelsey Ludwigsen