Introducing the 2026 Spring Interns

April 13, 2026 • Southern Texas PGA

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

 Returning: Natalia Facchinato-Sitja 


Natalia is from Washington, D.C. and completed her undergraduate degree in Spring 2024 at Marietta College, where she majored in Sports Management with minors in Leadership and Communications Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management at Georgetown University.


Natalia’s primary career goal is to work with people and create positive game-day and event experiences that allow fans to find joy in sports and the environment surrounding them. She chose to continue working with the Southern Texas PGA to gain hands-on experience and exposure to a new side of the sports industry where growth and development are encouraged.


Fun fact: Natalia was a coxswain for men’s rowing teams for 12 years!


Jackson Warden


Jackson is from Lufkin, Texas and is currently a student at Texas A&M University, where he is pursuing a degree in Sport Management. He is set to graduate in 2026 and has a strong interest in working in either sales or operations for a professional sports organization.


Jackson chose to intern with the Southern Texas PGA because of his passion for golf and his desire to get his foot in the door with operations in professional sports. He’s excited to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the day-to-day workings of the industry.


Fun fact: Jackson served as president of his fraternity during college!



Mya Trager


Mya is from Cypress, Texas and is currently a student at Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing a degree in Sport Management with a strong interest in event planning. She is set to graduate in 2026 and is excited to gain hands-on experience in the sports industry.


Mya chose to intern with the Southern Texas PGA because of the opportunity to be directly involved in golf operations while helping grow the game in a meaningful way. She was especially drawn to the welcoming, team-oriented culture and the chance to learn from professionals who are truly passionate about what they do.


Fun fact: Mya studied abroad in Costa Rica!


Chase Householder


Chase is from Houston, Texas and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health in 2024. He is interested in building a career in sports and is eager to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.


Chase chose to intern with the Southern Texas PGA to get his feet wet in the sports industry while networking and developing skills that will be valuable not only in sports, but in any career path he chooses to pursue. He’s excited to learn, grow, and gain hands-on experience through this opportunity.


Fun fact: Chase has visited 12 different countries!


Anna Thornton


Anna is currently living in Houston, Texas and attends the University of Arkansas, where she is majoring in Recreation and Sport Management. She will officially graduate in May 2026 following the completion of her internship.


Anna’s long-term career goal is to work in professional sports within event management and fan experience, with a potential interest in marketing and partnerships. She is excited to explore where this internship may lead her professionally and hopes it will help her narrow down her long-term goals.


Anna chose to intern with the Southern Texas PGA because she grew up enjoying watching golf and wanted the opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes side of tournament operations for the first time.


Fun fact: Anna was born in Russia!


