PGA REACH Southern Texas March Update

Ximena Davila • Mar 25, 2024

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 Ximena Davila 15 May, 2024
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SPRING, TX (May 14, 2024) - Southern Texas PGA Member, Scott Archer, is headed to New York City in November for one of the world’s biggest marathons. Archer, Assistant Executive Director for the Southern Texas PGA, will be representing the Section at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on November 3. He is one of 15 PGA of America Members from across the country running in the marathon, representing the PGA of America’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, PGA of America REACH Foundation. The Foundation is an Official Partner of the TCS New York Marathon for the seventh consecutive year, and the PGA of America Members running in November aim to raise over $150,000 for PGA of America REACH Foundation programming. “I’m beyond excited for this opportunity to put my mental fortitude and physical fitness to the test, but more importantly, I’m honored to have the opportunity to represent the PGA of America and Southern Texas PGA on the national stage,” said Archer who has worked for the STPGA since 2018. “PGA of America REACH Foundation and the Programs they conduct are near and dear to my heart, having delivered these on a local level to our consumers of Southern Texas. I also grew up in the Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf Program playing in Beaumont under the watchful eye of Ed Campbell. It is truly a blessing to be able to contribute to fundraising for this organization and to give back in a meaningful way.” To support Archer as he strives to raise money for PGA of America REACH Foundation, Click Here to find his fundraising page! If you would like to make an offline donation, please contact Archer at sarcher@pgahq.com “Scott has been a valuable member of our team since joining the staff in 2018 and is our first Section Members to participate in the NYC Marathon under this umbrella,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director. “Don’t be surprised if you see him training after working one of our events this summer and fall!” To learn more about our Foundation and our causes, Click Here .
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