Two individuals and a venerated club, all with strong ties to the Texas Golf Association, are among the newest members of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame.
- Randy Sonnier, winner of the 1986 and 1991 Texas Amateur and 1985 Texas Mid-Amateur
- C. Malcolm Holland III, past TGA President and organization’s Bob Wells Distinguished Service Award winner and title sponsor of the LJT Veritex Bank Byron Nelson Junior Championship
- Royal Oaks Country Club (Dallas), home club of current TGA President Lee Sandlin and host venue to numerous TGA championships
The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2024 class of inductees. The honorees will be celebrated during the formal induction ceremony, which will take place this fall at the prestigious Houston Country Club on Monday, October 21. This year’s class represents a remarkable group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf in Texas.
2024 Texas Golf Hall of Fame Inductees:
- Amateur: Randy Sonnier
- Historic Course: Royal Oaks Country Club (Dallas)
- Golf Professional / Teacher: Brent Buckman
- Lifetime Achievement: C. Malcolm Holland III
- Professional Player: D.A. Weibring
- Professional Services: Dr. Marvin Ferguson (Posthumously), Mike Ray
Each inductee will be commemorated with a granite marker on the Texas Golf Walk of Fame at the historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio, and at our newest Anchor Site at NTPGA The Ronny Golf Park in Frisco.
“We are thrilled to welcome the 2024 class of inductees into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame,” said Board Chairman Reid Meyers. “These individuals have not only excelled in their respective categories but have also significantly contributed to the legacy and growth of golf in Texas. We look forward to honoring their achievements and celebrating their impact on the sport.”
Alli Jarrett, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, added, “This year’s inductees embody the spirit and excellence of Texas golf. Their dedication, talent, and contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport, and we are honored to recognize their accomplishments. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their remarkable careers at the induction ceremony.”
ABOUT THE INDUCTEES
Amateur Player – Randy Sonnier
Randy Sonnier, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, is an accredited pilot and amateur golfer. Throughout his career, he is a two-time Texas State Amateur Champion (1986, 1991), the Texas State Mid-Amateur Champion (1985), played on the World Amateur Team (1984) and the Walker Cup Team (1985).
In addition to his state and international accomplishments, Sonnier made multiple appearances at the Masters and U.S. Open from 1987 through 1994. Sonnier’s letter of recommendation was written by 1979 inductee Jack Burke, Jr.
Professional Player – D.A. Weibring
D.A. Weibring, a native of Quincy, Illinois, and a resident of Texas for over 45 years, has an impressive resume of professional accomplishments and accolades.
The Illinois State University graduate and member of the ISU Golf Hall of Fame has 10 combined victories on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions from 1979 through 2008. Weibring also founded the Byron Nelson Classic Junior Class and has been involved with it for the last 23 years.
As the Founder of Golf Resources (Weibring Wolford Design), D.A. has designed/renovated, managed, or provided agronomic consultation to 100+ courses in 25 states and four countries.
Golf Professional – Brent Buckman, PGA
Brent Buckman, an Austin, Texas, native, has been a PGA member for over 46 years and was a member of the 1971 and 1972 NCAA Men’s Golf National Championship teams at the University of Texas.
Buckman competed in the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, and 15 Joe Black Cup Matches. He had a 49-year career developing, leading, and mentoring over 20 golf professionals and was named STPGA Professional of the Year in 2003. As a teacher, he is noted for developing confidence in junior players through patience, kindness and fun while utilizing golf to build their characters and playing abilities. Buckman is Senior Vice President of Golf & Club Experience at Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club in Driftwood, Texas.
Professional Service – Dr. Marvin Ferguson (Posthumously)
Dr. Marvin Ferguson, a native of Bryan, Texas, lived a life serving others through agronomic research to advance the game of golf.
He is considered the ‘father of the USGA putting green construction method’ and was the first person to show the damaging effects of spiked golf shoes on putting green turf.
Dr. Ferguson had many accolades, including being elected into the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1970, where he served the organization for 15 years. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he later received his PhD from the University of Maryland.
Lifetime Achievement – C. Malcolm Holland III
C. Malcolm Holland III, a native of Dallas, Texas, is known for impacting the game of golf through personal service. He dedicated his time to improving the game at the national, state, and local levels. Holland’s talent is exemplified by innovating the competitive landscape of junior golf, with a major impact made in efforts such as the College Golf Fellowship and the Legends Junior Tour.
He has given meaningful assistance to organizations dedicated to professionals, amateurs, and those just starting their journey. Holland was also the President of the Texas Golf Association and served on the USGA Executive Committee. Holland now serves as the Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of Veritex Holdings, Inc and Veritex Community Bank since the originations began in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Professional Service – Mike Ray, PGA
Mike Ray, born in Anna, Texas, has made significant contributions to golf, particularly through his roles as Director of Member-Section Operations for the PGA of America and as Executive Director of the Southern Texas PGA.
During his tenure, he grew the STPGA’s budget from $100,000 to over $4 million, established STPGA Scholarships awarding over $1 million, and built one of the most robust junior programs in the country. Ray was instrumental in reconstituting the Texas Golf Hall of Fame and played a key role in bringing the PGA of America Headquarters to Texas. Known as the “Head Pro of the STPGA,” he has mentored countless professionals and junior golfers. His legacy is marked by his dedication to growing the game and supporting the golf community.
Registry Of Historic Courses – Royal Oaks Country Club (Dallas)
Royal Oaks Country Club, established in 1967 and managed by Todd Harbour, has a storied history beginning at Glen Lakes Country Club.
Designed by J. Press Maxwell, who hailed from a prestigious lineage of course architects, Royal Oaks boasts a pedigree that includes influences from Southern Hills and Augusta National. Despite initial design challenges, the course opened in 1969 and has continually evolved, with notable redesigns by D.A. Weibring and Chet Williams.
The club underwent a significant renovation in 2023, updating irrigation and replanting fairways, greens, and roughs. Renowned for nurturing talent, Royal Oaks is home to top golfers like Scottie Scheffler, Justin Leonard and Ryan Palmer and has been shaped by Pro Emeritus Randy Smith’s 46-year legacy. Smith’s dedication has fostered countless junior golfers who have achieved collegiate and professional success. With its rich history, commitment to junior golf, and welcoming environment, Royal Oaks remains a vibrant and beloved community.
The induction ceremony is open to the public, and tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here to visit the Texas Golf Hall of Fame website.
The Texas Golf Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring individuals and courses that have significantly impacted the game of golf in Texas.