2017 Players of the Year

DECEMBER 2017 The Official Publication of the TGA

2017 Players of the Year INSIDE: A Year of Fun Golf  Experience Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 2017 Players of the Year f the heart of the Texas Golf Association is the passionate MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR Igroup of competitive golfers across all levels of play, then its COLBY MADDIE soul resides in the elite class among them. HARWELL McCRARY Every year, thousands of serious players in our Men’s, SAN ANTONIO WYLIE Women’s, Senior and Legends Junior Tour divisions put in untold hours training and practicing SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR NORTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR in order to perform come tournament time. We salute each and every athlete who JOHN WILL continues to chase their dream of excellence. PIERCE OSBORNE Within that large group exists SAN ANTONIO FORT WORTH another tier, a segment cut above the rest. While most – if not all – who sign up to play in a given event would like to win, there is a SOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR BOYS 15-18 PLAYER OF THE YEAR finite list of those who expect to win. That is a big difference. TREVOR JANSEN It’s these tenacious competitors who collect frequent SAUNTRY SMITH trophies and who also are in the HOUSTON SAN ANGELO mix on an annual basis for our TGA Player of the Year awards. This year, like every year, eight of the state’s best amateurs GIRLS 12-18 PLAYER OF THE YEAR BOYS 12-14 PLAYER OF THE YEAR emerged in that select group. Through hard work and HAILEY SHAHEEN dedication, they earned the right to be called the best amateur JONES MOMIN golfer in Texas. In the following pages, we’ll highlight each of DALLAS SUGAR LAND them.  Next Page: Texas Men’s Player of the Year >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Texas Men’s Player of the Year COLBY HARWELL SAN ANTONIO

2017 Texas Mid-Amateur (Win) 2017 Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play (Win) 2017 South Mid-Amateur (5th) 108th Texas Amateur (T13) 2017 South Amateur (18th) 2017 U.S. Amateur (MC)

Next Page: Texas Women’s Player of the Year >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Texas Women’s Player of the Year MADDIE McCRARY WYLIE

96th WTGA State Amateur (Win) 2017 Women’s Stroke Play (5th) 2017 Texas Women’s Open (T9)

Next Page: Texas Senior Player of the Year >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Texas Senior Player of the Year JOHN PIERCE SAN ANTONIO

2017 West Texas Senior Amateur (Win) 2017 Texas Senior Amateur (3rd) 2017 South Texas Senior Amateur (T3) 2017 Texas Four-Ball, Senior Division (T4) 2017 U.S. Senior Amateur (Quarterfinalist) 2017 Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play (Quarterfinalist)

Next Page: North Texas Player of the Year >> DECEMBER 2017 North Texas Player of the Year Effortless Living in Los Cabos WILL OSBORNE FORT WORTH

2017 North Four-Ball (Win) 2017 Texas Four-Ball (Win) 2017 North Mid-Amateur (2nd) 2017 Texas Mid-Amateur (T8) 2017 Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play (Quarterfinalist) 2017 North Amateur (T11) 108th Texas Amateur (T32)

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2017 South Mid-Amateur (T3) 2017 South Amateur (T6) 2017 South Four-Ball (T18)

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Next Page: LJT Boys 15-18 Player of the Year >> CasaDellCabo.com TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Boys 15-18 Player of the Year JANSEN SMITH SAN ANGELO

91st Texas State Junior Championship (Win) 2017 Alamo Shootout (Win) 2017 North Texas Classic (Win) 2017 Collegiate Preview (T2) 2017 Byron Nelson Junior Championship (T8)

Next Page: LJT Girls 12-18 Player of the Year >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Girls 12-18 Player of the Year HAILEY JONES DALLAS

2017 Winter Classic (Win) 2017 Alamo Shootout (Win) 2017 North Texas Classic (Win) 91st Texas State Junior Championship (2nd) 2017 George Hannon Junior Invitational (2nd) 2017 Jimmy Demaret Junior Classic (2nd) 2017 Texas Girls’ Invitational (T5)

