PGA REACH Southern Texas July Recap

Sarah Lummus

July was a month of exciting milestones and unforgettable moments for PGA REACH Southern Texas!


From welcoming our newest PGA HOPE Ambassador and cheering on one of our Miles Fore the Future runners as they crossed the Half-Marathon finish line, to building momentum for Birdie Bash and celebrating our Junior Golfers who competed on one of junior golf's biggest stages at the PGA Junior Championship, there's been no shortage of inspiring stories this month.



Take a look at our July recap and see the impact your support continues to make across Southern Texas.


ONLINE AUCTION

Save the Date: Annual Online Auction Coming this November!

Before we know it, our Annual Online Auction will be here! Mark your calendars for November 2–10 as we come together to support the mission of PGA REACH Southern Texas.


We are currently seeking donations to help make this year's auction a success. Popular items include golf experiences, gift cards, merchandise, memorabilia, and vacation packages, but contributions of all kinds are greatly appreciated. Every donated item plays a meaningful role in helping us raise critical funds to support our programs and expand our impact across Southern Texas.


If you or your organization are interested in contributing an auction item, please contact Sarah Lummus, Foundation Manager at slummus@pgahq.com.

PGA HOPE

We are thrilled to welcome James “Jim” Meade as the newest PGA HOPE Southern Texas Ambassador!


A retired United States Army Brigade Sergeant Major and lifelong servant leader, Jim has made an incredible impact on our Veteran community since joining PGA HOPE in 2022. His passion for serving others, mentoring fellow Veterans, and growing PGA HOPE programming embodies everything our mission stands for.


Jim's story is one of leadership, resilience, and finding renewed purpose through the game of golf, and we couldn't be more excited to have him represent PGA HOPE Southern Texas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JAMES

Our Newest PGA HOPE Ambassador: James Meade

PGA HOPE Instructor Spotlight: Chris Martinez

Christopher Martinez has spent more than 15 years creating opportunities through the game of golf. As the Director of Operations at Tierra Santa Golf Course and a PGA HOPE instructor since 2022, he is passionate about building communities where everyone feels welcome—especially our nation's veterans.


Inspired by his family's military service, Christopher has seen firsthand how PGA HOPE creates lasting friendships, restores confidence, and gives veterans a place to belong long after the six-week program ends.


Click the link below to learn more about Christopher's journey and the lasting impact he's making through PGA HOPE Southern Texas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRIS

PLAY YELLOW BIRDIE BASH

The inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash is teeing off on September 24 at Omni Barton Creek - Crenshaw Cliffside, bringing together STPGA Professionals and Associates for a one-of-a-kind 72-hole fundraising challenge benefiting PGA REACH Southern Texas and Dell Children's Medical Center.


Support your favorite PGA Professional or Associate by making a pledge per birdie. Whether it's your club's Head Professional, Assistant Professional, or another familiar face, your pledge will help fund life-changing programs while cheering them on throughout this unique event. Visit the link below to find a team and make your pledge today!


If you are a PGA Professional or Associate, there are spots still open to play! Please contact Sarah Lummus, slummus@pgahq.com, for more information.


MAKE A DONATION TODAY

PGA REACH Southern Texas Play Yellow Birdie Bash: Donate Today!

MILES FORE THE FUTURE

One of our Miles Fore the Future team members, Jackson Jeffrey, PGA, will be running the Red, White, and Blue Half Marathon on July 26 in Waco, Texas in support of PGA REACH Southern Texas. Jackson is an Assistant Professional at Escondido Golf and Lake Club in Austin, Texas and a dedicated member of the Miles Fore the Future team.


Want to join the team?


If you or someone you know is interested in joining Miles Fore the Future and using running miles to support PGA REACH Southern Texas programming, please sign up at the link below or contact Sarah Lummus at slummus@pgahq.com.


JOIN THE MILES FORE THE FUTURE TEAM

Jackson Jeffrey, PGA ran the Red, White, and Blue Half Marathon for PGA REACH Southern Texas!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

2026 Golf Club of Houston Invitational

Event Date - Monday, September 21


Started in 2021, this event was put together to commence a scholarship in honor of STPGA Past President Charlie Epps. Mr. Epps has been a fixture in golf in Houston for over 40 years and continues his good work by impacting lives though golf and helping juniors further their education and get closer to their dreams!



For information on team entries, please contact Foundation Coordinator, Sarah Lummus at slummus@pgqhq.com.


To learn more about the tournament, click below!

GOLF CLUB OF HOUSTON INVITATIONAL

JUNIOR GOLF

We are so proud to have had 20 STPGA junior golfers compete in the 2026 Junior PGA Championships this week!


We hope that you followed along throughout the week, and tune in today to watch the final round of the tournament!


Click the link below to watch the livestream starting at 11 AM.


YOUTUBE LIVESTREAM

STPGA Junior Golfers at the Junior PGA Championships

CHECK OUT OUR 2026 FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS!


PGA REACH Southern Texas is proud to announce our incredible sponsors for 2026! The support and partnership of these organizations play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of impacting lives through the game of golf.


Each of their commitment allows us to expand our pillars and we simply couldn’t do what we do without their generous support.

To see all our amazing supporters, click the link below!


2026 FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

If you are interested in becoming involved in our Foundation and helping grow our mission of impacting lives through golf, please contact Sarah Lummus our Foundation Manager - slummus@pgahq.com

Our Newest PGA HOPE Ambassador: James Meade

By Sarah Lummus • July 31, 2026
PGA HOPE Southern Texas is proud to welcome James “Jim” Meade as our newest PGA HOPE Ambassador. A retired United States Army Brigade Sergeant Major, devoted husband and father, and passionate advocate for his fellow Veterans, Jim embodies the spirit of service that lies at the heart of PGA HOPE.

