Every July, some of the best golfers in Texas gather in Tyler for one of the state's most prestigious professional tournaments. This year's 56th M&P Group Texas State Open once again brought elite professionals, rising stars, accomplished amateurs, and PGA professionals to The Cascades Country Club, continuing a tradition that has become a highlight of East Texas golf.

For those new to tournament golf, the format is straightforward. The championship is played over 72 holes, with one round of 18 holes each day from Tuesday through Friday. A field of 156 players begins the week, but after the first two rounds, only the low 55 scores and ties advance to the final two days of competition. The player with the lowest total score after four rounds is crowned champion. This year's tournament features a projected $200,000 purse, with $40,000 awarded to the winner.

The strength of the field is one of the reasons the Texas State Open has earned such a respected reputation. This year includes former PGA Tour winners Sean O'Hair, a four-time PGA Tour champion and former Presidents Cup competitor, Kevin Stadler, winner of the 2014 Phoenix Open, and Sung Kang, champion of the 2019 AT&T Byron Nelson. Cascades own Phillip Choi and Dayton Cargill are also in the field, proudly representing their community. 

The tournament's history stretches back to 1960, when amateur Homero Blancas won the inaugural championship. Since then, the Texas State Open has become a proving ground for golfers who would go on to successful PGA Tour careers. Past champions include legendary names such as Ben Crenshaw, Lee Trevino, Jeff Maggert, Cameron Beckman, Martin Piller, and Shawn Stefani. Over more than six decades, the event has built a reputation for attracting exceptional talent and showcasing the depth of golf in Texas.

The Cascades has become an integral part of that story. This year marks the ninth consecutive year and 15th overall that the club has hosted the championship. The course's immaculate conditioning, approachable yet strategic design, and welcoming atmosphere have made it a favorite among competitors.

Beyond the championship-caliber course, it's the people at The Cascades who leave a lasting impression. The golf operations team, pro shop staff, grounds crew, and clubhouse employees pour countless hours into making the Texas State Open a success, delivering the kind of hospitality and attention to detail that has become synonymous with The Cascades.

As another memorable week of championship golf came to a close, Matthew Watkins once again etched his name into Texas State Open history. After capturing the title in 2025 with an impressive 22-under-par performance, Watkins successfully defended his championship by winning the 2026 M&P Group Texas State Open, becoming a back-to-back champion at The Cascades.