Next Page: LJT Boys 12-14 Player of the Year >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Boys 12-14 Player of the Year SHAHEEN MOMIN SUGAR LAND

2017 Jimmy Demaret Junior Classic (Win) 2017 Spring Preview (2nd) 91st Texas State Junior Championship (T3) 2017 Bluebonnet Championship (3rd) 2017 Fall Challenge (T3) 2017 George Hannon Junior Invitational (4th) 2017 Alamo Shootout (5th)

Next Page: Looking back on a Year of Fun (Golf) >> DECEMBER 2017 Looking Back on a Year of Fun (Golf) hen the TGA launched Fun Golf in the 12 Play Days on premiere courses that 2015, it was our hope members included TPC San Antonio, Onion Creek, Wwould enjoy getting out in the Old American, Las Colinas CC and Walden sunshine, meeting new people and playing on Lake Conroe. golf at discounted rates on some of the best The 2017 season did end on a sad note, courses in Texas. however. The last Fun Golf event of the year, WITH EDDIE ROWE It turns out they eagerly awaited such an the popular Texas Shamble, was cancelled initiative, because the response has been when a catastrophic fire roared through the DRIVER 2017 Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero 9* Driver overwhelmingly positive. The turnout has clubhouse at host Tapatio Springs Resort in Project X Hzrdus Yellow 63gram 6.0 Flex increased each year, which means more Boerne. Spine Aligned at 45.25” NS Setting at D4 Swing Weight members have heard about Fun Golf. Thankfully, there were no injuries. But Driver ball speed increased from 146 mph to 151 mph, which increased his smash factor from 1.41 to 1.49. We lowered his launch from 15.1* to 12.6* Members love to tee it up in a welcoming due to the damage, the resort will be closed and his spin from 2800 to 2300 on average. With all these changes Eddie was able to increase his carry distance and total distance from 242 yards environment in which having a good time is for the foreseeable future. carry to 249 yards carry and 262 yards total to 276 yards total distance. the priority. The TGA is pleased to announce that “It’s rewarding to see Fun Golf grow so there will be two Texas Shambles in 2018. FAIRWAY WOOD much so quickly,” said Kelly Kilgo, the TGA’s The Spring Texas Shamble, which can be 2017 Callaway GBB Epic 15* 3 Wood Senior Director of Membership Services considered a make-up of the 2017 event, Fujikura Pro XLR8 71gram Stiff Flex Spine Aligned at 43” NS setting at D4 Swing Weight & Course Rating and captain of Fun Golf. will be held Feb. 25-26 at Moody Gardens The new fairway wood increased ball speed from 139 mph to 145 “Every year we add more golfers, both men Golf Course in Galveston. Entries are now mph and his smash factor from 1.44 to 1.48. Launch angle increased from 12.5* to 13* and spin remained from 3200 to 3300 on and women, as well as more events.” open for the Spring Texas Shamble, so averages. With all these changes in his fairway wood, his distance This year, nearly 350 golfers took part in grab a partner and sign up. The Fall Texas increased from 220 yards of carry to 230 yards of carry and total distance of 240 yards to 247 yards off the ground. Shamble will be held in November 2018 at a site to be determined. With a crowd-pleasing event like the HYBRID Adams 9031 Prototype 20* Hybrid Texas Shamble kicking things off, next year Matrix Ozik Altus Hybrid Shaft Stiff Flex promises to be filled with memorable Fun 40” at D4 Swing Weight. Golf outings on must-play courses. Nothing was done to his current hybrid as the specs fit right into the Some host clubs have already been gap he needed for his new setup. secured for the 2018 Fun Golf Calendar, including favorites like Lantana GC, Walden on Lake Conroe, Onion Creek and both PUTTER Miura CB501 Irons 4-PW Project X LZ 6.0 the Oaks and Canyons Courses at TPC San Fourteen RM Tour Raw Wedges Odyssey O Works Spine Aligned at 37.5” long at D4 Swing Weight Project X LZ 6.0 Spine Aligned 2 Ball, 33” long Antonio. Winn Midsize Grip at D6 Swing Weight With the new irons and shafts we increased his ball speed from 116 If you need a New Year’s Resolution mph to 119 mph and his smash factor from 1.35 to 1.38. We were you’d actually enjoy making good on, With the wedges he was looking for We analyzed his stroke with also able to lower his launch from 18* to 16.9* on average and his more versatility around the greens to SAM Putt Lab we determined spin rate from 5900 to 5100 based off his 6 iron, which lead to consider a commitment to having more fun be able to hit a variety of different this putter was best for his more distance and a much tighter dispersion for his irons from 164 shots and pitches. stroke. Loft was adjusted to 2* yards of carry on average to 171 yards of carry on average. in 2018 by signing up for a TGA Play Day.  and the lie angle to 70*.

