Randy Sonnier’s extraordinary amateur golf career is marked by his achievements on both the state and international levels while balancing the demands of a full-time career as a commercial airline pilot. His induction into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in the Amateur category in 2024 recognizes decades of excellence in the sport and his deep passion for sharing the game with others.

Sonnier’s love for golf extends beyond competition; he has a lifelong passion for teaching the game. He learned from five members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, most notably the legendary Lloyd Mangrum and Jack Burke. These influences helped shape his approach to the game, and today, Sonnier continues to teach and mentor, especially enjoying the opportunity to work with college golfers who are eager to improve their skills. He also strongly believes that one of the best ways to improve as a player is to caddie, as it offers valuable insights into course management, shot selection, and the mental side of the game.

His journey to the Hall of Fame is backed by an impressive record. He claimed the Texas State Amateur Championship twice, in 1986 and 1991, and secured the Texas State Mid-Amateur title in 1985. Competing on the national stage, he was the Runner-up at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in 1983 at Cherry Hills and went on to be a Semi-Finalist in the U.S. Amateur in 1984 at Oak Tree. Throughout his career, he garnered three U.S. Mid-Amateur medals from prestigious courses like Cherry Hills, Prairie Dunes, and Brook Hollow.

Sonnier’s accomplishments also extended internationally, having represented the U.S. in the 1984 World Amateur Team Championship in Hong Kong and playing on the Walker Cup Team at Pine Valley in 1985. His talent earned him spots in the Master's Tournament in both 1985 and 1986, competing at the revered Augusta National and in the U.S. Open three times—1977, 1978, and 1994—at Southern Hills, Cherry Hills, and Oakmont.

Adding to his accolades, Sonnier was the Low Amateur at the Memorial Tournament in 1985 at Muirfield Village and captured the Crump Cup Championship at Pine Valley in 1984. His success continued with titles such as the Trans Mississippi Champion (1992) at Wichita Country Club, the Pacific Coast Amateur Champion (1989) at Olympic Golf Club, and the Azalea Amateur Champion (1985) at Charleston Country Club.

Sonnier’s prowess also shone in invitational events, where he won the Charlie Coe Invitational at Castle Pines and the Baltusrol Invitational at Baltusrol Golf Club in 1986. Additionally, he dominated the Champions Cup at Champions Golf Club with four victories.

Despite his countless achievements, Sonnier’s greatest joy may come from helping others. He continues to give back to the game through his teaching, mentoring young players, and passing down the lessons he learned from the golfing legends who mentored him. His induction into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame is not only a testament to his skill and dedication but also to his enduring commitment to sharing his knowledge and love for the game.