Four STPGA Alumni Pave Their Way to Augusta!

April 27, 2026 • Southern Texas PGA

Cooper, Englemann, McMyler, and O’Keefe are ready to shine!

Spring, TX (APRIL 1, 2024) - This week Augusta National Golf Club and Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, GA are hosting the 5th Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), one of the top female amateur events in the world. It's an honor for the STPGA to see four of our former players earn an exemption into the event and compete against the world’s best amateurs. The four women include Hailee Cooper, Sadie Englemann, Emma McMyler, and Farah O'Keefe.




This event was initiated by Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National, in 2018 to inspire greater interest and participation in the women’s game by creating a new, exciting, and rewarding pathway for these players to fulfill their dreams. The event commences on Wednesday, April 3rd with the final round taking place at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday, April 6th, the day before the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals.



Hailee Cooper of Montgomery, TX played in the STPGA from 2011-2018 and has played for both the University of Texas and Texas A&M. As a freshman at the University of Texas in 2019, she earned First Team All-America honors, won two events, and represented the United States in the 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup.


Cooper was scheduled to compete in the 2021 ANWA but had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. She has a long-standing relationship with PGA Teaching Professional EJ Kim at Axis Golf Academy, based at BlackHorse Golf Club, as her swing coach.


“I have been seeing him for 7 years now,” said Cooper, who has her name on almost every trophy in the STPGA Office. “He has been so great at helping me get my swing where it needs to be, but also helping me with the mental side of the game. EJ will be caddying for the event, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him on the bag.”


Sadie Englemann of Austin, TX played in the STPGA from 2012 to 2016 and competed in three of our Championships. She was a four-time Junior All-American in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 before committing to play at Stanford, where she is currently in her senior year. She has had amazing accomplishments highlighted by her first-place finish at the 2023 East Lake Cup and being a member of the National Championship team in 2022.


“I’m excited to see how my game has grown since I last played in this tournament my freshman year, and how my approach to both courses has changed,” said Englemann. “I am also very excited to see some of my best golf friends and take in the magic of Augusta together.”


Emma McMyler of San Antonio, TX played in the STPGA from 2011-2020 and won a total of 30 events over that time. She was San Antonio’s 2019 Junior Girls Player of the Year and qualified for the US Girls' Junior Championship that same summer. She played four years of collegiate golf at Xavier University and is continuing her education at Duke University where she currently plays.

Emma has always had golf in her family and a special relationship with her father, Brian McMyler, PGA of America Member and Teaching Professional at The Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, TX. Emma will make her Augusta National Women's Amateur debut with her dad right alongside.


“He has been my coach since I started playing golf,” said Emma. “I am excited to spend the week together and enjoy the entire experience.”


Farah O’Keefe of Austin, TX played in STPGA junior events from 2016 to 2023 and was a member of our Texas Junior Cup team in 2017. She has captured victories at the George Hannon Junior Invitational and Bluebonnet Championship with the Legends Junior Tour and qualified for the LPGA Volunteers of America Classic on the LPGA Tour in 2021 where she made the cut and finished in T56! 


She just began her freshman year at the University of Texas at Austin and has already been named Big 12 Golfer of the Month for February, named to the ANNIKA Award Watch List, and been invited to play in her first Augusta National Women’s Amateur.


“It sank in that all of my hard work had paid off and I was going to have an opportunity to play in one of the most prestigious amateur events in the world, at one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world,” said Farah. “My goal for the week is the same as any other tournament. I want to play the best golf I can, enjoy it, and remember to smell the roses, or in this case, the azaleas.”


The Southern Texas PGA takes pride in its alumni and is thrilled to witness their ongoing success. The first and second rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur will be broadcast live on Golf Channel (1:30-3:30 p.m. ET) from Champions Retreat Golf Club. NBC Sports will produce and broadcast three hours (12:00-3:00 p.m. ET) of live final-round coverage of the event at Augusta National on Saturday, April 6th, and be sure to check out the DCP National Finals the next day where three current STPGA Junior Golfers will be competing.


Click Here to the ANWA Website.

Click Here to view the STPGA DCP Media Release.

