Staff

Rich Headshot 2021 Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA

Director

The Sam Houston State University PGA Golf Management Program is supervised by the Director, Rich Ballinger. Rich is a PGA Master Professional and has served as the Director of the program since inception in February of 2005. Rich is a 1994 graduate of the Ferris State University PGA Golf Management program, where he earned a B.S. in Marketing with a Minor in Professional Golf Management. Rich also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2008 and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in 2018 from Sam Houston State University. For almost 2 years, prior to employment at Sam Houston State University, Rich was the Internship Director for the Coastal Carolina University PGA Golf Management program. Before his tenure at Coastal Carolina University, Rich worked for the Glens Group in South Carolina for 9 years where he was charged with opening two facilities while serving as the Head Golf Professional.

PGA Education

Class "A" PGA of America Professional - 1996
PGA Certified Professional - General Management - 2010
PGA Certified Professional - Golf Operations - 2011
PGA Master Professional - General Management - 2011

PGA Committees and Task Forces

PGA of America National Apprentice Task Force - 2006-2008
PGA of America National PGA/PGM Task Force - 2008-2010
PGA of America's University Accreditation and Evaluation Team - 2008-2013
Secretary of PGA Golf Management Education Association - 2010-2011
Southern Texas PGA Golf 2.0 Committee - 2010-2012
President of PGA Golf Management Education Association - 2012-2013
Southern Texas PGA Employment Committee Chair - 2012 - 2014
PGA of America Adjunct Faculty Member - PGA Master Professional Program - 2012-present
PGA Subject Matter Expert, Business Planning - 2010 - present
PGA National Employment Committee - 2015 - 2017
Southern Texas PGA Education & Employment Committee Chair - 2015 - 2017
Southern Texas PGA Awards Committee - 2015, 2018
Southern Texas PGA Education Committee Chair - 2017- present
PGA National Education Committee - 2019 - present
Southern Texas PGA Secretary - 2021 - 2023
PGA of America Special Awards Committee - 2022 - present
PGA of America Work Experience Task Force - 2022 - present
PGA of America National/Sectional Employment Outreach Group - 2022 - present
PGA of America National Education Committee, Co-Chair - 2022 - present
PGA of America Member Engagement Committee - 2022 - present
Southern Texas PGA Vice President - 2023 - present
Southern Texas PGA Finance Committee, Chair - 2023 - present

Honors and Awards

PGA of America National Professional Development Award for outstanding contributions to golf professional education - 2021
Southern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year - 2019
Southern Texas PGA Horton Smith Award (Professional Development Award) for outstanding contributions to golf professional education - 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2017
Southern Texas PGA Eastern Chapter Golf Professional of the Year - 2019

Box 2056
Huntsville, TX 77341-2056

ballinger@shsu.edu
(936) 294-4810

Alex Parker, PGA

Internship Coordinator

This Texas native started his competitive golf journey back in high school. After honing his skills at the Golf Academy of America, Alex became the Head Golf Professional at Westwood Shores in Trinity for seven years. He then moved on to the same role at Elkins Lake, and it was there that he earned his PGA membership.

When he's not on the course, Alex enjoys spending quality time with his family, and he's super excited to be joining the team at SHSU!

Box 2056
Huntsville, TX 77341-2056
ahp019@shsu.edu
(936) 294-4810

Betina West

Coordinator

Betina West’s journey in education spans over a decade, with a strong focus on K-12 and expertise in managing federal grants and programs since 2009. Her career at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) began in 2022, where she made significant contributions to the Division of Strategic Enrollment & Innovation, excelling in both the Registrar and Student Account Services departments.

Betina's passion for golf was ignited at SHSU's Bearkat Course through the Get Golf Ready Clinic. She continues to embrace the sport, learning and enjoying it with her family. Beyond golf, Betina is an avid enthusiast of various activities, always eager to explore and
engage in new experiences.

Box 2056
Huntsville, TX 77341-2056
bwest@shsu.edu
(936) 294-4810

PGA Golf Management