First Community Partners with STPGA for Third Year

January 28, 2026Southern Texas PGA

Organization continues its support for both junior golfers and PGA Professionals


SPRING, TX (January 28, 2026)
  - The Southern Texas PGA is thrilled to welcome back First Community Credit Union (First Community) as a returning Patron Partner of the STPGA and its initiatives. This will mark the third year that the organizations are tied together with a shared mission to give back to the Houston community, create unique storytelling opportunities, and invest in the next generation of golfers.


The partnership spans across all three competitive seasons of the STPGA Junior Golf Program and covers support of Little Linksters, Junior Links, and Junior Tour events. Another major facet of the partnership includes the First Community Scholarship that is awarded annually through the PGA REACH Southern Texas Scholarship Program. 


“As we enter our third year of partnership, we are grateful for First Community’s unwavering support of junior golf in Southern Texas,” said Thomas Hutton, PGA, Executive Director of the STPGA. “Their involvement allows us to expand opportunities across all levels of our junior golf programs, support our section professionals, and continue to make an impact in our community.”


In 2025, First Community and the STPGA expanded their involvement through the creation of the First Community STPGA Team and after a major success, the 2026 First Community STPGA Team is ready to go. The team is made up of PGA Professionals that qualify for the PGA Professional Championship, which will be held this year at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon from April 26-29. 


“Supporting the STPGA Junior Golf program and the First Community STPGA Team aligns perfectly with our mission of investing in the people and communities we serve,” said T.J. Tijerina, President/CEO of First Community. “We’ve seen immense benefits through our partnership with the STPGA and are excited to continue to make an impact.”


The 2026 First Community Team will feature the following PGA Members. Full player biographies and team details will be released later this spring:

  • Jesse Droemer, PGA Teaching Professional at Riverbend Country Club
  • Jamie Fraser, PGA Head Professional at Darmor Club
  • Bobby Gates, PGA Director of Instruction at Summit Golf School
  • Greg Hiller, PGA Director of Instruction at TPC San Antonio
  • Alan Hodde, PGA Director of Instruction at Axis Golf Academy
  • Steve Jurgensen, PGA Teaching Professional at Westwood Golf Club
  • Gilbert Mendez, PGA General Manager at Performance Golf Klub
  • Casey Russell, PGA Director of Golf at Big Easy Ranch
  • Robert Scott, PGA Teaching Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club
  • J.T. Taylor, PGA Assistant Professional at Woodforest Golf Club


The Southern Texas PGA is extremely grateful for the support of partners like First Community in how they support our members, and we look forward to another great year as partners!


About PGA REACH Southern Texas

In 1994, the Southern Texas PGA Foundation was created with the focus on getting more juniors to play golf. After a rebrand in 2019 to PGA REACH Southern Texas, the foundation’s mission has grown. We strive to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations. This is accomplished by enabling access to PGA Professionals and the multitude of programs offered by PGA REACH Southern Texas. PGA REACH Southern Texas has 4 distinct pillars with multiple programs to demonstrate the impact of golf on individuals: Junior Golf – College Scholarships – Military Involvement – Employment Opportunities.


About First Community:

Founded in 1954 by Spring Branch ISD, First Community serves the diverse needs of over 179,000 members with a full array of financial services, 14 full services branches and on the strength of $2.9 billion in assets. First Community is federally insured by the NCUA and an equal housing opportunity lender. Their mission is to empower members so they can achieve their financial goals. First Community is open to anyone that lives, works, attends school or worships or is a part of a Select Employee Group (SEG) in the 41 Texas counties they serve ranging from Houston, DFW, Austin, and San Antonio, or is a relative or family member of an FCCU member or employee. To learn more about First Community, visit FCCU.org.


Contact Information

Thomas Hutton, PGA

Executive Director

Southern Texas PGA

thutton@pgahq.com 


Amber Magee

Senior Vice President/Marketing Director

First Community Credit Union

amber.magee@fccu.org

By Southern Texas PGA January 20, 2026
15th Annual Texas Junior Cup Set to Return to Sand Hill Farm!
By Southern Texas PGA January 19, 2026
College Station, TX (January 17-18, 2026) – The STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour returned to the Golf Club at Texas A&M for the first tournament of 2026. This was the 19th time that the course has played host to a Srixon Prestige Tour event, with a big thank you in order to Director of Golf and STPGA memeber John Saffle, PGA (as well as the other course staff) for continuing their support of junior golfers in Southern Texas. Players and families enjoyed the incredible facilities that set the stage for an exciting two days of golf. Read more about the winning junior golfers below.
By Southern Texas PGA January 15, 2026
The Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Spring 2026 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look to continue our incredible service and grow the game! Operations Interns
By Southern Texas PGA January 14, 2026
Ongoing partnership strengthens competition, opportunities, and player development. SPRING, TX (January 14, 2026) – The STPGA Junior Golf program is proud to announce the 15th year of the Srixon Prestige Tour in 2026. This ongoing partnership between Srixon and the Southern Texas PGA represents an investment in the next generation of golfers and PGA members, aiming to grow and elevate the game of golf. As part of their commitment to the Srixon Prestige Tour, Srixon provides select merchandise to STPGA junior golfers. This includes custom golf bags and hats for Srixon Prestige Tour Champions, as well as high-quality golf balls for all tournament participants. “Support from partners like Srixon directly impacts our ability to administer our most competitive program for junior golfers,” said Thomas Hutton, PGA, Executive Director of the STPGA. “Their continued involvement plays a direct role in shaping the future of our game and pairs a high quality tour with a high quality brand.” The STPGA looks forward to another successful Srixon Prestige Tour season in 2026 with 48 events. The Spring Schedule can be viewed here with announcements coming in February around our 3rd Annual Insperity Invitational Tour Championship and the remaining schedule in March. “Working with the Southern Texas PGA is truly a win-win for our organization,” said Steve Nichols, Regional Team Leader at Srixon/Cleveland Golf. “This allows our brands and products to be in front of golfers consistently, but more importantly, invest in the next generation.” It is important to note that while Srixon and the junior golf remain a high focus for Srixon, they will continue to support the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches and other Section initiatives that involve our PGA Professionals. Srixon truly believes in the connection between the section, our PGA Members, and the next generation! About PGA REACH Southern Texas In 1994, the Southern Texas PGA Foundation was created with the focus on getting more juniors to play golf. After a rebrand in 2019 to PGA REACH Southern Texas, the foundation’s mission has grown. We strive to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations. This is accomplished by enabling access to PGA Professionals and the multitude of programs offered by PGA REACH Southern Texas. PGA REACH Southern Texas has 4 distinct pillars with multiple programs to demonstrate the impact of golf on individuals: Junior Golf – College Scholarships – Military Involvement – Employment Opportunities. About Dunlop Sports Americas: Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com . Contact Information Thomas Hutton, PGA Executive Director Southern Texas PGA thutton@pgahq.com Steve Nichols Regional Team Leader stevenichols@clevelandgolf.com Chuck Cox, PGA Territory Manager chuckcox@clevelandgolf.com Britt Vealey Territory Manager brittvealey@clevelandgolf.com
Show More