January 9, 2026 •Southern Texas PGA
Dear STPGA Junior Golf Members and Parents,
We are writing to inform you of updates to the STPGA Junior Golf Rules and Regulations. These changes are intended to enhance player development, promote pace of play, and ensure consistency across STPGA Junior Golf programs.
Effective January 9th, 2026, the following updates will apply:
Little Linksters Yardage Adjustments: (Page 29)
Adjustments have been made to the yardages for the following Little Linksters divisions:
- Co-Ed 6–8 (9 Hole Modified)
- Girls 9–10
- Boys 9–10
- Girls 11–12
Junior Links Rules of Play: (page 31)
The Junior Links division will now follow all Little Linksters–specific rules of play, See the rules outlined below.
- Penalty Area Rule (Little Linksters & Junior Links):
If a player hits two (2) balls into the same penalty area designated by red or yellow stakes or freshly painted lines, the player may drop a ball on the opposite side of the penalty area with no additional penalty beyond the required penalty strokes. - Bunker Rule (Little Linksters & Junior Links):
If a player’s ball is in a bunker and the player has taken two (2) strokes at the ball in the same bunker without advancing the ball out, the player may, with no penalty, drop the ball outside the bunker at the nearest point of relief, within one (1) club length, no closer to the hole. - Out of Bounds Rule (Little Linksters & Junior Links):
As an additional option to stroke and distance, a player may, for a General Penalty, drop his or her ball at the nearest fairway edge, no closer to the hole.
Medals & Awards: (Page 27, Page 32, Page 35)
- At all one day events, medals will be awarded to 1st–3rd place finishers for the Junior Tour, Little Linksters, and Junior Links tours.
- At all Season Championships medals will be awarded to 1st–5th place finishers for the Junior Tour, Little Linksters, and Junior Links tours.
Points Distribution Update: (Page 29, Page 33, Page 36)
Points distribution has been updated as follows:
All players and parents are expected to review and comply with these updated rules. The complete Rules and Regulations document is available on the STPGA Junior Golf website. You can view them by clicking here.
To view the 2026 Srixon Prestige Tour updates, click here.
Thank you for your continued support of STPGA Junior Golf and your cooperation as we implement these updates. We are looking forward to a great 2026!
Best Regards,
J.T. Milner
Director of Junior Golf
