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

By Sarah Lummus September 11, 2025
HOUSTON, TX (September 10, 2025) - The Southern Texas PGA (STPGA) proudly hosted the 2nd Annual STPGA HOPE Cup on Monday, September 8, 2025, at The Quarry Golf Course in San Antonio. This special event once again brought together PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Southern Texas graduates for a day of golf, camaraderie, and celebration of service. The tournament brought together 55 PGA HOPE graduates and instructors from across Southern Texas, representing multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Each graduate teamed up with their PGA HOPE Instructor—the Professionals who have supported them throughout their journey—showcasing the powerful role golf plays in building healing, connection, and resilience. The day kicked off with an inspiring Opening Ceremony, featuring the James Madison High School JROTC Cadets with the Presentation of Colors, followed by a moving performance of the National Anthem by Jefferson Clay. With spirits high, the field then teed off in a shotgun start, competing in a team-based format designed to highlight both camaraderie and competition. After another exciting and close competition, it was once again Team Golf Club of Texas who claimed victory, successfully defending their title. The team, led by Jamie Smith, PGA Director of Instruction, showed strong play and teamwork throughout the afternoon to capture back-to-back HOPE Cup wins. This year’s event was made possible thanks to the support of its Presenting Partners: J.L. Lewis Golf and Zedcor Security Solutions. Special recognition goes to Dustin Burrell, PGA, Miguel Amaya, and the entire Quarry Golf Course staff for their hospitality and hard work in making the day a success. The STPGA HOPE Cup continues to grow as an annual tradition, honoring our veterans and showcasing the unique role golf can play in rehabilitation, community, and lifelong well-being. Click below to view the final leaderboard and event photos, as well as learn more about PGA HOPE Southern Texas.
By Sarah Lummus August 19, 2025
PGA REACH Southern Texas is excited to announce that the annual STPGA Online Auction is officially live, offering bidders the chance to win more than 80 exclusive items while supporting the mission of PGA REACH Southern Texas. PGA REACH Southern Texas is dedicated to impacting lives through its four core pillars: Junior Golf, Scholarships, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), and Career Opportunities. Every dollar raised through the Online Auction helps create new opportunities and expand the game of golf to communities across Southern Texas. This year’s auction features a wide variety of experiences and packages, including: Premier rounds of golf at top Southern Texas courses Access to exclusive tournament experiences Bucket-list destination golf getaways Tickets to professional sporting events And much more “The Online Auction is one of our most important fundraising events of the year,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the Southern Texas PGA. “Every bid directly supports programs that are changing lives through the game of golf.” The auction will remain open until Tuesday, August 26 at 9:00 P.M. (CST). Bidders are encouraged to act quickly to secure their favorite items before the closing deadline. To check out the items and start bidding, click below!
By Sarah Lummus July 31, 2025
PGA of America REACH Foundation Southern Texas is a 501(c)3 organization focused on impacting lives and communities through the transformative power of golf. Best known as PGA REACH Southern Texas, the Foundation was formed in 1994 and annually impacts thousands of individuals. Our Foundation stands on four pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, PGA HOPE, & employment opportunities. By focusing on these pillars, PGA REACH Southern Texas strives to uplift, inspire, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
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"Receiving this scholarship motivates me to work even harder and push for my dreams."
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By Sarah Lummus May 29, 2025
PGA of America REACH Foundation Southern Texas is a 501(c)3 organization focused on impacting lives and communities through the transformative power of golf. Best known as PGA REACH Southern Texas, the Foundation was formed in 1994 and annually impacts thousands of individuals. Our Foundation stands on four pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, PGA HOPE, & employment opportunities. By focusing on these pillars, PGA REACH Southern Texas strives to uplift, inspire, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
By Peyton Snow May 15, 2025
The Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Summer 2025 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look forward to continuing our incredible service and growing the game!
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