Next Page: Member Club Spotlight: Onion Creek >> For more info contact: [email protected] | 713-389-5366 145 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX, 77388 TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Member Club Spotlight: Onion Creek Club the club’s history and tradition most popular events, women make it one of central Texas’ most play the course twice and take memorable golf experiences. the better score from each hole The best women amateurs in to create one, 18-hole score. The Texas will visit Onion Creek next flighted tournament will no doubt spring for the 2018 Women’s fill up fast for its dates at Onion Eclectic (March 12-13). One of the Creek. 

Onion Creek Club Austin, TX 6,530 yards (71.7/128) 6,158 yards (69.7/126) 5,874 yards (68.8/125) 5,355 yards Picturesque layout at Onion Creek. (66.9/121) 4,800 yards nion Creek Club in south and Bill Coore, is one of only in dramatic fashion when Snead (70.3/124) Austin has a couple two Texas courses to feature birdied the final three holes. Oclaims to fame. In terms the design skills of two Masters The event proved so popular of classic, old-school layouts with Champions. Onion Creek also that it was staged again in 1979 Member Club Since: 2000 mature trees that shape a variety holds an iconic spot in the and the Senior PGA Tour (as it Architects: Jimmie Connolly, Jimmy Demaret (1974); of thought-provoking holes, the history of professional golf as the was first known) was born. Onion golf course at Onion Creek has birthplace of the PGA Champions Creek hosted the Legends of Golf Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore (1994) few equals and has long been Tour. annually through 1987. As the Greens: Tiff Eagle Bermuda considered one of the best in Back in 1978, the traditional event grew, so, too, did the club’s Fairways: 419 Bermuda central Texas. parkland-style course hosted the reputation as an enjoyable course More notably, the historic inaugural Liberty Mutual Legends for golfers of all skill levels. It’s a Head Golf Professional: Kirk Dillen, PGA 27-hole facility, co-designed by of Golf. Sam Snead and partner throwback in all the best ways – Jimmy Demaret, Ben Crenshaw Gardner Dickinson won the title it’s an ideal walking course – and

Next Page: Experience Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 ‘Build it and They Will Come’ Kevin Costner’s iconic 1989 movie Field of Dr. David Bronner, the CEO of Retirement Robert Trent Jones Golf Dreams may not have won an Oscar, but it Systems of Alabama, had a dream to invest his sparked a winner. Let me take you behind the organization’s pension funds and build 26 world- Trail Celebrates 25 Years of scenes, and tell you about another man’s vision. class golf courses that would challenge people A golfer’s dream would be to have 18 of their enough that “they will want to come back and try Perfection by Dave Finn, Special to Lone Star Golf favorite holes featured on a single course. again.” >>

Next Page: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (continued) >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017

