2024 Junior Golf Recap: STPGA Junior Golf Keeps Growing in 2024

December 19, 2024

STPGA Junior Golf Keeps Growing in 2024

Spring, TX (December 19, 2024) -  The 2024 season of STPGA Junior Golf has been a monumental year, marked by historic growth, exciting milestones, and record-breaking numbers. As the program continues to thrive, it’s clear that the future of junior golf here at the STPGA is brighter than ever

Membership Hits All-Time High

In 2024, the STPGA Junior Golf program reached a new membership milestone, with a total of 4,761 juniors joining the ranks. This is the largest membership number in the history of the program, reflecting the continuous rise in popularity of junior golf in the region and the growing commitment to developing young golfers.

Record-Breaking Championships and Rounds

This year’s championships were bigger and more competitive than ever before. The STPGA Junior Championship was the second largest in the association’s history, with 265 players participating, making it the largest event in over a decade. 

The number of rounds played by STPGA juniors also saw impressive growth in 2024. Collectively, juniors played a total of 25,603 rounds across three distinct categories:

  • Little Linksters (LL): 7,232 rounds
  • Junior Links (JL): 2,190 rounds
  • Junior Tour (JT): 12,585 rounds
  • Prestige Tour (PT): 3,596 rounds


2024 marked the second-highest number of rounds in our history! Despite facing challenging weather conditions throughout the summer across more than 30 events, we were able to maintain an impressive volume of rounds. These numbers reflect not only the growth in membership but also the enthusiasm and dedication of young golfers participating in all levels of the program.

Events Galore

The STPGA Junior Golf program hosted an impressive and lucky number of 777 events throughout the year. From local tournaments to regional championships, these events offered juniors countless opportunities to hone their skills, compete against their peers, and enjoy the game in a supportive environment. With so many events taking place, the program continues to grow the game as it has always aimed to do. 


In addition to our outstanding events, our championships stand among the very best. A total of 610 players competed across all three of our seasonal championships. In 2024, we placed greater emphasis on these events than ever before, and we are thrilled to continue bringing together the top talent to showcase the exceptional level of play that junior golf has reached!


Caddie Program Continues to Thrive

One of the standout features of STPGA Junior Golf is its Caddie Program, which provides young golfers with valuable mentorship and learning experiences. This year, a total of 1,556 caddies participated in tournaments, and 235 caddie bibs were issued, underscoring the growing interest in this aspect of the program.

Incredible Achievements

The achievements of STPGA juniors this year have been nothing short of impressive. Over the course of the season, juniors racked up 11,379 birdies, and 9 hole-in-ones  (Click Here to see the Hole-In-One List). The sheer number of birdies is a testament to the growing skill level of these young golfers. The achievements in medal counts were staggering, with 9,459 medals awarded throughout the season. These medals represent the hard work, dedication, and improvement that juniors have shown across all levels of play.


A Growing Community of Golfers

In 2024, the STPGA Junior Golf program expanded to include 125 unique facilities, making it easier for juniors to find tournaments and events near them. The increased access to local courses has provided even more opportunities for juniors to compete and develop their skills.


As our staff traveled a collective 3,984 miles to provide countless opportunities and events like the PGA Junior League and DCP, it became evident that the reach of the STPGA Junior Golf program is expanding beyond local boundaries, fostering a larger community of golfers in South Texas. Our reach extended beyond in person events as well with a staggering 2,000,000+ impressions across our social platforms, thus highlighting the extent of our promotion of not only the game but every junior golfer.


Stronger Than Ever Partnerships

The success of the 2024 season was made possible in part by the generous support of our patron partners, including Veritex Bank, First Community, Lexus, and PGA Superstore. Their commitment to growing the game of golf and supporting junior golfers has been vital to the continued success of the STPGA Junior Golf program.

Looking Forward

As 2024 draws to a close, STPGA Junior Golf looks forward to another year of growth, learning, and achievement. With a record number of participants, incredible achievements on the course, and a growing network of partners and facilities, it’s clear that junior golf in South Texas is on the rise. The future looks bright for these young golfers, and the STPGA is excited to continue supporting their journey as they strive for greatness in the years to come.


Here’s to another year of growth and success for STPGA Junior Golf in 2025!

Click Here to see the 2024 tournament results.
Click Here to see pictures from all 2024 events.

