PGA REACH Southern Texas October Recap

Ximena Davila

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.

GENERAL UPDATES

SCOTT ARCHER, PGA RUNNING FOR PGA REACH SOUTHERN TEXAS

We are extremely proud that our very own Scott Archer, PGA Assistant Executive Director, will be running in the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3 to help the PGA of America raise funds for PGA of America REACH Foundation. Since 2017, 47 PGA of America Members have raised over $365,000 covering 1,965 miles in New York City and Scott will be the first representative from Southern Texas to put rubber to the road in this fundraising initiative.


If you would like to learn more about Scott and support his fundraising efforts click the links below.


SUPPORT SCOTT HERE WATCH SCOTT'S FUNDRAISING VIDEO HERE
TEXAS GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

The Class of 2024 was inducted on October 21, 2024 at the Gathering of Eagles Ceremony at Houston Country Club.


Past STPGA Executive Director Mike Ray, PGA, who started the STPGA Foundation in 1994 was inducted as well as Scholarship Trustee Brent Buckman, PGA who has been instrumental with the George Hannon Society. It is an honor to have these two be a part of the Southern Texas PGA and are now etched in Texas golf history.



To view their exhibits in the new digital museum, please click the buttons below!

MIKE RAY EXHIBIT BRENT BUCKMAN EXHIBIT

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

STPGA INTERNS 'WHERE ARE THEY NOW?' - CASEY LAWRENCE

We bet you miss seeing the friendly faces of past interns out on the course. Which is why we are excited to bring you our new "Where Are They Now?" spotlight on past interns.


Casey was our 2024 Spring Tournament Operations intern and now works as an Assistant Golf Professional at Black Hawk Country Club.

CATCH UP WITH CASEY LAWRENCE
JOIN OUR TEAM!

Applications for our 2025 PGA WORKS Fellow are NOW OPEN!

The PGA WORKS Fellowship provides the opportunity for a one-year, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s operations. This entry-level employment experience offers a taste of what a career in the golf industry can provide.

Click below to apply and learn more!

PGA WORKS FELLOW APPLICATION

JUNIOR GOLF

5 STPGA JUNIOR GOLFERS ARE HEADED TO AUGUSTA NATIONAL!

Congratulations to our 5 STPGA Junior Golfers that will be advancing to the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Final at Augusta National on April 6, 2025! 


Alaina Villarreal (Girls 10-11)
Ava Frazier (Girls 14-15)
Blake Ayuso (Boys 7-9)
Dawson Dial (Boys 10-11)
Andrew Bird (Boys 14-15)


We wish you the best and we can't wait to see how you do!

VIEW ALL NATIONAL FINALISTS HERE
WELCOME DEAN POCWIERZ!


The STPGA would like to welcome our new Prestige Tour Manager, Dean Pocwierz. He comes to us from Southern California PGA where he worked as a Tournament Coordinator for their Toyota Tour Cup. He started with us on October 7th, 2024 and we are excited to have him on our team!


To learn more about him, click below!


READ MORE HERE

PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE SPOTLIGHT: JAMIE SMITH


As a PGA HOPE Lead Instructor, Jamie Smith blends his passion for both service and golf in remarkable ways. His dedication not only fuels his own success but also uplifts the Veterans he serves.

Through his work, Jamie is transforming the lives of fellow Veterans, using the game of golf as a powerful tool for connection, healing, and community.

READ MORE ABOUT JAMIE HERE

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP ADDED FOR 2025


The Gary Patterson Memorial Foundation Scholarship


Those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Gary will always remember his kindness and thoughtfulness that was accompanied with his sense of humor and warm smile. Gary was always eager to share the wisdom from his own personal experiences. His thoughtful advice shared with those dear to him was an expression of love and created bonds that will be forever cherished.


He worked in the oil industry his entire career where he had a passion for what he did. However, those who know him best know his real passion was golf! It was his wish to create opportunities for young golf enthusiasts who might otherwise not have the means to pursue an education and follow their passion for golf.

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 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
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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
By Sarah Lummus October 26, 2025
"The STPGA is something that my entire family is involved in and is something that has always been around our lives." – Payton Hiller
By Sarah Lummus October 1, 2025
Charlie Epps’s Legacy in Southern Texas Golf Continues with a Record-Breaking Fundraising Event!
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