Abraham Ancer Continues Partnership with STPGA in 2025!

December 6, 2024

San Antonio, TX (2025) – The Southern Texas PGA could not be more excited to continue our partnership with former STPGA Junior Golfer and World Class Professional Golfer Abraham Ancer. 2024 was the first year of the relationship that featured the Abraham Ancer Classic on the Srixon Billiard Factory Prestige Tour, College Scholarships, and money awarded specifically to families to help introduce golf to the next generation.

“Last week’s event at Oak Hills Country Club is a celebration of an individual that cares deeply about growing the game and giving back to his local community,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the STPGA. “To see Abraham interact with players and families was a joy and we appreciate his support of junior golf.”


Last week at historic Oak Hills in San Antonio, where Abraham is a member, the STPGA hosted 90 Junior Golfers in the first ever Abraham Ancer Classic. Matt Pawly shot an impressive 2-under 69 on day two to win by four over Cooper Relf. On the girl’s side, Destiny McNeil was consistent with back-to-back even par rounds of 71 to win the Girls Division.


“The STPGA does an awesome job growing the game, providing scholarships, and running high quality events,” said Ancer who was born in McAllen, TX and raised in Reynosa, Mexico. Ancer grew up playing at Reynosa Country Club and traveled to Southern Texas to compete in STPGA events, where he was the STPGA Valley Area Champion for his division in 2005. “I feel it is only right to give back, get engaged with the next generation, and make a difference!” While the tournament was a major success, Abraham’s support throughout the year made a major impact. He helped break the STPGA’s record in terms of College Scholarships awarded in 2024 and then also helped over 60 families financially participate in STPGA Junior Golf tournaments.

The STPGA would like to thank Abraham Ancer for his time last week being onsite on both days of the tournament and then doing a Q&A after round one where players could ask him questions and see him hit a few shots.


Players walked away learning that it is a privilege to be nervous during tournament rounds and to embrace the feeling. One of the highlights was that on Abraham’s first shot during the clinic, his 40-yard chip shot lipped out! The STPGA looks forward to 2025 and Abraham’s continued support of junior golf in Southern Texas.


We will again feature a scholarship in his name, the Abraham Ancer Classic in November, and grants for families to get involved with STPGA tournaments.


Click Here
to see the results from the tournament last week.
Click Here
to see pictures.
Thank you again to Abraham!


By Southern Texas PGA October 30, 2025
SPRING, TX (October 27, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce our 2025 STPGA Junior Golfers of the Year, Jules Mahan and Daniel Rice. This distinguished honor recognizes these junior golfers' exceptional accomplishments on the course, leadership in their communities, and their unwavering commitment to representing the values and spirit of the Southern Texas PGA. Jules Mahan, a standout competitor within our STPGA Junior Golf programs, has built an impressive junior golf resume that reflects her drive, consistency, and sportsmanship. She is a two-time Texas Junior Cup team member (2018, 2020), helping lead Southern Texas to victory in both years. Her success also includes two STPGA Prestige Tour wins, two STPGA Little Linksters Summer Championship wins, and a title at the 2025 STPGA Parent-Child Championship. Mahan, who is committed to playing Division I golf at Murray State University, embodies the true meaning of a student-athlete. A member of the National Honor Society, she balances a demanding tournament schedule with academic excellence, earning the NEISD Writing Award, multiple A/B Honor Roll honors, and strong results in a rigorous AP course load. Beyond her achievements on the course and in the classroom, Mahan is deeply dedicated to service. She volunteers over 200 hours each year with First Tee Greater San Antonio, mentoring younger golfers as an Ace Level participant, and has helped raise $35,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children’s Medical Center through Kids Play Fore Kids. Her journey has not been without challenges. Diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, Mahan overcame pain and fear with determination and perseverance—qualities that now define her both on and off the golf course. “Some of my favorite memories are playing until the sun set with my dad and brother,” she shared. “Golf means family to me—it’s where I find peace, joy, and gratitude.” From her earliest days competing in STPGA events after moving to San Antonio, to representing Southern Texas on victorious team stages, Mahan has grown into a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and heart. Since picking up a club at age nine, Daniel Rice has become one of the Section’s most decorated junior players. A two-time STPGA Prestige Tour Champion and three-time runner-up during the 2024–2025 season, Rice’s consistency and competitive spirit have made him a fixture at the top of leaderboards. He is set to compete in the first-ever STPGA Prestige Tour Bayou Cup this December, marking an impressive achievement. Rice is also a two-time high school state qualifier, Magnolia High School MVP, and First Team All-Region and All-District selection. Rice has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Houston Christian University, competing in Division I college golf. Demonstrating excellence both academically and athletically, he has earned Lifetime A/B Honor Roll status, completed six AP courses, and received three Academic All-District honors, maintaining a 3.6 unweighted GPA (4.6 weighted) and placing in the top 16% of his class. Rice also volunteers each spring with his high school coach to mentor junior high golfers—teaching fundamentals, course management, and sportsmanship while encouraging young players to compete in STPGA tournaments. Rice’s journey in golf has also been one of resilience. Overcoming personal hardship with strength and maturity, Rice has found in golf a lifelong source of discipline, friendship, and purpose — qualities that define him as one of Southern Texas’s most inspiring young golfers. That mindset was on full display during one of Rice’s most memorable moments: shooting a career-low 64 (-8) at Houston National to win his first STPGA Prestige Tour event—a round shared with friends who also achieved personal bests. “That day reminded me why I love the game,” he said. “It’s about competition, friendship, and constantly striving to improve.” For Rice, golf has been a teacher of life’s most meaningful lessons—discipline, patience, sportsmanship, and respect. Whether he’s competing, mentoring others, or volunteering in his community, he carries those lessons with him. His commitment to excellence, perseverance through hardship, and unwavering love for the game make him a shining example of what it means to be the STPGA Junior Golfer of the Year. These exceptional Junior Golfers of the Year will be formally recognized alongside the other Section Award recipients at the STPGA’s 58th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 9, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Chapter Award recipients will be honored at their respective Chapter Meetings later this fall.
By STPGA Demo October 27, 2025
Fredericksburg, TX (October 25-26, 2025) – The STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour returned to the familiar fairways of Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course for the Antigua Fredericksburg Open. A staple on the Prestige Tour schedule since 2014, this event continues to be a favorite among players and families alike. Surrounded by the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the course’s scenic views and challenging design set the stage for two exciting days of competition, sportsmanship, and memorable moments.
By Southern Texas PGA October 20, 2025
Victoria, TX (October 18-19, 2025) – The STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour made its way to Victoria Country Club, an event filled with tradition and competitive spirit. Known for its scenic layout and challenging course, Victoria Country Club provided the perfect stage for two days of exciting play. Players showcased their skill and determination, adding another memorable chapter to the tournament’s growing legacy.
By Southern Texas PGA October 15, 2025
The Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Fall 2025 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look to continue our incredible service and grow the game! Operations Interns
Show More