STPGA Announces Junior Golfers of the Year!

October 30, 2024Southern Texas PGA

Vargas and Lee Win Annual Section Award!

SPRING, TX (October 30, 2024) – The Southern Texas PGA is excited to announce this year’s two Junior Golfer of the Year Award Winners. These exceptional young golfers have displayed extraordinary talent, dedication, and sportsmanship, setting the standard for excellence in junior golf.

 

The winners are Asher Vargas of Spring, TX and Lindsay Lee of San Antonio, TX. 

The Junior Golfer of the Year Award is presented to two junior golfers who embody excellence both on and off the course. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, exemplary character, and unwavering sportsmanship. Recipients stand out for their dedication to the core values of golf and their commitment to playing at an elite level.

Since joining the Southern Texas PGA in 2015, Vargas has recorded one victory and five top-10 finishes on the Srixon Billiard Factory Prestige Tour. In 2024, he represented the USA on the Junior Presidents Cup Team and tied for 2nd at the Junior PGA Championship. Vargas is recognized not only for his athletic skill but also for his exceptional sportsmanship and character, reflecting the core values of golf and exemplifying what it means to be a true ambassador of the sport.


"To Asher, golf is everything," remarked Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the STPGA. "He consistently shows kindness to our staff, expresses gratitude for our efforts, and brings such positive energy wherever he goes." Following his high school graduation, Asher will take his talents to the University of North Carolina to compete at the Division I level, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing his ongoing development and achievements.

Our girls' champion, Lindsay Lee, has been a remarkable presence in the STPGA since 2015, securing over 70 victories and capturing all three Junior Championships. As one of the few players to represent the STPGA in both the Texas Junior Cup Matches and the Ben Hogan Cup Matches, Lee has truly set herself apart. Her commitment and hard work continue to set a high standard of excellence, serving as an inspiration to all who follow her journey.

"Lindsay has shown remarkable growth and development through the STPGA, and it's been amazing to watch her progress along our player pathway," stated Hutton. "Our program is designed to support juniors from a young age, enabling them to experience all our offerings, and Lindsay has truly taken full advantage of that!"

New Paragraph

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Good Afternoon, Players, Parents, & Family Friends, 11 incredible months have passed - it’s time to finish this year on a high note! Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - November November kicked off at Forest Creek Golf Club for The Round Rock Cup, where Cole Gailys of Austin, TX shined with back-to-back under-par rounds to capture his first Prestige Tour victory. In the Girls Division, Rachel Turk of Austin, TX delivered the weekend’s lone even-par round, sealing her first Srixon Prestige Tour title of 2025 in impressive fashion. From there, the Srixon Prestige Tour headed east just across state lines for the Visit Lake Charles Fall Classic at Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles, LA. Joshua Szynski of New Braunfels, TX battled steady winds to notch his first career Srixon Prestige Tour win, finishing +1 after carding a birdie on the 36th hole of the tournament. Meanwhile, Caileigh Royer of Mont Belvieu, TX took her Round 1 lead into Round 2 where she would then claim her second Srixon Prestige Tour win of 2025. The month wrapped up with not one, not two, but THREE Championships taking place just before Thanksgiving! Beginning just north of Houston, Joanna Kim of Langley, British Columbia and Jackson Tennant of Austin, TX walked away as The Gobbler Cup Champions at Elkins Lake Country Club. Next, we look at the history made in San Antonio for the 2nd Abraham Ancer Classic at Oak Hills Country Club where Gavin Swearengin of San Antonio, TX takes home his first title and Aly Esparza of Laredo, TX claims her second Championship of 2025. Last but not least, Blane Arnim of Katy, TX & Sophia Liu of Sugar Land, TX found a way to enter the holiday season on a high note from their excellent play at Bay Oaks Country Club. New Cancellation Process for the Srixon Prestige Tour Beginning in 2026, a few changes will be implemented to the cancellation process for Srixon Prestige Tour Championships. These updates are designed to provide greater clarity and help players and families plan ahead with confidence. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the upcoming changes — along with an example of what to expect — so you can be better prepared for the 2026 year. First cancellation wave deadline is 12 days prior to Round 1 Players are charged a $15 cancellation fee with the remaining credits being applied to the junior golfer’s account Ex: Round 1 is January 17, the first cancellation wave deadline is January 5th at 11:59 PM Second cancellation wave deadline is 5 days prior to Round 1 Players are charged a $50 cancellation fee with the remaining credits being applied to the junior golfer’s account Ex. Round 1 is January 17, second wave deadline is January 12th at 11:59 PM 2026 Registration Dates for the Srixon Prestige Tour & 2026 Important Dates Below is a list of dates we wanted to share with you to ensure a smooth transition into the new year. December 2nd - Srixon Prestige Tour (January - May) Schedule will be Viewable December 16th - January & February Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration January 6th - March Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration February 3rd - April Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration March 3rd - May Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration April 7th - June Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration May 5th - July Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration June 2nd - August Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration July 7th - September Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration August 4th - October Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration September 1st - November Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration October 6th - December Prestige Tour tournaments Open for Registration Click here to view our STPGA Junior Golf Important Dates webpage to see other program’s important dates. Thank You to our Sponsors! For the seventh consecutive year, Srixon is returning as the sole Prestige Tour Title Partner for the 2025 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 thank you to the Visit Lake Charles team for their continued support of STPGA Junior Golf and for welcoming many families to town for the Visit Lake Charles Fall Classic!
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