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FEATURE STORY
In 2020, Carlos Sainz Jr, Director of Instruction at Houston Oaks Country Club & Family Sports Retreat, claimed the season as a five-time champion, four of which were Section Majors. Sainz’s decorated year earned him the title of 2020 Omega Player of the Year for his outstanding performance on the course. But we left the year of 2020, the year of Carlos Sainz Jr. behind to enter the year of 2021, a fresh start, and a new year for another to claim the Section Major season. The first Section Major of the year was postponed as the summer months witnessed an endless rain, drenching the golf courses and rendering them unplayable. By June, the rain had cleared, and the Southern Texas PGA kicked off their first Section Major of 2021 at Comanche Trace in Kerrville, Texas. The Stroke Play Championship led
to a playoff after Ben Kern, PGA Head Professional at Georgetown Country Club and Lonny Alexander, PGA Teaching Professional at Onion Creek Club tied for the lead with a two-day total of 137 (-7). Alexander jumped out to an early lead in Round Two when he shot a 31 (-5) on the front nine. However, Kern battled back on the back nine by making backto-back birdies on 14 and 15 to take a one stroke lead before Alexander made a birdie on 16 to tie the lead. On the third playoff hole, Kern hit a 9-iron to 6 feet and proceeded to make par to secure the victory and earn the first Major title of 2021 and his first Major title with the STPGA. “I am really excited to win my first major title with the STPGA,” said Kern who has been in the STPGA since 2018. “I have had six second place finishes and it feels great to win.” At the second Major, three-time Rolex Player of the Year, Ben Willman, PGA Teaching Professional at Axis Golf Academy won his fourth Tradition Championship title at Golf Club of Houston (Tournament Course) in July. “It feels like the first time,” said Willman. “It’s been a while since I won so it feels good to win again.” Starting off his first round with a chip in for eagle on hole one, Willman carded an 18-hole total of 67 (-5), just one stroke behind leader JJ Wood, PGA Director Ben Kern, PGA Champion at the of Instruction at Golf Southern Texas PGA Professional Championship.
TheTexasGolfInsider.com
