PGA REACH Southern Texas March Recap

Ximena Davila

INTRODUCING OUR NEW NAME AND LOGO

Our Foundation has gone through a rebrand and is now called PGA of America REACH Foundation Southern Texas. While this is a new name, we still have the same mission! PGA REACH Southern Texas is coming off a record year of impacting lives, and we are excited to continue to do so through an elevation in communication with our monthly Foundation Newsletters!

We aim to continue to elevate our Foundation, as well as further our storytelling of our four pillars: Junior Golf, College Scholarships, PGA HOPE, and Employment Opportunities.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Southern Texas PGA Scholarship Program has been providing higher education scholarships since 1999 to golfers and non-golfers alike, and in that time, has awarded 465 scholarships and $1,691,000.

We're thrilled to share we have received a remarkable number of scholarship applications. We have passed the total number of applications received in 2023 with over 170 total applicants!

As our trustees begin the review process, we're honored to play a part in supporting individuals' pursuit of their educational goals. Each application represents a unique story, aspiration, and potential, and we're eager to delve into them with care and consideration.

Stay tuned as we navigate through these applications and work towards empowering deserving individuals on their academic journey. Together, we continue impacting lives though golf and helping juniors further their education and get closer to their dreams!

PGA HOPE

In 2024, we aim to grow PGA HOPE Southern Texas and continue to save lives through the game of golf! We are set to conduct 63 PGA HOPE Sessions across Southern Texas with the help of our amazing PGA of America Members. Through these sessions, we are on the way to impact the lives of over 670 veterans and active duty service members.

New in 2024 are our PGA HOPE Spotlights! In these spotlights we will showcase PGA HOPE Southern Texas and tell the stories of those who play a pivotal role in bringing the healing power of golf to veterans and foster a sense of camaraderie among those who have served our country.

Read our first two spotlights by clicking the button below!

PGA HOPE SPOTLIGHTS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

NEW DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR GOLF

In January we introduced Alexis Sobieski, our newest addition to the team, stepping into the pivotal role of Director of Junior Golf. Alexis brings a wealth of expertise and passion for the game, and we couldn't be more excited to have her on board.

With her leadership, we're set to elevate our Junior Golf program to new heights, fostering talent, and inspiring the next generation of golfers. Welcome to the team, Alexis.

Click the button below to learn more about Alexis!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ALEXIS SOBIESKI

3 GENERATIONS OF WORKS FELLOWS

In January we also welcomed our third PGA WORKS Fellow, Alex Mudie, since the inception of the program at the STPGA in 2022!

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a program promoting diversity in golf. It offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Fellows gain experience in administration, operations, and community outreach. Through mentorship and networking, the program aims to create a more inclusive workforce within the golf industry.

Click the button below to learn more about Alex and all three generations of our PGA WORKS Fellows!

PGA WORKS FELLOW CARPOOL KARAOKE

JUNIOR GOLF

STARTING 2024 STRONG

We're off to a fantastic start this year! Our Junior Golf membership has already passed 2,700 members only 3 months into the year!

In addition to our growing membership, we've already conducted over 130 tournaments so far this year. It's been incredible to see so many new and familiar faces out on the course!

Looking ahead, we're excited to continue welcoming new members and organizing more exciting tournaments and events. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds for us!

STPGA JUNIOR GOLFERS IN THE DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT NATIONAL FINALS

On March 22, 2024 the STPGA hosted the STPGA DCP Media Day at Sand Hill Farm. This DCP Media Day highlighted three members of the STPGA Junior Golf program who have earned the right to compete at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.

Hayes Pethtel (Age 11) of Belton, Waits Rodriguez (Age 9) of Houston and Texas Terry (Age 11) of Austin are 3 of 80 competitors across the country that have earned the opportunity to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on April 7th, 2024.

See all the fun from our DCP Media Day below!

PRESS RELEASE PHOTO GALLERY

GENERAL UPDATES

CIMARRON HILLS PRO-AM

The 2024 Cimarron Hills Pro-Am Supporting PGA REACH Southern Texas and the J.L. Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund will take place on Friday, April 5th.

This event will be hosted at the Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club in Georgetown, Texas and will feature a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, click the button below!

MORE INFORMATION

THE DICK HARMON GRANT APPLICATION IS OPEN!

The Southern Texas PGA believes the opportunity to participate in our junior golf programs should not be limited only to those who can afford to play a comprehensive junior golf schedule. Therefore, PGA REACH Southern Texas would like to offer financial assistance to those juniors who are limited due to financial constraints.

Each application is asked a series of questions about their financial situation and reason for applying. PGA Reach Southern Texas is trying to provide as many opportunities to deserving young men and women to play golf and experience the joys that come with it. Please understand that by applying for this grant, all applicants may not receive funds.

The application window closes April 1st.

Click the button below for more information and to apply!

MORE INFORMATION

If you are interested in becoming involved in our foundation and helping grow our mission of impacting lives through golf, please contact Ximena Davila our Foundation Coordinator - xdavila@pgahq.com

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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.