PGA HOPE Spotlight: Christopher Martinez

By Sarah Lummus • July 27, 2026
At PGA HOPE Southern Texas, our instructors are the heart of our program, creating welcoming spaces where veterans can find connection, camaraderie, and community. One of those instructors is Christopher Martinez, Director of Operations at Tierra Santa Golf Course in Weslaco, Texas. Christopher Martinez believes that golf is about more than the game itself—it's about creating connection, building community, and helping people find where they belong. As the Director of Operations at Tierra Santa Golf Course in Weslaco, Texas, Christopher oversees golf operations, instruction, player development, tournaments, and community programming. Before joining Tierra Santa, he spent 13 years working in the San Antonio golf industry at several premier facilities and founded the Golf Club of Texas Golf Academy. He played collegiate golf at the University of the Incarnate Word and recently earned his MBA from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. While Christopher's professional accomplishments are impressive, it's his passion for serving others that led him to PGA HOPE. A PGA HOPE instructor since 2022, Christopher was immediately drawn to the program's mission of serving veterans through the game of golf. With several family members who have served or are currently serving in the military, becoming involved with PGA HOPE was a meaningful way to give back. For Christopher, the program's greatest impact extends far beyond the golf course. "Golf is simply the vehicle," Christopher shared. "The real outcome is creating a community where veterans feel welcomed, supported, and connected." That sense of connection is at the center of everything he does. His goal is for every PGA HOPE graduate to feel that Tierra Santa is their home course—a place where they are welcomed long after the six-week program ends. One of Christopher's favorite examples of PGA HOPE's impact is veteran Joey Moore, a participant from his very first session. Through the program, Joey found friendship, purpose, and confidence, eventually returning to volunteer alongside Christopher and help welcome new veterans into the PGA HOPE community. When asked what growing the game means to him, Christopher's answer is simple: creating opportunities and making golf more welcoming for everyone. Whether he's introducing a veteran to the game, mentoring future PGA Professionals, or helping a junior golfer fall in love with golf, his mission remains the same—to make sure every person who steps onto the golf course feels like they belong. We are proud to have Christopher as part of the PGA HOPE Southern Texas family and grateful for the lasting impact he continues to make on veterans across the Rio Grande Valley. 

PGA REACH Southern Texas June Recap

By Sarah Lummus • June 30, 2026
June turned out to be an incredible month of milestones and major moments for our PGA REACH Southern Texas community. Over the last few weeks, PGA REACH Southern Texas celebrated twenty remarkable new scholarship recipients, watched our own STPGA Junior Golf alumni take on the field at the 2026 U.S. Open, and rallied behind one of our Miles Fore the Future runners gearing up for a summer race. Dive into this month's recap to see how your support is driving the momentum forward!

Where Are They Now? Former PGA WORKS Fellow: Ximena Davila

By Sarah Lummus • June 29, 2026
For Ximena, PGA REACH is more than an organization—it is where her journey in the golf industry began. As the first PGA WORKS Fellow in the Southern Texas PGA Section, Ximena discovered a passion for using golf as a vehicle to make a meaningful impact. During her Fellowship, and later as the Foundation Coordinator for the Southern Texas PGA, she played an integral role in advancing the mission of PGA REACH Southern Texas through programs that positively impact Junior Golfers, Veterans, Scholarship Recipients, and STPGA Interns and Fellows across Southern Texas. Throughout her time with the Foundation, Ximena helped lead PGA HOPE programming for military Veterans, supported scholarship initiatives, assisted with fundraising efforts, and worked alongside PGA Professionals dedicated to growing the game. She also had the opportunity to mentor future PGA WORKS Fellows, helping open doors for others pursuing careers in the golf industry. Today, Ximena has transitioned to the golf operations side of the industry, but her commitment to PGA REACH remains as strong as ever. She continues to mentor PGA WORKS Fellows, supports PGA REACH initiatives through charitable giving, and shares her experiences with individuals looking to build careers in golf. This fall, Ximena is taking that commitment one step further by Running for REACH at the 2026 New York City Marathon. Through her fundraising efforts, every mile she runs will help support PGA REACH programs that impact lives through the game of golf. "Giving back to PGA REACH means giving back to the organization that gave so much to me," Ximena shared. "The opportunities I received through the PGA WORKS Fellowship shaped my career and introduced me to a purpose that continues to inspire me today." The Southern Texas PGA is proud to celebrate Ximena's continued dedication to our mission. Her journey reflects the lasting impact of PGA REACH and demonstrates how our alumni continue to serve the game long after their time with the Foundation. As Ximena prepares to take on the streets of New York City this November, we invite our PGA REACH family to cheer her on and support her fundraising campaign. Every donation helps create opportunities for Veterans, junior golfers, and individuals pursuing careers in the golf industry through PGA REACH programming. To support Ximena's Running for REACH fundraising campaign, please visit the donation link below. 

PGA REACH Southern Texas May Recap

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.

PGA REACH Southern Texas Awards $386,000 in College Scholarships!

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.

PGA REACH Southern Texas April Recap

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.

PGA REACH Southern Texas March Recap

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.

PGA REACH Southern Texas: 2025 Impact Report

By Sarah Lummus • December 19, 2025
Our PGA REACH Southern Texas 2025 Impact Report

HOPE in Action: Golfinity

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.
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