Introducing the 2025 Fall Interns

July 8, 2026 •Southern Texas PGA

The Southern Texas PGA is happy to announce our new interns joining the staff for the Fall 2025 season! Please welcome these individuals into our great Section and we look to continue our incredible service and grow the game!


Operations Interns

Ryan Amyx


Hello, My name is Ryan Amyx. I am from Spring, Texas and I graduated from Ole Miss in August of 2025. I majored in sports management and minored in legal studies. I am a big sports fan and love to try new things and I have recently gotten into golf over the last few years. I really enjoy playing and working around the game and I am really excited to see where my career takes me. My main goal for my career is to become a part of something where I can make a positive impact on as many people as possible and so far working with the STPGA has been a blast! 


Fun Fact: I am a big ice hockey fan.

Laura Loredo


Hello! My name is Laura Loredo, and I’m from Houston, Texas. I am a senior studying Sport Administration at the University of Houston, and I’m set to graduate in December. I’m a huge soccer and baseball fan, especially of the Houston Astros and Houston Dynamo, but I’m also excited to explore new areas within the sports world. I’m looking forward to learning more about golf and making a meaningful impact in the sport! I’m eager to grow my knowledge of golf and to be a valuable resource to the STPGA team!


Fun Fact: I enjoy playing sports, trying new arts and crafts, and spending time in nature.

Kara Giallanza


Hey y’all! My name is Kara Giallanza and I am from Cypress, Tx. I recently graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sports Management and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Woo Pig Sooie! 


After a great summer with the STPGA, I'm excited to be a part of the fall internship team and continue to expand my knowledge of the sports industry!


Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling, attending sporting events, going to concerts and being outdoors!

Natalia Facchinato-Sitja


Hello, my name is Natalia Facchinato-Sitja, and I am from Washington, D.C. I graduated with my bachelor's in Sports Management from Marietta College in the Spring of 2024. I am currently working towards my master's in professional studies from Georgetown University in Sports Industry Management. I have always loved the passion that sporting events bring out in their fans and the memories they create, so I am thankful for the opportunity to help build these memories for others. I am excited to continue to grow my knowledge of golf and the intricacies of putting on tournaments. 


Fun Fact: I have been a coxswain for men's rowing teams for almost 12 years.


Another fun fact, you will catch me dancing at any given time music is playing.

Digital Media Interns

Amy Sofía Sánchez Estrada


Hola! My name is Sofía Sánchez, I was born and raised in Guatemala City and moved to the U.S. in 2020 for college. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. with a B.F.A. in Advertising and Branding and a M.A. in Business Leadership. I'm not a golfer, but a bowler and I’ve been part of Guatemala’s national team since I was 14, which has allowed me to travel the world and earn a few medals along the way. I continued my bowling journey at SCAD on a full scholarship, which was an incredible experience.


This internship has been amazing so far, I love everything that has to do with social media. I’ve learned so much about sports from a new perspective. In my free time, I love watching movies and spending time with friends and family.


Fun fact: I have an entire collection of avocado themed objects and keychains from every country I’ve visited!

Martha Sánchez M.


Hello!! My name is Martha Sanchez M and I am one of the Digital Media Interns for Fall 2025. I recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters in Creative Business Leadership where I was also a part of the Golf team since 2019. I have been playing golf since I was 4 years old and started competing which then led me to get a scholarship and play college golf at SCAD.


n my free time I like doing artsy and crafty things like crochet, sea shell art, drawing or painting. This internship has allowed me to combine my love for golf and my love for creative work and it has been really fun working with all the staff and the rest of the interns. 


Fun Fact: I once was kissed by a manatee while swimming with them during a lesson. 

