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 September 8, 2026
Good Evening Players, Parents, & Family Friends, August marked the perfect end to the biggest Summer on the Srixon Prestige Tour. Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - August August came roaring onto the scene at Vaaler Creek Golf Club for the Creekside Clash , and the Srixon Prestige Tour wasted no time delivering some incredible golf! Layton Eckermann of Lampasas, TX took control early and never let up, cruising to a dominant 10-stroke victory for his first career Boys 11-14 win. Brady Shelton of Spicewood, TX fired a first-round 2-under 70 to seize the lead and held strong through the finish to capture his second Boys 15-18 title of the year. In the Overall Girls Division, Lucy Thompson of Austin, TX erased a four-shot Round 1 deficit with an impressive comeback to secure her first career victory! From there, the Tour headed east to Houston for the STPGA Challenge at BlackHorse Golf Club, where the competition heated up once again. Dakota Ybarra of Baytown, TX wasted no time making his move, opening with an even-par 72 to build a commanding six-shot lead and cruise to his second Boys 11-14 victory of the season. Boys 15-18 saw a thrilling comeback, as Sawyer Schellberg of Houston, TX battled back from six shots down to force a playoff—and then delivered when it mattered most to claim his first career win. Makenzie Minshew of The Woodlands, TX also rose to the occasion in a playoff, earning her first career Overall Girls victory in dramatic fashion! The Srixon Prestige Tour then headed west to New Braunfels for the Surf & Turf New Braunfels Showcase at Landa Park Golf Course, and the drama continued. Cooper Powasnik of Schertz, TX erased a three-shot Round 1 deficit to storm back and capture his first career Boys 11-14 title. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Tate Vanlandingham of San Antonio, TX came through in a thrilling three-way playoff, sinking a birdie on the third playoff hole to secure his first career victory. Natalie Vuu of Houston, TX set the tone early with an opening-round 72, jumping out to the lead and holding on for her first career Overall Girls win! August saved some of its biggest fireworks for last, wrapping up back in Houston at Quail Valley Golf Club for the Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown . Dylan Hananto of Houston, TX went wire-to-wire to capture his first career Boys 11-14 victory. Reece Williams of Beaumont, TX held off a furious late charge from the field to earn his first career Boys 15-18 win. In the Overall Girls Division, Payson Pistono of The Woodlands, TX put together a dominant performance, pulling away from the field to win by six shots and claim her first Overall Girls victory of the year! 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches Team STPGA battled all the way to the finish at the 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches, but Team NTPGA ultimately claimed the Cup after a hard-fought competition between the best players of the two Sections. The action was intense from the start, with Day 1’s Four-Ball Matches ending in a 3-3 tie. Team STPGA then seized momentum in the Foursomes Matches, highlighted by a clutch putt from Emily Zhang on No. 9 to secure Match #5. The victory gave Team STPGA a narrow 6.5-5.5 lead heading into the final day, setting the stage for an exciting finish. With the Cup hanging in the balance, Team STPGA came out ready to battle in the Singles Matches. Despite a tremendous effort from the entire team, Team NTPGA caught fire and captured Day 2 by an 8.5-3.5 margin, securing the Cup with a final 14-10 victory. A huge thank you to Captain James Devore for leading Team STPGA and helping create an unforgettable few days of competition, camaraderie, and memories. Click Here to view the results of the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches. Click Here to view the Photo Album for the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches. New Fall Event! The Srixon Prestige Tour Fall Schedule just got even bigger! A brand-new event has been added to the lineup, and we’re heading back to the scenic Flying L Ranch Golf Course in Bandera for The Cowboy Cup, on September 19–20! Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of competitive junior golf, incredible scenery, and plenty of opportunities to make your mark. And, of course, the stakes are high! EXEMPTION OPPORTUNITY: The Boys 15–18 and Girls 11–18 Champions will each earn a spot in the Legends Junior Tour’s Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational! The Fall schedule is heating up, and The Cowboy Cup is one you won’t want to miss! Saddle up and get ready for another premier Srixon Prestige Tour experience! Click Here to Register for The Cowboy Cup! November Registration Fall has officially arrived, but the action on the Srixon Prestige Tour is showing no signs of cooling off! With the season entering its final stretch, there are still plenty of opportunities to compete, make memories, and finish the year on a high note. Registration for November events opened last week at 9:00 AM! Don’t wait to secure your spot—these events are ready to deliver another month of incredible courses, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. The following events open for registration: ● Visit Lake Charles Fall Classic (November 7-8) - Mallard Golf Club ● The Gobbler Cup (November 14-15) - Stonebridge at Newport Golf Course ● Abraham Ancer Classic (November 23-24) - Cordillera Ranch ● Omega Transactions Turkey Shootout (November 23-24) - Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club The countdown to the end of the season is on, and there’s still plenty of golf left to play! Don’t miss your chance to be part of another unforgettable month on the Srixon Prestige Tour. 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. Another big Thank you Surf & Turf Golf for sponsoring the Surf & Turf New Braunfels Showcase, and to Vortech Contracting for sponsoring the Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown.
By Southern Texas PGA August 31, 2026
Missouri City, TX (August 29-30, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour summer season wrapped up last weekend with the Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown at Quail Valley Golf Course! Our junior golfers battled through the Houston heat and completed 36 holes of competitive golf, showcasing their skills and drive in another successful event. Thank you to our host facility, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, and all of our staff. We are also grateful to Vortech Contracting for being the Presenting Sponsor of this event. Their support allows us to make these competitions possible! Read more about our winning junior golfers below.
By Southern Texas PGA August 19, 2026
The Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Fall 2026 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look to continue our incredible service and grow the game! 
By Southern Texas PGA August 17, 2026
New Braunfels, TX (August 15-16, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour traveled to New Braunfels, Texas, for the Surf & Turf New Braunfels Showcase at Landa Park Golf Course, where players took on a competitive two-day championship. With great weather throughout the event, the field had ideal conditions to showcase their skills and battle for the top spots. Players delivered strong performances from start to finish, with steady play and impressive moments shaping the leaderboard across both rounds. As the competition came down to the final holes, the talented field once again showcased the skill, determination and competitive spirit that define the Srixon Prestige Tour. Thank you to our host facility, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, Surf & Turf Golf, and all of our staff who made the tournament such a success. Read more about our winning junior golfers below!
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