Introducing the 2023 Fall Interns

October 3, 2023Southern Texas PGA

Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Fall 2023 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look to continue our incredible service and grow the game!



Operations Interns

Tyler Clarke


Hi there, my name is Tyler Clarke and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in sports management. I’ve worked in golf for a little over a year now just coming off of an internship with Pro Links Sports at the Valspar Championship, and am looking forward to excelling my future with this great internship as well. I’m excited to contribute my insight and experience in the golf industry for the many tournaments that the STPGA hosts. Outside of work, I enjoy watching my favorite sports teams and playing golf and hockey.

Amanda Opalinksi


Hi, my name is Amanda Opalinski. I am from Savage, Minnesota and a Sport Management student at The University of Florida GO GATORS! 

Growing up, my life revolved around sports and it wasn’t until Junior year of high school when I decided to pick up golf. Not only did I enjoy playing the game but it gave me so many special memories to share with my Grandpa and Mom who are some of the most special people in my life. I began working at a course during college and it intrigued me to learn more about golf as a business. I found my way to the STPGA and am eager to understand the dynamics that go into running events successfully.

Communications Interns

Rachel Fisch


Hi Y'all! My name is Rachel and I'm originally from Ringoes, New Jersey but currently living in The Woodlands, TX! I recently graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor's degree in Journalism with a Sports Media concentration. During my time at college, I was a Social Media Intern with the New York Riptide (National Lacrosse League), involved with a sorority (Alpha Phi) and fraternity (Zeta Phi Eta), member of the radio station (WRHU)/ television station (HEAT Network) and an athlete on the cheerleading team! In my spare time, I enjoy trying new workout classes, going for long walks and spending time with friends and family! The STPGA has given me an amazing opportunity to learn more about digital media and utilize it on all social media platforms. I can't wait to embark on this journey for the fall!

Evan Starr


Hi, my name is Evan Starr from Keller, Texas. I am a recent graduate from Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK where I got my bachelors in Journalism and played baseball. Currently, I am pursuing my M.B.A and recently got engaged to my best friend! I chose this internship to gain more experience in the media industry as I look for full-time opportunities.

By Southern Texas PGA February 2, 2026
Good Evening Players, Parents, & Family Friends, The temperatures may be cold, but the golf is heating up with red-hot competition and non stop excitement. Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - January The Srixon Prestige Tour burst into the new season with the Prestige Tour Premiere at The Golf Club at Texas A&M in College Station, delivering drama from start to finish. Mason McCord of The Woodlands, TX stole the spotlight in the Boys 11–14 Division, firing a sizzling 5-under-par second round and sealing the victory with a clutch birdie on the third playoff hole. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Ben Wylie of Houston, TX stayed cool under pressure, posting an even-par final round to capture his first-ever Prestige Tour win. On the girls’ side, Sadie Westbrook of Houston, TX was in complete control—building a two-shot lead after Round 1 and never giving it back on her way to her first career Prestige Tour victory. The momentum rolls on as January wraps up in Bandera, where Flying L Golf Course will host the Heart of Texas Classic and crown three more champions. Texas Junior Golf Alliance For the 13th straight year, the Texas Junior Golf Alliance—powered by the Texas Golf Association in partnership with the Northern and Southern Texas PGA Sections—continues to open the door to one of the biggest stages in Texas junior golf. Srixon Prestige Tour players will have the opportunity to earn their way onto the Legends Junior Tour, where the state’s top junior talent compete at the highest level. Don’t miss your chance to take the next step— click here to learn more about the Legends Junior Tour and click here to see the Legends Junior Tour exemptions available at Srixon Prestige Tour events this spring. 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.
By Southern Texas PGA February 2, 2026
Bandera, TX (January 31 - February 1, 2026) – This weekend, the Srixon Prestige Tour held the Heart of Texas Classic at Flying L Ranch Golf Course, and it was a great event from start to finish. A big thank-you to Flying L for being such a fantastic host and providing an excellent setting for our players. Despite the cold weather, competitors pushed through and brought great energy all weekend, making it a successful and memorable tournament. Read more about the winning junior golfers below.
By Southern Texas PGA January 28, 2026
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!
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