By Southern Texas PGA July 16, 2026
San Antonio, TX (July 13-14, 2026) – Despite the Sunshine and Swing Challenge living up to only half of its name, junior golfers battled through the weather at Hill Country Golf Club in San Antonio for two days of outstanding competition. A talented field showcased resilience, determination, and impressive play in the pursuit of championship titles. In addition to the champions, four players secured the final spots in the 2026 The Insperity Tour Championship for the Srixon Prestige Tour through the Last Chance Qualifier during Round 1. Fletcher Whiting, Myles Malek, Ava Frazier, and Addison McCullough earned invitations with strong performances, punching their tickets to the season-ending championship and completing the Tour Championship field. 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!
By Southern Texas PGA July 16, 2026
League City, TX (July 13-14, 2026) – Though Houston's summer storms crowded the forecast, the Srixon Prestige Tour crowned champions at the Space City Challenge at Magnolia Creek Golf Club. Over the course of two days, our junior golfers showed their determination and talent despite the weather in an extremely competitive field. We would also like to congratulate four of our competitors for earning their "Last Chance" qualifying spots into The Insperity Tour Championship next week: Joslyn Born, Viktoria Germain, Cody Michals, and Cooper Hwang! 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!
By Southern Texas PGA July 8, 2026
Lost Pines, TX (July 6-7, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour headed to Austin this week for the Battle on the River bend at Lost Pines Golf Club. Players embraced the challenge of the Texas summer heat, battling high temperatures throughout two days of competition. Despite the demanding conditions, the field delivered impressive performances and competitive golf from start to finish.  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!
By Southern Texas PGA July 1, 2026
Good Evening Players, Parents, & Family Friends, June on the Srixon Prestige Tour brought high temperature, low scores, and champions galore The Insperity Tour Championship The time has arrived! We are less than three weeks away from the most anticipated event of the year - The Insperity Tour Championship! The stage is set, and the best junior golfers from across Southern Texas have earned their place in the field. These elite competitors are preparing for an unforgettable championship experience at one of the premier courses in the state, the breathtaking Boot Ranch. Still chasing your chance to be part of the action? There is one final opportunity to earn your spot through. The Insperity Tour Championship Last Chance Qualifier. Players will have one final chance to compete for their place in the field at the following events: • 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) History will be made at Boot Ranch. Will Payson Pistono defend her title as the Girls The Insperity Tour Champion? Who will secure the first two spots on this year’s Bayou Cup Team? Which players will rise to the moment and etch their names into Srixon Prestige Tour history? All questions will be answered on July 20–21 at Boot Ranch as the top junior golfers in Southern Texas battle for championship glory at The Insperity Tour Championship. Click Here for more information about The Insperity Tour Championship. Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - June The month kicked off at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston for the Boys Junior PGA Championship #1 , where players battled for championship glory. Reed Rodriguez of Aledo, TX delivered a clutch Round 2 performance, firing a 1-under-par 71 to secure his first career Boys 11-14 victory. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Matthew Burke of Houston, TX caught fire, using four straight birdies on the front nine during Round 2 to surge ahead and capture his first career victory. The Srixon Prestige Tour then stayed in Houston for the Girls Junior PGA Championship #1 at Black Hawk Country Club, where Jessie Lee of San Antonio, TX put together a championship performance. After a strong start, Jessie separated herself from the field late, making four consecutive birdies on the back nine during Round 2 to claim her first career Overall Girls title. Meanwhile, the action continued in Kingsland at the Bluebonnet Classic at Legends Golf Course, where another exciting weekend of competition unfolded. Andrew Moreno II of Austin, TX continued his impressive stretch, earning his second Boys 11-14 victory in three weeks with a 1-under-par tournament score. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Marco Baima of Boerne, TX set the tone early, firing an opening-round 66 and holding onto the lead to claim his third victory of the season. Pippa Fikes of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX also shined, using an even-par opening round to secure her second Overall Girls win of the year. The Srixon Prestige Tour then headed west to San Antonio for the Boys & Girls Junior PGA Championship #2 at The Quarry Golf Course, where championship moments continued. Jordan Thomas of Spring Branch, TX came through in dramatic fashion, making par on the first playoff hole to earn his first Boys 11-14 victory of the season. In the Boys 15-18 Division, Elliot Cope of Spicewood, TX dominated the competition, finishing an incredible 12-under-par for the tournament to capture his first career victory. Jessie Lee of San Antonio, TX stayed red-hot, matching even par for the event and earning her second Overall Girls win in as many weeks. June came to a thrilling conclusion at Pebble Creek Country Club for the Summer Showdown , where players battled through another competitive championship field. Hayes Pethtel of Belton, TX used a strong opening-round 71 to claim his second Boys 11-14 victory of the season. Brody Thompson of Magnolia, TX delivered back-to-back rounds of 71 to earn his first career Boys 15-18 title, while Katelyn Davis of Kingwood, TX controlled the field from start to finish, building a five-shot advantage to capture her second career Overall Girls championship. 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Captain - James Devore The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce that James Devore has been named the 2026 Ben Hogan Team STPGA Captain. A decorated junior golfer, proven competitor, and passionate leader, James has built a strong reputation through his dedication, experience, and commitment to excellence. With three career Srixon Prestige Tour victories, he established himself as one of the top junior players in the section and demonstrated what it means to compete at the highest level. James returns to the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches with unfinished business and a renewed drive to lead Team STPGA to victory. After representing the team as a player in 2023, James experienced the heartbreak of falling short and now brings that motivation into his role as Captain. With firsthand experience and a championship mindset, he is ready to inspire the next generation of Team STPGA players and guide the team in their pursuit of the Ben Hogan Junior Cup. Click Here to learn more about our 2026 Ben Hogan Junior Cup Captain James. September Registration Summer may still be heating up, but the excitement for Fall golf is already here! Registration for the September Srixon Prestige Tour events officially opens on July 7th at 9:00 AM, and spots are expected to fill quickly. Get your alarms set, mark your calendars, and prepare for another incredible month of championship golf featuring some of the best junior players across Texas. The following events open for registration on July 7th: ● Cavender Buick GMC North Brackenridge Park Classic (September 12-13) – Brackenridge Park Golf Course ● Antigua Sun City Showdown (September 26-27) – White Wing Golf Club The countdown is officially on! Be ready at 9:00 AM on July 7th and secure your spot for the next chapter of Srixon Prestige Tour competition. Don’t miss your opportunity to tee it up, compete, and be part of another unforgettable month on the Srixon Prestige Tour! Summer Registration Opportunities Still looking to fill out your summer schedule? The Srixon Prestige Tour has you covered! This summer, junior golfers will have the opportunity to compete on premier courses, create unforgettable memories, and chase exciting exemptions at every event. The following events are open for registration with spots available: ● Sunshine and Swing Challenge (July 13-14) - Hill Country Golf Club (Lakes/Creeks) ● Kerrville Junior Cup (July 27-28) - Riverhill Country Club ● Creekside Clash (August 3-4) - Vaaler Creek Golf Club You never know what’s going to happen at a Srixon Prestige Tour event. From breakthrough performances to unforgettable moments, the next great story is waiting to be written. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the action this summer! 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 to Cavender Buick GMC North and The Quarry Golf Course for sponsoring the Boys & Girls Junior PGA Championship #2!
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