Texas is well-known for its decorated golf history. It’s been home to some of the game’s best players, who honed their skills in elite championships on demanding courses.
For the last 114 years, the Texas Golf Association has helped write the story of golf in the Lone Star State. Despite the unforeseen challenges in 2020, the TGA still managed to conduct best-in-class amateur and junior events in an ever-changing environment and pen another chapter in Texas golf history.
After a nearly 12-week hiatus due to the coronavirus, the TGA resumed its schedule in early June, once official guidance allowed for organized group golf to move forward. Even with strict protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, talented juniors and collegiate players, accomplished men and women mid-amateurs and seniors were grateful for the opportunity to tee it up in competition. One thing that didn’t change in a year of uncertainty, was the superior level of play exhibited at every event.
To recognize sustained excellence during the course of a season, the TGA and LJT established Player of the Year Awards. The awards are presented annually to men, women, seniors and juniors who at the end of the year accumulated the most performance points earned for top finishes in designated TGA and LJT regional and statewide competitions, as well as USGA national championships.
“It is a very impressive feat to win Player of the Year in Texas,” TGA Director of Competitions John Cochran said. “We have always felt that if you could compete at the state level in Texas, you can compete at a national level. Texas is full of talented golfers, and to be able to find yourself at the top of the Player of the Year Standings means you have outlasted some of the best players on some of the best courses in the Lone Star State.”
Men’s Player of the YearColby Harwell, San Antonio
Women’s Player of the YearBentley Cotton, Austin
Senior Player of the YearMike Lohner, Southlake
Women’s Senior Player of the YearMarian Barker, Lubbock
North Player of the YearJ.T. Pittman, Monahans
South Player of the YearKevin Liberto, Cypress
Boys 15-18 Player of the YearMatthew Comegys, Plano
Girls 12-18 Player of the YearLauren Nguyen, Katy
Boys 14 & Under Player of the YearRhett O’Rear, Plano
Through hard work and dedication, the nine players awarded the highest honor in their division this year have earned the right to be called the best amateur golfers in Texas. Over the following pages, we highlight each of their decorated seasons.