PGA REACH Southern Texas September Recap

Sarah Lummus

September was a busy month for PGA REACH Southern Texas, with a strong mix of events, fundraising milestones, and opportunities to support our four pillars. From celebrating the success of our inaugural Birdie Bash and funding another year of Charlie Epps Scholarships to providing new equipment for six PGA HOPE Veterans, it was a month filled with meaningful impact across Southern Texas.



Take a look at what’s happening across PGA REACH Southern Texas and see how your support continues to help us impact lives through golf.

PLAY YELLOW BIRDIE BASH

STPGA's Inaugural Birdie Bash Raises More Than $80,000 for PGA REACH Southern Texas and Dell Children’s Medical Center

PGA REACH Southern Texas celebrated the success of its inaugural Birdie Bash on September 24 at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa’s Crenshaw Cliffside Golf Course, bringing together 21 teams of PGA Professionals and Associates for a 72-hole birdie challenge benefiting PGA REACH Southern Texas and Dell Children’s Medical Center.


Inspired by Play Yellow, the event raised more than $80,000 and saw participants make an incredible 864 birdies, turning every birdie into an opportunity to make an impact. Congratulations to Team Jamie Smith and Tyler Boer for leading the field with 62 birdies, and to Team Camille Close and Alex Rhyne for taking the top fundraising spot with $13,054 in donations.



PGA REACH Southern Texas extends a huge thank-you to Play Yellow, Dell Children’s, Omni Barton Creek, our participating PGA Professionals and Associates, and all of our generous donors, sponsors, and supporters for helping make the first Birdie Bash a tremendous success. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue growing the event in the years ahead!

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

6th Annual Golf Club of Houston Invitational Celebrates Another Successful Year

On Monday, September 21, PGA REACH Southern Texas joined the Golf Club of Houston for the 6th Annual Golf Club of Houston Invitational benefiting the Charlie Epps Scholarship and PGA REACH Southern Texas.


Thanks to the incredible support of our Presenting Partner: Insperity and Pro-Am Sponsors: Insperity Invitational, Raymond James, Jet Access, Chicago Title, The Wylie Family, Johnson & Lindley, LLC, Astros Golf Foundation, Contech Industrial & Pathfinder Services, HUB International, Atascocita Car Care & Collision, Michael Wilson, David Mitchell, and Dave Belding, this year’s event funded another year of Charlie Epps Scholarships through PGA REACH Southern Texas.



We are grateful to the Golf Club of Houston, our sponsors, and everyone who came out to support the event and help provide deserving junior golfers with opportunities to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

PHOTO GALLERY

ONLINE AUCTION

Save the Date: Annual Online Auction Coming this November!

Before we know it, our Annual Online Auction will be here! Mark your calendars for November 2–10 as we come together to support the mission of PGA REACH Southern Texas.


We are currently seeking donations to help make this year's auction a success. Popular items include golf experiences, gift cards, merchandise, memorabilia, and vacation packages, but contributions of all kinds are greatly appreciated. Every donated item plays a meaningful role in helping us raise critical funds to support our programs and expand our impact across Southern Texas.


If you or your organization are interested in contributing an auction item, please contact Sarah Lummus, Foundation Manager at slummus@pgahq.com.

PGA HOPE

Bogeys2Birdies at PGA HOPE The Woodlands - September Trade In Event

PGA HOPE Southern Texas continued its partnership with Bogeys2Birdies for a second Golf Club Trade-In Days event at The Woodlands Country Club on September 24–25. This special initiative gave six PGA HOPE – The Woodlands Veterans the opportunity to receive full sets of golf clubs, helping them continue their golf journey with new equipment. A huge thank-you to Bogeys2Birdies for making this opportunity possible and to James Larkin, PGA, for continuing to create meaningful experiences for the Veterans in our program!

PHOTO GALLERY

2026 Veterans Cup: Sign Up Today!

The 4th Annual Veterans Cup is coming up Monday, November 2, at Walden on Lake Houston in Humble, TX! Led by 2023 Patriot Award Winner and PGA HOPE Lead Instructor Jonathan Shoffner, this special event brings PGA HOPE graduates together for a fun day on the course. 2026 PGA HOPE graduates play for free, while all other PGA HOPE graduates are invited to participate for $35, with all proceeds benefiting PGA HOPE Southern Texas.



Gather your team and sign up using the link below! For any questions, reach out to Jonathan Shoffner at jshoffner@pga.com.