By Southern Texas PGA April 13, 2026
Pearland, TX (April 11-12, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour continued its spring season with the Spring Fling at Pearland Golf Club, where junior golfers took on another exciting stop on the schedule. With good weather and just a slight wind throughout the tournament, players were able to showcase their skills and shot-making ability across both rounds, creating a competitive and high-energy field from start to finish. A big thank you to Pearland Golf Club, our players and parents, our Title Partner Srixon, and all of our staff who helped make the tournament a success. Read more about our winning junior golfers below!
By Southern Texas PGA April 7, 2026
Elite junior golfers from Southern Texas and Louisiana will have the opportunity to compete at the event. SPRING, TX (April 7, 2026) - The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce the return of The Bayou Cup for the second year as Team STPGA looks to bring the trophy to Southern Texas for the first time. The 2026 matches, presented by Srixon and Adidas, will be hosted once again at Big Easy Ranch from December 4-6, providing a championship-caliber stage and unforgettable experience for top junior golfers. Held in partnership with the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour and the Gulf States PGA, the event features a Ryder Cup-style format designed to challenge elite players through team competition. Each team consists of 12 junior golfers from each tour with representatives from three age divisions: Boys 15-18, Girls 11-18, and Boys 11-14. Team STPGA will be formed through standout performances by golfers at Srixon Prestige Tour tournaments from late July to September. Champions of the following events, along with points list leaders, will make up the 2026 roster: Boys 15-18 The Insperity Tour Championship: July 20-21 at Boot Ranch STPGA Challenge: August 10-11 at BlackHorse Golf Club Surf and Turf New Braunfels Showcase: August 15-16 at Landa Park Golf Course Boys 15-18 Points List Leader as of October 1, 2026 Girls 11-18 The Insperity Tour Championship: July 20-21 at Boot Ranch STPGA Challenge: August 10-11 at BlackHorse Golf Club Antigua Sun City Showdown: September 26-27 at White Wing Golf Club Girls 11-18 Points List Leader as of October 1, 2026 Boys 11-14 Vortech Contracting H-Town Showdown: August 29-30 at Quail Valley Golf Club Brackenridge Park Classic: September 12-13 at Brackenridge Park Golf Course Antigua Sun City Showdown: September 26-27 at White Wing Golf Club Boys 11-14 Points List Leader as of October 1, 2026 The inaugural Bayou Cup matches were held in December 2025 and saw Team LJGT claim a 15-9 victory. With the experience of year one and the advantage of returning to familiar ground at Big Easy, Team STPGA is eager for another opportunity to compete…and bring the Cup home for the first time. For more information about The Bayou Cup, click here . For any questions, please contact Prestige Tour Coordinator Kevin Reilly at kreilly@pgahq.com
By Southern Texas PGA April 1, 2026
Good Evening Players, Parents, & Family Friends, Upsets, buzzer-beaters, and comebacks. The real March Madness happened right here on the Srixon Prestige Tour. Srixon Prestige Tour Champions - March March began in San Antonio at the Hill Country Open , where players battled not just the course, but relentless weather delays. Rising above it all, Brody Tharp of Horseshoe Bay, TX captured his first Boys 11–14 title with a gritty 1-under 71. Diego Amour of McAllen, TX edged out a tightly packed leaderboard to claim his first Boys 15–18 victory, while Addison Braden of San Antonio, TX set the tone early with a 75 to secure her first Overall Girls win of the year. The momentum carried east to Katy for the Spring Break Classic , and the fireworks only intensified. Mason Hwang of Houston, TX staged an incredible comeback, erasing a three-shot deficit before clutching a playoff victory for his first Boys 11-14 title. Hudson Rankin, a hometown standout from Katy, TX, fired a brilliant second-round 69 to earn his first Boys 15–18 win. Meanwhile, Esther Li of Houston, TX delivered a jaw-dropping performance, going 5-under par to notch her second Overall Girls victory of the season. From there, the Tour headed west to Spicewood for the Shootout in the Hills —and lived up to its name. Trevor Lane of Leander, TX broke through with a stellar Second Round 67 to earn his first Boys 11-14 win, while Brady Shelton of Spicewood, TX used a Second Round 69 to cruise to a three-shot Boys 15-18 victory. Francie Martin of Austin, TX added to the excitement, closing strong with a 72 to claim her first career Overall Girls title. At the same time in Cypress, the Rocket City Open brought even more drama. Griffin Domingues of Houston, TX mounted a clutch comeback, using a final-round 76 to overcome a one shot deficit and grab his first win. Jace Beverly of Montgomery, TX kept his composure under pressure, sealing his Boys 15–18 victory with a par in a playoff. Sophia Liu of Sugar Land, TX dominated from start to finish, going wire-to-wire for her first Overall Girls win of the year—and third of her career. The Tour then rolled into Lake Charles for the Visit Lake Charles Spring Classic , where dominant performances stole the spotlight. Landon Lotz of Slidell, LA ran away with a commanding nine-shot Boys 11-14 victory, while Wayne Kabrich of Mandeville, LA held off a late charge to secure his first Boys 15-18 win. Grace Goodwin of Bossier City, LA surged up the leaderboard with a strong closing 72 to earn her first Overall Girls crown. March wrapped up in style in south Houston at the Golf Performance Group Houston Junior Classic , delivering one final burst of excitement. Mason Hwang of Houston, TX struck again, capturing his second Boys 11-14 title of the month with an incredible 5-under Second Round performance. Adrian Bowers of Pearland, TX rallied from two shots back with a clutch 71 to earn his first Boys 15-18 win of the year. And Emily Zhang of Houston, TX set the pace early with a blazing front-nine 34—never looking back as she cruised to her second career Overall Girls victory. Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches Exemptions The countdown is on—the Ben Hogan Junior Cup Matches are back for their 11th year, and the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown! This premier event will bring together 24 of the absolute best junior golfers from the Northern and Southern Sections, all competing for pride, bragging rights, and team glory. The action unfolds August 3–4 at the prestigious Dallas Athletic Club, where every shot will matter and every moment will be electric. Think you have what it takes to be part of this elite team? Your journey starts now. Click Here to view the qualifying events and see how you can earn your spot on the 2026 Team STPGA Ben Hogan squad—because this is your chance to compete with the best and prove you belong. The Insperity Tour Championship Invites The moment you’ve been waiting for is almost here—the First Round of invitations for the 2026 The Insperity Tour Championship is about to drop! On April 6th, players who have already earned their spot will receive their official invite to one of the most prestigious junior golf events of the year. This is your chance to step onto a big stage, compete against top talent, and be part of something truly special—so keep a close eye on your inbox! Still chasing your invite? The door isn’t closed yet. There’s time to make your move, earn your spot, and join the field. Click Here to find out how you can qualify and turn your season into an unforgettable run toward The Insperity Tour Championship! Srixon Prestige Tour Schedule is Viewable! It’s here—the full Srixon Prestige Tour schedule is officially LIVE! Now’s your chance to map out your season, lock in your must-play events, and get ready for an unforgettable year on tour. With more competition, more excitement, and more opportunities than ever before, this is shaping up to be the biggest Srixon Prestige Tour season yet. Don’t wait—start planning now and keep a close eye on those registration dates. Spots will fill fast, and you won’t want to miss your chance to be part of the action. Click Here to view the schedule and get ready to tee it up! 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 the staff at Visit Lake Charles for welcoming the Srixon Prestige Tour team into the wonderful town of Lake Charles, LA, for the Visit Lake Charles Spring Classic! Also, thank you to JJ Wood at Golf Performance Group for continuing to support junior golf, and for being the Title Partner of the Golf Performance Group Houston Junior Classic!
By Southern Texas PGA March 30, 2026
League City, TX (March 28-29, 2026) – The Srixon Prestige Tour went to South Shore Harbour Country Club this past weekend for the 2026 Golf Performance Group Houston Junior Classic! With multiple exemptions on the line, junior golfers played though the wind and sun for another exciting and competitive event. 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. A special thank you to Golf Performance Group, founded by J.J. Wood, PGA, for being our Title Sponsor for this event. Read more about our winning junior golfers below!
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