5th Annual Golf Club of Houston Invitational Powers Another Year of Charlie Epps Scholarships

Sarah Lummus

Charlie Epps’s Legacy in Southern Texas Golf Continues with a Record-Breaking Fundraising Event!

HOUSTON, TX – The spirit of golf and community came together in a powerful way at the 5th Annual Golf Club of Houston Invitational, where every swing, putt, and handshake was in support of something bigger than the game itself. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners, sponsors, and players, all proceeds from this year’s tournament will go directly toward funding the 2026 Charlie Epps College Scholarships through PGA REACH Southern Texas.


Since the event began, the Invitational has raised more than $160,000 to help students chase their dreams of higher education. Each dollar raised reflects the values Charlie Epps, PGA, has dedicated his life to — using golf as a way to teach, mentor, and open doors for young people. The scholarships not only honor his extraordinary legacy but also ensure his passion for shaping lives continues to grow with each new generation.

This event would not be possible without the unwavering support of our Presenting Partners: Insperity, Lexus, and Lindsayca, and our Pro-Am sponsors: Insperity Invitational, Raymond James, Jets.com, Chicago Title, The Wylie Family, Johnson & Lindley, LLC, Danny Levitt, and Zedcor. Your commitment to this cause is what transforms a day of golf into a lifetime of opportunity for students.

The Invitational followed a Pro-Am format, bringing together four amateurs with one Southern Texas PGA Professional. This year, one of Lindsayca’s teams emerged victorious, made up of Ricardo Bellera, Sebastian Bellera, Nerio Acosta, Carlos Vegas Sr., and their professional, Wilfredo Sanchez. But beyond the leaderboard, the true win of the day was the collective impact made possible by everyone who joined us.


Charlie Epps has been a cornerstone of the Houston golf community since 1973, shaping the game at the Golf Club of Houston, Houston Country Club, and Pine Forest Country Club. Known for coaching world-class players like Ángel Cabrera and Blaine McCallister, as well as hosting The Charlie Epps Golf Hour, his greatest legacy may be the countless lives he has touched through his teaching and mentorship. Among the most decorated professionals in the Southern Texas PGA, Charlie’s story is a testament to the power of golf to inspire, uplift, and unite.


On behalf of PGA REACH Southern Texas and the Golf Club of Houston, we thank every participant, partner, and sponsor for standing with us to honor Charlie Epps and invest in the future of young students. Together, we are carrying forward Charlie’s vision of using golf to change lives and creating opportunities for the next generation to succeed — both on and off the course.

For more information about the Charlie Epps Scholarship or to view photos from the event, please click the links below.

By Sarah Lummus May 29, 2026
A lot can happen in one month—and May proved that. Across PGA REACH Southern Texas, we celebrated the announcement of our 2026 Scholarship Recipients, expanded opportunities for PGA HOPE graduates through meaningful community partnerships, and welcomed a new group of STPGA interns ready to make an impact. Take a look at this month’s recap to see the moments, milestones, and momentum driving us forward.
By Sarah Lummus May 11, 2026
SPRING, TEXAS – PGA REACH Southern Texas, in partnership with our Scholarship Trustees, is proud to announce the 2026 scholarship recipients. For the 2026–2027 academic year, PGA REACH Southern Texas will award $386,000 across 71 scholarships to 62 outstanding student-athletes. A major highlight of this year’s program is the continued support of the Hannon-Fields Champions Society, which contributed $137,500 toward 26 scholarships in 2026. These awards are made possible through the generosity of multiple dedicated trustees, including The Legends Clubs, Texas Mutual, Jon Morgan, Buckman/Pigg, the Tim Wilson Memorial Fund, the Jeff Brown Scholarship, the Orange & White Cup, and the Hansen family. Their collective commitment reflects the strong connection between golf and education, as well as the ongoing leadership of PGA of America Member Steve Termeer. Since its inception in 1999, the program has awarded more than 739 scholarships totaling over $3,069,500, providing meaningful academic support to high-achieving students throughout the region. “We could not be prouder of these 62 deserving winners,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the Southern Texas PGA. “We are more than just golf, and this program allows us to help young adults achieve their academic goals.” The Insperity Invitational Scholarship also continues its impact, contributing $20,000 once again this year. The 2026 recipients, Benjamin Conwell and Jordyn Herridge, were recognized last week at the Players’ Dinner on May 7 alongside the Greats of Golf. The Charlie Epps Scholarship program remains another cornerstone of support, awarding eight scholarships totaling $40,000. Charlie Epps, Texas Golf Hall of Fame member and Past President of the Southern Texas PGA, continues to drive impact through his annual fundraising event each September. We also honor the legacy of PGA Professional J.L. Lewis, with seven scholarships totaling $35,000 awarded this year. These awards are funded through proceeds from the annual Cimarron Hills Pro-Am held each spring. Additional support comes from First Community, which provided two $5,000 scholarships. The 2026 recipients are Isabelle Thompson and Philip Alvarez. “I would like to personally thank all of our donors and trustees for their continued support and generosity. Without them, we would not be able to see this program grow year after year,” said Hutton. Each scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is an investment in the future of these students and the communities they will go on to impact. Awards ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, and each recipient reflects a story of perseverance, leadership, and dedication.
By Sarah Lummus April 29, 2026
April is all about getting involved. With registration now open for a full lineup of upcoming events—from pro-ams to new community initiatives—there are plenty of ways to support each pillar of PGA REACH Southern Texas while enjoying the game you love.  Take a look below to find the events that speak to you and join us in making an impact this season.
By Sarah Lummus March 30, 2026
March was busy—in the best way. From wrapping up our 2026 scholarship applications, to preparing 50 PGA HOPE Veterans for an unforgettable Valero Texas Open experience, to gearing up for a summer packed with junior golf… there’s a lot happening across Southern Texas. Read the full recap below to see how we’re making an impact—and where we’re headed next.
By Sarah Lummus December 19, 2025
Our PGA REACH Southern Texas 2025 Impact Report
By Sarah Lummus December 2, 2025
Our HOPE facilities continue to make a tremendous impact on Veterans across Southern Texas, and we’re grateful for the dedication they show every day. One great example is Golfinity—an exceptional HOPE site in the Austin Metro area—where impressive, high-quality programming thrives inside this state-of-the-art indoor space.
By Sarah Lummus November 11, 2025
We are so incredibly proud of all our HOPE facilities for the meaningful impact they make in the lives of Veterans across Southern Texas. Take a look at Cypresswood Golf Course—one of our leading HOPE sites in the Houston Metro area—to see the outstanding work happening on the course
By Sarah Lummus November 7, 2025
Annual Gary Patterson Memorial Palooza Fuels Another Year of Gary Patterson Scholarships
By Sarah Lummus November 6, 2025
We are so incredibly proud of all our HOPE facilities for the meaningful impact they make in the lives of Veterans across Southern Texas. Take a look at Hermann Park Golf Course—one of our leading HOPE sites in the Houston Metro area—to see the outstanding work happening on the course 
By Sarah Lummus October 26, 2025
The Cordillera Ranch Head Professional represents the Southern Texas Section while inspiring others through the game of golf
More Posts