Lexus and Southern Texas PGA Announce New Partnership

Southern Texas PGA

Lexus becomes a STPGA Junior Golf Patron Partner as well as supports STPGA Members.

Spring, TX (July 16, 2024) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce a new partnership with Lexus, one of the most recognizable brands in the automotive industry for its first-class customer service and high-quality performing vehicles. This exciting announcement features branding, event activations and community involvement throughout the next 18 months.


Lexus will become a Patron Partner of the STPGA Junior Golf program and receive unprecedented exposure throughout the largest junior golf program in the country and be heavily involved at the annual STPGA Junior Championship in August, where 300 families from around the section come to the summer ending Championship.


“Lexus is always looking for new ways to connect with young families and showcase our wide variety of vehicle options for families driving around Southern Texas,” said Michael Kavanaugh, General Manager of the Lexus Southern Area. “The Southern Texas PGA does an excellent job providing great brand exposure but also doing it around a sport that teaches the next generation so many life lessons and skills that we, too, value at Lexus.”


Lexus will join Veritex Bank, PGA TOUR Superstore, and First Community as the STPGA’s four Patron Partners that all believe in creating lifelong golfers who enjoy the game and want to keep playing the rest of their life.


In addition, Lexus will be showcased at the STPGA Section Championship as a presenting partner where STPGA Members will compete to win the Tommy Aycock Trophy and take their first step in qualifying for the following year’s PGA Championship. This year’s event is September 9-10 at the historic Champions Golf Club in Houston, TX.


“This is an exciting day for the STPGA because it shows the impact of golf, but more importantly the impact that our 900+ STPGA Members make in our section,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director for the STPGA.

 

“This relationship commenced through C.W. Canfield, the PGA Director of Golf at Lakeside Country Club when he introduced me to Mr. Bret Aldridge, President of Westside Lexus. Our STPGA Members are the backbone of the industry, and I cannot thank both C.W. and Bret enough for this partnership and overall support of the Southern Texas PGA.”


At the STPGA Section Championship, the defending Champion will be able to drive in style throughout the week as a courtesy Lexus vehicle will be provided for him or her. This year Ben Willman, Teaching Professional at Axis Golf Academy will enjoy this awesome perk when he looks to defend his title.


Lastly, Lexus is also getting involved with the STPGA’s scholarship program when it supports Past President and Texas Golf Hall of Fame Member Charlie Epps at the annual Golf Club of Houston Pro-Am on September 23. Lexus will be a presenting partner of the event and have a Hole-In-One Contest where the winner could win a Lexus. This event to date has raised $100,000 in college scholarships and showcases Lexus’ commitment to giving back and getting involved with the community it which it serves.


“On behalf of our 4,500+ junior golf families and our 900+ STPGA Members and Associates, the STPGA would like to say thank you to Lexus for their support and we look forward to an unbelievable partnership,” said Hutton.


To find out more information about the Southern Texas PGA, please visit STPGA.com


About Lexus

Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90

countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.


www.facebook.com/lexus

www.twitter.com/lexus

www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles

www.instagram.com/lexususa

www.pinterest.com/lexususa

PGA REACH Southern Texas July Recap

By Sarah Lummus • July 31, 2026
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.

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
More Posts