2026 Junior Golf Updates

July 8, 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

By Southern Texas PGA July 8, 2026
Lost Pines, TX (July 6-7, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour headed to Austin this week for the Battle on the River bend at Lost Pines Golf Club. Players embraced the challenge of the Texas summer heat, battling high temperatures throughout two days of competition. Despite the demanding conditions, the field delivered impressive performances and competitive golf from start to finish.  Thank you to our host facility, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, and all of our staff who made the tournament such a success. Read more about our winning junior golfers below!
By Southern Texas PGA July 1, 2026
Good Evening Players, Parents, & Family Friends, June on the Srixon Prestige Tour brought high temperature, low scores, and champions galore The Insperity Tour Championship The time has arrived! We are less than three weeks away from the most anticipated event of the year - The Insperity Tour Championship! The stage is set, and the best junior golfers from across Southern Texas have earned their place in the field. These elite competitors are preparing for an unforgettable championship experience at one of the premier courses in the state, the breathtaking Boot Ranch. Still chasing your chance to be part of the action? There is one final opportunity to earn your spot through. The Insperity Tour Championship Last Chance Qualifier. Players will have one final chance to compete for their place in the field at the following events: • Space City Challenge (July 13-14) – Magnolia Creek Golf Club (England/Scotland) • Sunshine and Swing Challenge (July 13-14) – Hill Country Golf Club (Lakes/Creeks) History will be made at Boot Ranch. Will Payson Pistono defend her title as the Girls The Insperity Tour Champion? Who will secure the first two spots on this year’s Bayou Cup Team? Which players will rise to the moment and etch their names into Srixon Prestige Tour history? All questions will be answered on July 20–21 at Boot Ranch as the top junior golfers in Southern Texas battle for championship glory at The Insperity Tour Championship. Click Here for more information about The Insperity Tour Championship. Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - June The month kicked off at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston for the Boys Junior PGA Championship #1 , where players battled for championship glory. Reed Rodriguez of Aledo, TX delivered a clutch Round 2 performance, firing a 1-under-par 71 to secure his first career Boys 11-14 victory. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Matthew Burke of Houston, TX caught fire, using four straight birdies on the front nine during Round 2 to surge ahead and capture his first career victory. The Srixon Prestige Tour then stayed in Houston for the Girls Junior PGA Championship #1 at Black Hawk Country Club, where Jessie Lee of San Antonio, TX put together a championship performance. After a strong start, Jessie separated herself from the field late, making four consecutive birdies on the back nine during Round 2 to claim her first career Overall Girls title. Meanwhile, the action continued in Kingsland at the Bluebonnet Classic at Legends Golf Course, where another exciting weekend of competition unfolded. Andrew Moreno II of Austin, TX continued his impressive stretch, earning his second Boys 11-14 victory in three weeks with a 1-under-par tournament score. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Marco Baima of Boerne, TX set the tone early, firing an opening-round 66 and holding onto the lead to claim his third victory of the season. Pippa Fikes of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX also shined, using an even-par opening round to secure her second Overall Girls win of the year. The Srixon Prestige Tour then headed west to San Antonio for the Boys & Girls Junior PGA Championship #2 at The Quarry Golf Course, where championship moments continued. Jordan Thomas of Spring Branch, TX came through in dramatic fashion, making par on the first playoff hole to earn his first Boys 11-14 victory of the season. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Elliot Cope of Spicewood, TX dominated the competition, finishing an incredible 12-under-par for the tournament to capture his first career victory. Jessie Lee of San Antonio, TX stayed red-hot, matching even par for the event and earning her second Overall Girls win in as many weeks. June came to a thrilling conclusion at Pebble Creek Country Club for the Summer Showdown , where players battled through another competitive championship field. Hayes Pethtel of Belton, TX used a strong opening-round 71 to claim his second Boys 11-14 victory of the season. Brody Thompson of Magnolia, TX delivered back-to-back rounds of 71 to earn his first career Boys 15-18 title, while Katelyn Davis of Kingwood, TX controlled the field from start to finish, building a five-shot advantage to capture her second career Overall Girls championship. 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Captain - James Devore The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce that James Devore has been named the 2026 Ben Hogan Team STPGA Captain. A decorated junior golfer, proven competitor, and passionate leader, James has built a strong reputation through his dedication, experience, and commitment to excellence. With three career Srixon Prestige Tour victories, he established himself as one of the top junior players in the section and demonstrated what it means to compete at the highest level. James returns to the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches with unfinished business and a renewed drive to lead Team STPGA to victory. After representing the team as a player in 2023, James experienced the heartbreak of falling short and now brings that motivation into his role as Captain. With firsthand experience and a championship mindset, he is ready to inspire the next generation of Team STPGA players and guide the team in their pursuit of the Ben Hogan Junior Cup. Click Here to learn more about our 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Captain James. September Registration Summer may still be heating up, but the excitement for Fall golf is already here! Registration for the September Srixon Prestige Tour events officially opens on July 7th at 9:00 AM, and spots are expected to fill quickly. Get your alarms set, mark your calendars, and prepare for another incredible month of championship golf featuring some of the best junior players across Texas. The following events open for registration on July 7th: ● Cavender Buick GMC North Brackenridge Park Classic (September 12-13) – Brackenridge Park Golf Course ● Antigua Sun City Showdown (September 26-27) – White Wing Golf Club The countdown is officially on! Be ready at 9:00 AM on July 7th and secure your spot for the next chapter of Srixon Prestige Tour competition. Don’t miss your opportunity to tee it up, compete, and be part of another unforgettable month on the Srixon Prestige Tour! Summer Registration Opportunities Still looking to fill out your summer schedule? The Srixon Prestige Tour has you covered! This summer, junior golfers will have the opportunity to compete on premier courses, create unforgettable memories, and chase exciting exemptions at every event. The following events are open for registration with spots available: ● Sunshine and Swing Challenge (July 13-14) - Hill Country Golf Club (Lakes/Creeks) ● Kerrville Junior Cup (July 27-28) - Riverhill Country Club ● Creekside Clash (August 3-4) - Vaaler Creek Golf Club You never know what’s going to happen at a Srixon Prestige Tour event. From breakthrough performances to unforgettable moments, the next great story is waiting to be written. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the action this summer! 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 to Cavender Buick GMC North and The Quarry Golf Course for sponsoring the Boys & Girls Junior PGA Championship #2!
By Southern Texas PGA July 1, 2026
STPGA Announces 2026 Ben Hogan Cup Matches #TeamSTPGA Captain!
By Southern Texas PGA June 24, 2026
San Antonio, TX (June 22-23, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour headed to College Station this week for the Summer Showdown at Pebble Creek Country Club. Under sunny skies and soaring temperatures, players battled the Texas heat while delivering impressive performances throughout the two-day championship. Ideal playing conditions and a competitive field made for exciting action from start to finish as golfers competed for division titles, valuable exemptions, and another memorable stop on the summer schedule. Thank you to our host facility, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, and all of our staff who made the tournament such a success. Read more about our winning junior golfers below!
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