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COLUMBUS & MONT BELVIEU, TX — The Southern Texas PGA’s two marquee championships delivered storybook finishes this fall, as two familiar names — Casey Russell and Omar Uresti — rose above deep and talented fields to claim major victories. From the rolling hills of Big Easy Ranch to the coastal winds of Eagle Pointe, the 2025 season closed in spectacular fashion.
The 58th STPGA Section Championship took center stage at The Covey at Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas, bringing together 112 PGA of America Members in pursuit of one of the Section’s most coveted titles. Beyond the prestige of hoisting the Tommy Aycock Trophy, the event also served as a qualifying opportunity for the 2026 PGA Professional Championship, a decisive stop on the Player of the Year race, and the final chance to earn a spot on #TeamSTPGA for the Joe Black Cup and Levy Cup Matches.
In the end, it was Casey Russell, PGA Director of Golf at Big Easy Ranch, who defended home turf in thrilling fashion. Russell carded rounds of 70–71–141 (-3) to capture his second Section Championship title, his first coming in 2016.
The competition was tight from the outset, with a three-way tie for the lead after Round 1 between Russell, Alan Hodde, PGA (Axis Golf Academy & Fitting Center), and Greg Hiller, PGA (TPC San Antonio). As 16 other players lingered within three shots, Russell’s deep familiarity with The Covey proved decisive.
“Hodde is one of my best friends, and I love playing with Greg, so it was an incredible group to play with throughout the day,” said Russell. “I know this course better than anyone on the planet, so I felt confident coming into today.”
After a birdie on the final hole of regulation, Russell forced a playoff with Jesse Droemer, PGA. The duel extended through four playoff holes before Russell sealed the victory with a birdie on the 18th — a moment of redemption and pride on his home course.
“It feels really good to be back and playing great golf this year,” Russell shared. “I took a look at the trophy to make sure my name was still on it.”
The top eight finishers earned spots on the First Community STPGA Team heading to the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Joining exempt players Bobby Gates, PGA, and Droemer will be Russell, Steve Jurgensen, Robert Scott, Gilbert Mendez, Alan Hodde, Jamie Fraser, Greg Hiller, and J.T. Taylor.
The Southern Texas PGA extended special thanks to owner Billy Brown, PGA General Manager Ricky Lyons, and the entire Big Easy Ranch team for hosting another memorable event. With its immaculate conditions and recently earned recognition as the best new golf course in the country, The Covey provided an unforgettable stage for championship golf.
The Section also celebrated Austin Wylie, PGA Teaching Professional at Mac Wylie Golf Center, as the 2025 STPGA Player of the Year, capping a season highlighted by consistent top finishes and a major victory at the Omega Transactions Memorial Championship. Wylie now earns an exemption into a PGA TOUR event in 2026.
Looking ahead, the 2026 STPGA Section Championship is set for Spanish Oaks Golf Club in Bee Cave, Texas, on September 28–29, 2026, promising another thrilling showcase of the Section’s best.
The Southern Texas PGA thanks its Presenting Sponsors — Lexus, First Community, BagCaddie, Strackaline, Club Car, Rolex, and Corebridge Financial — along with its Supporting Sponsors — Gallagher, GOLF Channel, PGA TOUR, Titleist–FootJoy, Callaway, TaylorMade, Ship Sticks, and Nike — for their continued partnership and dedication to elevating the game.
Just a few weeks later, the spotlight shifted east to Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu, where the 29th Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open lived up to its reputation as the largest State Senior Open in the country — and then some.
In a dramatic finish that required extra holes, PGA Life Member Omar Uresti etched his name into the history books, becoming the first ever back-to-back Champion of the storied event.
This year’s field represented 21 different states, with competitors traveling more than 62,000 miles collectively to take part. True to form, the 54-hole championship came down to a three-way playoff between Uresti, Guy Boros (Plantation, FL) — the 2022 Champion — and Wes Short (Buda, TX).
“My mindset was to attack,” said Uresti, who now sets his sights on the Senior PGA Professional Championship in Florida. “I wanted to apply as much pressure as possible to the other two players with high-quality shots, and I’m happy I was able to do that.”
On the playoff hole — the par-5 18th — Uresti delivered under pressure, hitting his third shot from 51 yards to within ten inches for a tap-in birdie and the victory.
“It feels great to win; this is the highlight of my year,” said Uresti. “I haven’t played that well this season, so it was great to get off to a fast start Wednesday and then deliver in the playoff.”
Uresti opened the week with a 7-under 64, setting the tone for a wire-to-wire performance that showcased why he remains one of the most consistent senior professionals in the game.
The Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open continues to thrive thanks to the unwavering support of Energy Transfer, the City of Mont Belvieu, Riceland, Vortech Contracting, OPD, and Eagle Pointe Golf Club. This year marked the renewal of a three-year extension between those partners and the Southern Texas PGA, ensuring the event’s home remains in Mont Belvieu through 2028.
Earlier in the week, the Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open Pro-Am kicked off festivities with 23 teams raising funds for PGA REACH Southern Texas and the Energy Transfer Scholarship Fund — embodying the spirit of community and giving that defines the event.
With a $100,000 purse and $20,000 to the Champion, the 2025 edition once again reaffirmed its standing as a premier competition for senior golf.
The Southern Texas PGA extends its deepest gratitude to Scott Olsen, PGA Head Professional, and the entire team at Eagle Pointe Golf Club for their hospitality and dedication in delivering another first-class experience.
The 30th Energy Transfer Texas Senior Open returns to Eagle Pointe on October 7–9, 2026, with the Pro-Am set for October 6, as the Section looks ahead to another year of exceptional golf and community impact.
From Russell’s home-course triumph to Uresti’s historic repeat, 2025 underscored everything the Southern Texas PGA stands for — excellence, camaraderie, and championship golf at the highest level. With continued growth, passionate partners, and elite professionals leading the way, the future of Southern Texas golf has never looked brighter. - Trey Crites