By Southern Texas PGA September 14, 2026
San Antonio, TX (September 12-13, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour was in San Antonio this weekend for the Cavender Buick GMC North Brackenridge Park Classic at Brackenridge Park Golf Course. Junior golfers battled through two rounds of exciting competition, putting their skills to the test and fighting for the top of the leaderboard. A big thank you to Brackenridge Park Golf Course, all of our players and parents, our Title Sponsor Srixon, and our Title Partner Cavender Buick GMC North for helping make the weekend a memorable one. Congratulations to all of our winners!
By Southern Texas PGA September 8, 2026
Good Evening Players, Parents, & Family Friends, August marked the perfect end to the biggest Summer on the Srixon Prestige Tour. Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - August August came roaring onto the scene at Vaaler Creek Golf Club for the Creekside Clash , and the Srixon Prestige Tour wasted no time delivering some incredible golf! Layton Eckermann of Lampasas, TX took control early and never let up, cruising to a dominant 10-stroke victory for his first career Boys 11-14 win. Brady Shelton of Spicewood, TX fired a first-round 2-under 70 to seize the lead and held strong through the finish to capture his second Boys 15-18 title of the year. In the Overall Girls Division, Lucy Thompson of Austin, TX erased a four-shot Round 1 deficit with an impressive comeback to secure her first career victory! From there, the Tour headed east to Houston for the STPGA Challenge at BlackHorse Golf Club, where the competition heated up once again. Dakota Ybarra of Baytown, TX wasted no time making his move, opening with an even-par 72 to build a commanding six-shot lead and cruise to his second Boys 11-14 victory of the season. Boys 15-18 saw a thrilling comeback, as Sawyer Schellberg of Houston, TX battled back from six shots down to force a playoff—and then delivered when it mattered most to claim his first career win. Makenzie Minshew of The Woodlands, TX also rose to the occasion in a playoff, earning her first career Overall Girls victory in dramatic fashion! The Srixon Prestige Tour then headed west to New Braunfels for the Surf & Turf New Braunfels Showcase at Landa Park Golf Course, and the drama continued. Cooper Powasnik of Schertz, TX erased a three-shot Round 1 deficit to storm back and capture his first career Boys 11-14 title. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Tate Vanlandingham of San Antonio, TX came through in a thrilling three-way playoff, sinking a birdie on the third playoff hole to secure his first career victory. Natalie Vuu of Houston, TX set the tone early with an opening-round 72, jumping out to the lead and holding on for her first career Overall Girls win! August saved some of its biggest fireworks for last, wrapping up back in Houston at Quail Valley Golf Club for the Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown . Dylan Hananto of Houston, TX went wire-to-wire to capture his first career Boys 11-14 victory. Reece Williams of Beaumont, TX held off a furious late charge from the field to earn his first career Boys 15-18 win. In the Overall Girls Division, Payson Pistono of The Woodlands, TX put together a dominant performance, pulling away from the field to win by six shots and claim her first Overall Girls victory of the year! 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches Team STPGA battled all the way to the finish at the 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches, but Team NTPGA ultimately claimed the Cup after a hard-fought competition between the best players of the two Sections. The action was intense from the start, with Day 1’s Four-Ball Matches ending in a 3-3 tie. Team STPGA then seized momentum in the Foursomes Matches, highlighted by a clutch putt from Emily Zhang on No. 9 to secure Match #5. The victory gave Team STPGA a narrow 6.5-5.5 lead heading into the final day, setting the stage for an exciting finish. With the Cup hanging in the balance, Team STPGA came out ready to battle in the Singles Matches. Despite a tremendous effort from the entire team, Team NTPGA caught fire and captured Day 2 by an 8.5-3.5 margin, securing the Cup with a final 14-10 victory. A huge thank you to Captain James Devore for leading Team STPGA and helping create an unforgettable few days of competition, camaraderie, and memories. Click Here to view the results of the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches. Click Here to view the Photo Album for the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches. New Fall Event! The Srixon Prestige Tour Fall Schedule just got even bigger! A brand-new event has been added to the lineup, and we’re heading back to the scenic Flying L Ranch Golf Course in Bandera for The Cowboy Cup, on September 19–20! Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of competitive junior golf, incredible scenery, and plenty of opportunities to make your mark. And, of course, the stakes are high! EXEMPTION OPPORTUNITY: The Boys 15–18 and Girls 11–18 Champions will each earn a spot in the Legends Junior Tour’s Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational! The Fall schedule is heating up, and The Cowboy Cup is one you won’t want to miss! Saddle up and get ready for another premier Srixon Prestige Tour experience! Click Here to Register for The Cowboy Cup! November Registration Fall has officially arrived, but the action on the Srixon Prestige Tour is showing no signs of cooling off! With the season entering its final stretch, there are still plenty of opportunities to compete, make memories, and finish the year on a high note. Registration for November events opened last week at 9:00 AM! Don’t wait to secure your spot—these events are ready to deliver another month of incredible courses, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. The following events open for registration: ● Visit Lake Charles Fall Classic (November 7-8) - Mallard Golf Club ● The Gobbler Cup (November 14-15) - Stonebridge at Newport Golf Course ● Abraham Ancer Classic (November 23-24) - Cordillera Ranch ● Omega Transactions Turkey Shootout (November 23-24) - Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club The countdown to the end of the season is on, and there’s still plenty of golf left to play! Don’t miss your chance to be part of another unforgettable month on the Srixon Prestige Tour. Thank You to our Sponsors! For the eighth consecutive year, Srixon is returning as the sole Prestige Tour Title Partner for the 2026 year. Keep in mind, if you are looking for golf balls to golf clubs, Srixon is one of the premiere brands in the industry and will always keep you at the top of your game. Another big Thank you Surf & Turf Golf for sponsoring the Surf & Turf New Braunfels Showcase, and to Vortech Contracting for sponsoring the Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown.
By Southern Texas PGA August 31, 2026
Missouri City, TX (August 29-30, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour summer season wrapped up last weekend with the Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown at Quail Valley Golf Course! Our junior golfers battled through the Houston heat and completed 36 holes of competitive golf, showcasing their skills and drive in another successful event. Thank you to our host facility, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, and all of our staff. We are also grateful to Vortech Contracting for being the Presenting Sponsor of this event. Their support allows us to make these competitions possible! Read more about our winning junior golfers below.
By Southern Texas PGA August 19, 2026
The Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Fall 2026 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look to continue our incredible service and grow the game! 
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