As the longtime host of the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson Classic, The Nelson Golf & Sports Club in Irving was the backdrop for many thrilling moments and produced an incredible list of champions. Among the many modern-day greats who claimed the title over the 35 years the event was held on the TPC Las Colinas Course include World Golf Hall of Fame members Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Nick Price and Payne Stewart, just to name a few.
And while the tour pros may no longer pay an annual visit, the championship tradition continues at the iconic club as the TPC Course will once again take center stage as it is set to challenge the best 55-and-over golfers at the 87th Texas Senior Amateur from Sept. 27-29.
“We could not be more excited to bring one of our oldest and most prestigious championships to such a world-class venue as The Nelson Golf & Sports Club,” said Adam Schulte, TGA Tournament Director. “The TPC Course has a rich tradition and storied history and is sure to provide a supreme test for the state’s finest senior amateurs.”
Opened in 1982, the TPC Las Colinas Course was originally designed by Jay Morrish with Byron Nelson and Ben Crenshaw serving as player consultants. In 2008, D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolfard oversaw an extensive course renovation that included the addition of new water features, moving nearly 200 trees to frame landing areas, and reshaping and relocating tees, bunkers, and greens. The numerous upgrades significantly enhanced and fortified the strategic features of the demanding par-70 layout.
“The TPC Course is challenging, well-conditioned and requires players to hit a variety of shots to score well,” Schulte said. “It really builds to a crescendo coming down the stretch, with 17 and 18 poised to provide plenty of drama. I think it’s going to be a great test and an incredible experience for the players.”
Seven champions, including three-time winner and defending champion Gary Durbin of Houston, are among the 68 players who are fully exempt from having to qualify for the 87th Texas Senior Amateur.
Durbin, the 2019 and 2021 titleholder, captured last year’s Texas Senior Amateur with a 54-hole total of 3-under-par 210 at Amarillo Country Club and will try to become the first back-to-back winner since Texas Golf Hall of Fame member Don Addington accomplished the feat in 1997-98.
Joining Durbin at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club will be fellow Texas Senior Amateur champions Sandy Pierce of Houston (2022), John Derrick of Waco (2020), Mike Booker of Houston (2015), Mike Peck of Irving (2013), John Grace of Fort Worth (2010), and David Pocknall of San Marcos (2009).
Among the other exempt players are 2024 North and South Regional Senior champions Randall Conn of Trophy Club and Bobby Baugh of San Antonio, respectively, 2024 West Texas Amateur Senior Division champion Trevor Hyde of Kerrville, as well as Texas Super Senior champions Hollis Sullivan of Westworth Village (2024), Chuck Gardner of Texarkana (2022-23) and Wayne Wright of Aledo (2017, ’21).
Top finishers from the 2023 championship are also among the group of exempt players and include Tray Tyner of Kerrville (T5), Terrence Miskell of New Braunfels (T5), Kyle Kelting of Amarillo (T7), John Dowdall of Fulshear (T10), and Trip Long of Wichita Falls (T10).
The remaining 76 spots in the 144-player starting field will be filled with the players who successfully advanced out of the 18-hole qualifiers being conducted Aug. 1-Sept. 18 at eight sites statewide.
The format for the championship is 54 holes of individual stroke play. All contestants play 18 holes on both Sept. 27-28. After 36 holes the field will be cut to the low 54 scorers and ties heading into the final round.
For more on the 87th Texas Senior Amateur Championship, click here.