Bronner may not have heard has declared the RTJ Trail as “the impression on me after visiting holes that feature water hazards, fourth-longest golf course in the voices like Ray Kinsella, but he number one value in the country the RTJ Trail during its 25th making accuracy more important the world. From the very back listened to the call and tapped into for golf.” anniversary. than distance. tees, it plays all of 8,191 yards. his creativity and courage to do “The very best courses are Here, you can also play the Surrounded by the foothills, it what no one else could imagine. those where nature provides the Scenery Legislator, a more traditional features lots of elevation changes Once he lured the legendary canvas,” Jones has said. “My job The Judge at Capitol Hill parkland course framed by tall and forced carries that provide Robert Trent Jones Sr. out of semi- is to discover her secrets and has one of the most incredible pines and built along a large drama and danger. retirement, there was no looking reveal them.” Bronner also was opening holes in golf. As you stare bluff or the Senator, a Scottish Ten holes play along the back. convinced the trail would attract down a 200-foot bluff to a sliver links-style design with more shoreline, and the waterfall that With Jones as his co-director, tourism and industry to Alabama. of a fairway with a well-protected than 150 sod-faced pot bunkers spills into the central lake is best the result is an extraordinary He was right. peninsula green that juts out into and mounds that stretch 40 feet viewed from the 9th and 18th tee golf trail that meanders across A golfer gets a feeling for a the Alabama River, it will take your towards the sky. boxes. Linger until dusk to hear Alabama, from the Appalachians course based on what makes it a breath away. the soulful sounds of a bagpiper in the north all the way down to great experience for him or her. The layout traverses 200 Challenge as he makes his way to the putting the Gulf of Mexico. Golf Digest Here is what left a memorable acres of river backwaters with 14 Ross Bridge in Hoover is the green. >>

Picturesque layout at Onion Creek.

Next Page: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (continued) >> DECEMBER 2017

You’ll be transported “across the pond” elevation changes, and in this category, at this challenging course that once I’m torn between two contenders. played host to the Champions Tour’s Oxmoor Valley near Birmingham literally Regions Charity Classic. rocks. The Ridge, built on the site of a TGA FOUNDATION former mine once owned by U.S. Steel, Personality takes full advantage of the peaks and Grand National near Auburn/Opelika valleys of the Appalachian mountain DISASTER RELIEF FUND offers three 18-hole layouts. The Lakes range. It showcases towering shale Course is the home of the PGA Tour’s formations, more than 150 feet in height, Barbasol Championship that runs the and rich, dense forests. same week as the British Open. Built Cambrian Ridge boasts three nine-hole around 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, 12 layouts. The Canyon was carved out of a holes nudge the shoreline and will test former hunting ground, and the first hole your skills against the pros. will both inspire and intimidate you, a par- The Links Course reportedly has the 5 that drops 200 feet from the tee to the strongest finishing hole on the Trail, but fairway. And that’s only the beginning of the Short Course was my favorite. With the adventure. a good combination of short and long With 11 sites, 26 courses and 468 holes holes, some uphill, some downhill and of golf, the Robert Trent Jones Trail is more than half touching the lake, every varied, fun, challenging and affordable. hole is unique and what I’d consider a Often imitated but never replicated, it’s no signature hole anywhere else. wonder the New York Times declared the RTJ Trail as “the best public golf on earth.” Design For more information on the Robert Trent Personally, I’m a big fan of huge Jones Golf Trail, click here.  HELP SUPPORT HOUSTON CLUBS Your donation to the TGA Disaster Relief Fund will be made directly to the TGA Foundation. In coordination with the Southern Texas PGA Section and the Club Managers Association, the TGA Foundation will distribute the funding to those in the greatest need at the club level.

Next Page: Bob Wells Award Recipient Mickey Jones >> CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Mickey Jones Honored with Bob Wells Award

