51st Texas Four-Ball presented by Republic Aviation heads to Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club
The 51st Texas Four-Ball presented by Republic Aviation is set to begin another memorable championship, with the second major championship of the 2026 men’s calendar scheduled for Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club.
“We are excited for another year of the Texas Four-Ball,” mentioned Tournament Director Adam Schulte. “Four-ball is a unique format on the Texas Golf Association schedule, with players only getting one other opportunity to compete in the format during the Regional Four-Balls in February. That rarity makes the Texas Four-Ball a highly anticipated event, giving players the chance to team up with a partner and take on some of the state’s best two-man teams. From well-established golfers to rising players looking to make their mark, the championship brings together a diverse field united by the opportunity to compete alongside a teammate.”
A talented field of teams will look to make its mark at this year’s championship. Michael and Casey Carnes enter the event after facing each other in the title match of the 28th Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play Championship. Michael also captured the 98th West Texas Amateur the week before the Texas Mid-Amateur. Although the brothers did not compete together at the Texas Mid-Amateur, both competed in the U.S. Four-Ball earlier this year.
Defending champions Chris Wheeler of Lewisville and Derek Abel of Dallas will return to Rockwall looking to defend their title. Other notable teams include 48th Texas Four-Ball champions Aaron Hickman and Rory Smith of Tyler, who both recently qualified for the 45th U.S. Mid-Amateur. The 49th Texas Four-Ball champions, Anthony Estorga and Jake Istnick of Dallas, will look to reclaim the title, while Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club members and past regional champions Brock Mulder of McKinney and C.J. Brock of Rockwall will look to win the championship on their home course.
Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club has a unique history rooted in the Rockwall community. The property originally opened in 1970 as The Shores Country Club, with the course and clubhouse situated on nearly 200 acres along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. Designed by renowned Texas golf architect Ralph Plummer, the club became an important part of the surrounding community and helped spur the development of more than 1,300 homes in the area.
After The Shores Country Club closed in 2010, the property was given new life when Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club was established in 2012. Since then, RGAC has continued to grow into a premier private club along Lake Ray Hubbard, offering an 18-hole championship golf experience.
“We are thankful to Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club for hosting the 51st Texas Four-Ball, presented by Republic Aviation,” said Schulte. “The club has been a phenomenal host in the past, welcoming North Regional Championships, statewide events and USGA qualifiers. The membership and staff have fully embraced hosting this prestigious event, and their support will make for an exciting week.”
The 51st Texas Four-Ball marks the first year of Republic Aviation serving as the presenting sponsor of the championship, beginning an exciting partnership between the company and the Texas Golf Association.
Republic Aviation is a Texas-based private aviation advisory firm specializing in conflict-free, fee-based guidance and tailored aviation solutions. Based in Tomball, the company brings decades of aviation experience to clients navigating the full ownership lifecycle, including aircraft acquisitions, sales, financing, charter services and corporate development. Republic Aviation’s team is committed to putting its clients’ interests first while providing personalized service and expert guidance throughout every stage of the aviation experience.
In addition to its aviation advisory services, Republic Aviation provides private charter solutions designed around flexibility, comfort and efficiency, helping clients arrange travel for business, leisure and special events. The company offers access to a diverse selection of private aircraft and manages details ranging from flight scheduling and route planning to in-flight services.
“The partnership with Republic Aviation is very exciting,” Shulte shared. “They have been eager to work with us and how fast the game continues to grow. We’re thankful for their commitment to not only the Texas Golf Association but amateur golf events and continuing to grow the game for the better.”
The 51st Texas Four-Ball will feature three divisions: the Championship Division (25 and older) with 44 teams, the Senior Division (55 and older) with 24 teams, and the Super Senior Division (65 and older) with 12 teams.
The championship will be contested over 72 holes of four-ball stroke play. Teams will play 18 holes each day, beginning Aug. 21. Following the first 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 40 teams and ties, with prorated representation from each division advancing to the final two rounds.
Starting times and pairings will be released no later than Tuesday, Aug. 18. Live updates and daily tournament releases will be shared through Texas Golf Association social media channels and the TGA website.
Round 1 of the 51st Texas Four-Ball presented by Republic Aviation will begin Aug. 21 at 7:30 a.m. from the Nos. 1 and 10 tees.
To learn more about the 51st Texas Four-Ball, presented by Republic Aviation, click here. To learn more about Republic Aviation, click here. To learn more about Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club, click here.