FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The Tennessee PGA is proud to announce PGA Professional Mark Houser as the Captain for the Professionals Team at the 59th annual Tennessee Challenge Cup Matches, taking place October 26-27, 2026.
The Tennessee Challenge Cup Matches stand as one of the most storied traditions in Tennessee. Modeled like the Ryder Cup, each team is composed of 16 players, six of which are seniors. The professional team is selected using the Tennessee Section PGA’s season ending Professional and Senior Professional Rolex Player of the Year rankings. The amateur team is chosen based on the Tennessee Golf Association’s season ending Amateur and Senior Amateur Player of the Year rankings. This year’s edition marks a welcome return to a familiar venue, as Nashville Golf & Athletic Club hosts the Tennessee Challenge Cup Series for the ninth time.
More than just an event, the Challenge Cup represents a unique bridge within the state’s golf community. It brings together the top players who grow, preserve, and compete in the game across Tennessee, fostering lifelong camaraderie and high stakes competition between the amateurs and professionals.
Selection as Captain is a great honor bestowed in the Section, and few individuals embody the spirit of Tennessee golf quite like Mark Houser.
Houser began his career long journey at Warriors Path State Park Golf Course in 1971. Serving in every role the club had to offer over a legendary 47 year tenure, he retired in 2018 as the most tenured PGA Professional in the history of the Tennessee State Park golf course system.
Houser brings an extraordinary tournament resume to the team, having competed in 25 Challenge Cup Matches throughout his career. This appointment marks his 26th overall appearance in the event and his second time leading the team, having previously served as the Playing Team Captain for the Professionals in 2010.
His extensive playing achievements span every level of competition. Houser has won the Tri-Cities Chapter Championship in five different decades, claimed four Tennessee PGA Senior Championship titles, and qualified for three U.S. Senior Open Championships. Additionally, he advanced to three PGA Professional Championships and eight Senior PGA Professional Championships.
In recognition of his incredible contributions, Houser was honored as the Tennessee PGA Horton Smith Award winner in 1991 for his dedication to educating fellow professionals. In 2019, he received the Distinguished Career Award, the highest individual honor presented by the Tennessee PGA.
Now an active Life Member of the Tennessee PGA Section, Houser continues to compete at a high level. With decades of match play experience, a decorated career, and deep respect throughout the Tennessee golf community, Captain Mark Houser is set to lead the PGA Professionals into another memorable edition of the Challenge Cup at Nashville Golf & Athletic Club in October.