e’ve written and said him dedicate countless hours this many times, but it to the game we love,” said Rob Walways bears repeating. Addington, the TGA’s Executive Volunteers are the lifeblood of Director. the TGA. We’re so blessed to have “We are honored to recognize scores of them who take time Mickey’s important contributions away from their families to make to the TGA, and for personifying our tournament experiences the Association’s mission of exemplary. promoting and conserving the Mickey Jones is a prime best interests of the game.” example of a dedicated, selfless A longtime member of the volunteer who contributes TGA board of directors, Jones countless days and hours to was first elected to the Executive making TGA Championships Committee in 2004 as secretary the best they can be. Jones, a and treasurer. longtime member of Odessa He served as Vice President Country Club, recently was of the TGA from 2006-09. From bestowed with the highest 2010-11 Jones was the TGA honor the TGA gives volunteers President. when he received the Bob Wells In addition to his duties as Distinguished Service Award. a TGA officeholder, Jones has First presented in 2005, the been actively involved in a Bob Wells Distinguished Service number of influential committees Award recognizes an individual’s including Rules and Competitions, meritorious service to the game. Nominating and Long Range The award is named after the late Planning, serving as chairman of Bob Wells, who served as TGA the last two. Golf expert, Jones frequently West Texas. Under his leadership, freely of their time, energy and president from 1980-87. Jones is also on the board of volunteers as a Rules Official for qualifying participation in the experience to help make the “Mickey’s commitment over directors of the Legends Junior TGA Championships, as well as region has increased by over 400 game of golf better for all Texans, the years to all facets of the TGA Tour and the TGA Foundation. USGA National Championships. percent. while upholding its traditions has been an inspiration not only to His dedicated service to Jones is also responsible for site The TGA owes a tremendous and providing the leadership hundreds of fellow volunteers, but the TGA extends far beyond selection and administration debt of gratitude to the altruistic necessary to ensure its future also to our staff who have seen the boardroom. As a Rules of of TGA and USGA qualifying in volunteers like Jones, who give growth. 

Next Page: Engage with the TGA >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017 Engage with the TGA In Case You Missed It A Look at What’s Been Happening on Social Media It all comes down to this! You’ve given us your #TGATop5’s and now we want to know their definitive rankings. This month: What is the best golf movie? Click the image below to submit your answer and find out!

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Next Page: The Big Number/They Said It >> TEXAS GOLF ASSOCIATION | DECEMBER 2017

The Big Number Contact Us umber of times McKinney native Jake Texas Golf Association 16200 Addison Rd., Ste. 150, Addison, TX 75001 | 214-468-8942 Kuwitzky has sunk the Jackie Burke Cup- clinching putt for the Legends Junior Tour’s N MANAGEMENT North Texas team. A homeschooled senior who Rob Addington Executive Director Stacy Dennis Managing Director, recently signed a Letter of Intent with Texas Tech, Membership Programs & TGA Foundation Randy Guillot Managing Director, Finance Kuwitzky saved par with a 4-foot putt on the 18th Kelly Erb Executive Assistant hole at The Cascades Club to seal the 2017 JBC for MEMBERSHIP SERVICES North Texas. It was déjà vu for the winner of the 2017 Mary Harrison Sr. Dir., Handicapping/Membership Shona De Mint Director, Technical Services Jimmy Demaret Junior Classic. In 2016, Kuwitzky Kelly Kilgo Sr. Dir., Course Rating/Membership Services rallied from 4-down against Ben Wong and drained Mackenzie Brown Membership Services Admin.

a similar-length putt to deliver a JBC victory to North CHAMPIONSHIP DEPARTMENT Amanda Kolb Tournament Coordinator Texas at Escondido Golf & Lake Club.  John Cochran IV Manager, South Region Kassie Kappock Championship/Club Services Rep. Cameron Crawford Sr. Tournament Dir. Kellen Kubasak Director of Operations/LJT Ian Davis Tournament Mgr., Hill Country Katie O’Donnell Director of Women’s Operations Ryan Finn Managing Director, Championships Kevin Porter Tournament Manager Neil Gilman Tournament Manager Chris Untiedt Tournament Manager Justin Guthrie Tournament Coordinator

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT Mark Button Sr. Dir. of Communications Patrick McKinley Digital Media Manager They Said It Jennifer Settles Marketing Manager Jim Spagnolo Communications Manager Ben Weber Manager, Business Development Have a story idea or comment about this As an all-too-recent witness to the powerful and issue? Click here to Send destructive ability of Mother Nature, it is a privilege us an email. for Champions Golf Club to be able to host the 31st U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.” Allied Associations “ – 2016 Curtis Cup Captain & Champions GC Vice President Robin Burke on her club stepping up to host the USGA Championship after Hurricane Irma forced relocation from Quail Creek CC in Naples, Fla.