Introducing the 2023 Spring Interns

January 17, 2023Southern Texas PGA

Operations Interns

Austin Thayer


Hello, my name is Austin Thayer and I’m from Lafayette, Indiana. I graduated from Purdue University last May with a degree in Organizational Leadership. In my time at Purdue I was an intern for Purdue Athletics working with the Ticket Office and with Event Operations. I was also a practice player for the Purdue Women’s Basketball Team. It’s always been my dream to work in sports, specifically golf. I’m blessed to be given this opportunity by the STPGA to make that dream a reality. I look forward to learning all I can this Spring and can’t wait to play a part in growing the game of golf! In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, playing golf and basketball, and watching Purdue Athletics. Boiler up! 

Gavin Hogan


I'm from Fort Worth, Texas and recently graduated this past fall from New Mexico State University majoring in Marketing with a specialization in PGA Golf Management. In my spare time outside of work and golf, I enjoy exercising and playing the guitar. I am most looking forward to contributing to the wide variety of events that are provided throughout the section. It is with great pleasure to join the Southern Texas PGA and to be able to work in tournament administration.

Josh Rassner


Howdy! My name is Josh Rassner, and I am from Houston, Texas. I am a current student at Texas A&M University, majoring in Sports Management and minoring in business. I have always been extremely passionate about sports, and I knew early on that I wanted to work in the sports industry. If I am not playing golf in my spare time, you can find me watching the best team in baseball, which just so happens to be my hometown Houston Astros. I am also very engaged in fantasy sports, which has made my interest in football grow immensely. I played baseball year round throughout the majority of my childhood, which never allowed me to play golf competitively. As I have since hung up the cleats, golf has become my primary focus, and I am desperately trying to make up for lost time. I am very excited to begin this next chapter in my life, and I can't wait to help contribute to the STPGA and learn about the golf industry. I am looking forward to a great Spring season. Thanks and Gig 'em!

Connor Murphy


Connor is returning to the STPGA this Spring from our Fall internship.

What's up, I'm Connor! I am from Lake Charles, Louisiana which is also where I went to school for my undergraduate degree at McNeese State University. Recently, I have obtained my masters degree in Sport Management. One fact about me, I am a huge New Orleans Saints fan. WHO DAT! I am excited to learn the administration and operations side of golf and am eager to work alongside others with similar passions!

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!
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
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