Scholarship Spotlight: Isabella Carter

Sarah Lummus

“Throughout my junior career, countless STPGA staff members have shaped my love for the game—but beyond golf, they’ve been some of my biggest supporters in life.”

Congratulations to Isabella Carter, a 2025 recipient of the Gary Patterson Scholarship! A lifelong member of the STPGA family, Isabella’s journey in golf began before she could even walk—riding along in a golf cart with her dad. Since then, she’s grown into a standout junior golfer whose passion for the game has shaped not only her swing, but also her character, work ethic, and future goals.


This fall, Isabella will attend Tulane University in New Orleans, where she plans to study psychology while continuing to compete in collegiate golf. From Little Linksters to the Prestige Tour, Isabella has been a consistent and committed presence in the STPGA. Along the way, she’s formed lasting relationships with staff and mentors like Jesse Saavedra, Troy Frederick, Paul Herring, and Connor Murphy—individuals she credits for supporting her through both triumphs and setbacks.


Golf has always been more than a sport to Isabella. It’s taught her how to manage pressure, recover from mistakes, and stay mentally tough—lessons she now applies in every part of her life. Her academic interest in psychology was sparked in part by her experience as an athlete. She’s especially drawn to performance theories that help explain how stress and adrenaline impact play, and she’s used that knowledge to refine her mental game.


Isabella has also made an impact off the course. Whether it’s leading student groups at school or volunteering through her church, she brings the same dedication and heart to everything she does. But at the center of it all is her love for golf and the community that has supported her along the way.



We’re proud to recognize Isabella with the Gary Patterson Scholarship as she takes the next step in her journey. With her commitment to the game, academic drive, and strong sense of purpose, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to represent the STPGA community with excellence.


To learn more about the PGA REACH Southern Texas Scholarship Program, Click Here.

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.
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.
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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.
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