Srixon Prestige Tour Remarks - May 2026

By Southern Texas PGA • May 1, 2026
Good Morning Players, Parents, & Family Friends, The Masters and the Srixon Prestige Tour! The month of April did not disappoint, providing non-stop action on the golf course. We Want to Hear from YOU We’re always looking for new ways to make our programs even better and create the best possible experience for our players and their families—and that’s where you come in! We’ve put together a quick 14-question survey all about the Srixon Prestige Tour and everything that comes with it. Your feedback helps shape the future of the program, so we’d love to hear what you’re enjoying and where we can level up. It only takes a few minutes, and your input truly makes a difference. The survey is now open — Click Here to access the survey. Be sure to share your thoughts before it closes at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 13th! Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - April April came in swinging at Pearland Golf Club, where the Spring Fling delivered a thrilling start to the month. Conrad Holzman of Houston, TX put on a dominant performance, cruising to a 5-shot victory and locking in his second Boys 11–14 title of the year. In the Boys 15–18 division, Andrew Bird of Nacogdoches, TX lit up the course with five birdies, capturing his first career Boys 15-18 win in style. Meanwhile, Roberta Alvarez of The Woodlands, TX staged an incredible comeback—firing a clutch Round 2 score of 71 to erase a 7-shot deficit and claim her first Overall Girls title of the year and third of her career. The momentum carried west as the Srixon Prestige Tour hit San Antonio for the Alamo City Shootout at Cedar Creek Golf Course. Gavin Martinez of San Antonio, TX stayed rock-solid with back-to-back rounds of 75 to earn his second Boys 11–14 victory of the season. Hayden Gold of Spring Branch, TX rose to the occasion in the Boys 15–18 division, delivering an even-par 72 in Round 2 to secure his first career win. On the girls’ side, Katherine O’Keefe of Houston, TX pulled off a stunning rally of her own, battling back from 7 shots down to capture her first Overall Girls title. The tour wrapped up April in Comfort at The Buckhorn Golf Course with fireworks at the Huntington Bank Lone Star Shootout . Aaron Aleman of San Antonio, TX went low and stayed low, firing impressive rounds of 68 and 69 to earn his first Boys 11–14 victory. Joshua McGown of Klein, TX made a huge leap up the leaderboard with a scorching second-round 65, claiming his first Boys 15–18 title. And Katherine O’Keefe of Houston, TX wasn’t done yet—she stayed red-hot, going back-to-back with her second consecutive Overall Girls victory, capping off an unforgettable April run. July Registration Get ready—July on the Srixon Prestige Tour is shaping up to be the biggest and most exciting stretch of the season, and it all starts with registration opening on Tuesday, May 5th at 9:00 AM. Spots will go fast, so be ready to jump in and claim your place in an unforgettable summer of competition. This July lineup is stacked with must-play events across some incredible venues: Battle on the River Bend (July 6–7) – Lost Pines Golf Club 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) Kerrville Junior Cup (July 27–28) – Riverhill Country Club Prestige Tour Open (July 30–31) – Bentwater Yacht and Country Club (Weiskopf) Whether you’re chasing your first win or building on a hot streak, this is your chance to be part of an electric summer tour. Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and get ready to tee it up! Don’t forget, events in May and June are currently open, and spots are still available. Click Here for the full Srixon Prestige Tour schedule and register before those spots are gone. The Insperity Tour Championship Last Chance Qualifier Brand new this season, the Srixon Prestige Tour is raising the stakes with The Insperity Tour Championship Last Chance Qualifier—your final shot to punch a ticket to the 2026 The Insperity Tour Championship. This is it. One last opportunity. One big moment. The Last Chance Qualifier will take place during two can’t-miss events on July 13–14: Space City Challenge at Magnolia Creek Golf Club Sunshine and Swing Challenge at Hill Country Golf Club With everything on the line, only the top Boy and top Girl from each event will earn their coveted invite to the championship. No second chances—just high-pressure competition and a chance to rise above the rest. The Insperity Tour Championship will take place at Boot Ranch on July 20th & 21st. If you’re ready to step up and seize the moment, don’t wait. Registration opens May 5th at 9:00 AM—lock in your spot and take your shot at the biggest stage of the season. 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. Thank you to Huntington Bank for continuing to support junior golf, and for being the Title Partner of the Huntington Bank Lone Star Shootout!

PT Recap: Huntington Bank Lone Star Shootout

By Southern Texas PGA • April 27, 2026
Comfort, TX (April 25-26, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour went back to San Antonio this past weekend for the 2026 Huntington Bank Lone Star Shootout, hosted at The Buckhorn Golf Course! With beautiful weather setting the stage, our junior golfers rose to the occasion against a competitive field and displayed their standout skills. Thank you to our host facility, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, Huntington Bank, and all of our staff who made the tournament such a success. Read more about our winning junior golfers below!

PT Recap: Alamo City Shootout

By Southern Texas PGA • April 20, 2026
San Antonio, TX (April 18-19, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour went back to San Antonio this past weekend for the 2026 Alamo City Shootout, hosted at Cedar Creek Golf Course! Our junior golfers battled through challenging weather conditions and a competitive field to show off their impressive skills. 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!

Abraham Ancer and STPGA Enter 3rd Year of Partnership

By Southern Texas PGA • April 17, 2026
Partnership centered around impacting the next generation through grants, scholarships, and a showcase junior golf event. San Antonio, TX (April 17, 2026) - 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. Started in 2024, the relationship features the Abraham Ancer Classic on the Srixon Prestige Tour, College Scholarships, and money awarded specifically to families to help introduce golf to the next generation. “This is a full circle moment for the STPGA,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director for the STPGA. “From growing up in our program in The Valley to supporting the program financially, we are extremely grateful for his time, investment, and motivation towards helping the next generation.” The third Annual Abraham Ancer Classic will be adding a new chapter in November, when the event visits the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, TX, after being played the last two years at Oak Hills Country Club. The event will be held during Thanksgiving week on November 23-24 and will be the STPGA’s first time hosting a junior golf event at Cordillera Ranch, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, ranked among the best in the State! “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!” In addition, Abraham will continue to support our College Scholarship Program and our Dick Harmon Participation Grant. This ties together his value in helping people with their education and then introducing the game to people that might not be able to afford tournament golf! The STPGA appreciates Abraham Ancer’s time and commitment and look forward to an awesome year together!
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