SIGN UP TODAY

JUNIOR GOLF

TEXAS JUNIOR CUP MATCHES RECAP

The 15th Texas Junior Cup Matches are officially in the books! Team STPGA and NTPGA battled it out at Sand Hill Farm this past weekend, with NTPGA earning a 14-10 victory to retain the Cup. Both teams showcased great golf and sportsmanship throughout the weekend, with beautiful weather making for an incredible two days of competition. Congratulations to all the juniors who represented their teams and made this year’s matches one to remember!



Click below for the photo gallery and press release!

CHECK OUT OUR 2026 FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS!


PGA REACH Southern Texas is proud to announce our incredible sponsors for 2026! The support and partnership of these organizations play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of impacting lives through the game of golf.


Each of their commitment allows us to expand our pillars and we simply couldn’t do what we do without their generous support.

To see all our amazing supporters, click the link below!


2026 FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

If you are interested in becoming involved in our Foundation and helping grow our mission of impacting lives through golf, please contact Sarah Lummus our Foundation Manager - slummus@pgahq.com

By Sarah Lummus • September 25, 2026
Austin, Texas (September 25, 2026) — PGA REACH Southern Texas celebrated the success of its inaugural Birdie Bash on Thursday, September 24, raising more than $80,000 for PGA REACH Southern Texas and Dell Children’s Medical Center through an exciting day of golf, fundraising, and community impact. Held at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa’s Crenshaw Cliffside Golf Course, the event brought together 21 two-person teams of PGA Professionals and Associates for a 72-hole birdie challenge. Collectively, participants recorded an impressive 864 birdies, turning every birdie into an opportunity to support two important causes. Inspired by Play Yellow, Birdie Bash was designed to bring the golf community together to support pediatric cancer care while furthering the mission of PGA REACH Southern Texas. Teams and donors pledged support based on the number of birdies made throughout the event, creating a unique fundraising experience that connected on-course performance with meaningful impact. The inaugural event also celebrated standout performances both on the course and through fundraising efforts. Congratulations to Team Jamie Smith and Tyler Boer for conquering the leaderboard with an impressive 62 birdies! Special recognition also goes to Top Fundraisers Team Camille Close and Alex Rhyne, who raised $13,054 in donations to support the event’s beneficiaries. Their efforts exemplify the enthusiasm, generosity, and competitive spirit that made the first Birdie Bash such a success. “We are incredibly proud of the success of our first Birdie Bash and grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible,” said Sarah Lummus, Foundation Manager of PGA REACH Southern Texas. “To see 21 teams come together, make 864 birdies, and raise more than $80,000 for PGA REACH and Dell Children’s is an incredible accomplishment. This event is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the support of our partners, and the power of the golf community to make a difference. We are so excited to build on this momentum in the years ahead.” The event would not have been possible without the support of Play Yellow and Dell Children’s Medical Center, whose commitment to improving the lives of children and families helped inspire Birdie Bash. PGA REACH Southern Texas is proud to partner with Dell Children’s in supporting the important work of pediatric healthcare and giving back to the Central Texas community. PGA REACH Southern Texas extends its sincere appreciation to the Omni Barton Creek team for their hospitality, partnership, and support in hosting the inaugural event. A special thank-you also goes to the participating PGA Professionals and Associates, whose time, enthusiasm, and fundraising efforts made the event such a success. Their commitment to the challenge and the causes behind it helped turn 864 birdies into meaningful support for the community. Finally, PGA REACH Southern Texas is deeply grateful to its generous donors, sponsors, and supporters. Every contribution, pledge, and show of encouragement helped make this milestone possible. The success of Birdie Bash reflects what can happen when the golf community comes together around a shared purpose.  As the inaugural Birdie Bash comes to a close, PGA REACH Southern Texas looks forward to continuing to grow the event and create even greater impact through the game of golf. To view photos from the event and our final leaderboards, check out the links below.
By Sarah Lummus • September 8, 2026
HOUSTON, TX (August 31, 2026) - PGA HOPE Southern Texas proudly welcomed 12 teams from across the Section to Hyatt Lost Pines Golf Club on Monday, August 31, for the 3rd Annual Southern Texas PGA HOPE Cup, an annual celebration of the Veterans and PGA Professionals who make the PGA HOPE Southern Texas program so impactful.
By Sarah Lummus • August 28, 2026
August has been another exciting month for PGA REACH Southern Texas, filled with impactful moments, major milestones, and plenty to look forward to this fall. From looking forward to celebrating our PGA HOPE Veterans at the upcoming 3rd Annual HOPE Cup to crowning 15 Junior Golf champions and building momentum for the inaugural Play Yellow Birdie Bash, there is a lot happening across our programs. Take a look at what’s happening across Southern Texas and see how your support continues to help us impact lives through golf.
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.
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.
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. 
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!
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. 
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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