Introducing the 2026 Spring Interns

January 15, 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!

Srixon Continues Support as Title Partner of Prestige Tour

By Southern Texas PGA • January 14, 2026
Ongoing partnership strengthens competition, opportunities, and player development. SPRING, TX (January 14, 2026) – The STPGA Junior Golf program is proud to announce the 15th year of the Srixon Prestige Tour in 2026. This ongoing partnership between Srixon and the Southern Texas PGA represents an investment in the next generation of golfers and PGA members, aiming to grow and elevate the game of golf. As part of their commitment to the Srixon Prestige Tour, Srixon provides select merchandise to STPGA junior golfers. This includes custom golf bags and hats for Srixon Prestige Tour Champions, as well as high-quality golf balls for all tournament participants. “Support from partners like Srixon directly impacts our ability to administer our most competitive program for junior golfers,” said Thomas Hutton, PGA, Executive Director of the STPGA. “Their continued involvement plays a direct role in shaping the future of our game and pairs a high quality tour with a high quality brand.” The STPGA looks forward to another successful Srixon Prestige Tour season in 2026 with 48 events. The Spring Schedule can be viewed here with announcements coming in February around our 3rd Annual Insperity Invitational Tour Championship and the remaining schedule in March. “Working with the Southern Texas PGA is truly a win-win for our organization,” said Steve Nichols, Regional Team Leader at Srixon/Cleveland Golf. “This allows our brands and products to be in front of golfers consistently, but more importantly, invest in the next generation.” It is important to note that while Srixon and the junior golf remain a high focus for Srixon, they will continue to support the Texas Joe Black Cup Matches and other Section initiatives that involve our PGA Professionals. Srixon truly believes in the connection between the section, our PGA Members, and the next generation! 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 Dunlop Sports Americas: Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com . Contact Information Thomas Hutton, PGA Executive Director Southern Texas PGA thutton@pgahq.com Steve Nichols Regional Team Leader stevenichols@clevelandgolf.com Chuck Cox, PGA Territory Manager chuckcox@clevelandgolf.com Britt Vealey Territory Manager brittvealey@clevelandgolf.com

2026 Junior Golf Updates

By Southern Texas PGA • January 9, 2026
Dear STPGA Junior Golf Members and Parents, We are writing to inform you of updates to the STPGA Junior Golf Rules and Regulations. These changes are intended to enhance player development, promote pace of play, and ensure consistency across STPGA Junior Golf programs. Effective January 9th, 2026 , the following updates will apply: Little Linksters Yardage Adjustments: (Page 29) Adjustments have been made to the yardages for the following Little Linksters divisions: Co-Ed 6–8 (9 Hole Modified) Girls 9–10 Boys 9–10 Girls 11–12

Staff Spotlight featuring Prestige Tour Coordinator, Brayden Porter

By Southern Texas PGA • January 7, 2026
The STPGA is excited to introduce our new Prestige Tour Coordinator, Brayden Porter. We are thrilled to have him on board the team and are eager to see him grow the game for our junior golfers! Here's a little more about him:

PGA REACH Southern Texas: 2025 Impact Report

By Sarah Lummus • December 19, 2025
At PGA REACH Southern Texas, golf is more than a game—it is a vehicle for opportunity, connection, and lasting impact. Guided by a commitment to serve our community, we work to strengthen our Foundation while bringing greater visibility to the life-changing stories behind our four core pillars: Junior Golf, College Scholarships, PGA HOPE, and Employment Opportunities. Together, these pillars reflect our mission to inspire the next generation, support educational achievement, empower military Veterans, and open doors to meaningful careers within the golf industry. We are proud to share our 2025 Impact Report, which captures the progress, growth, and momentum of the past year. Inside, you’ll find the milestones made possible through collaboration, generosity, and a shared belief in the power of golf to do good. As we continue to broaden our reach and deepen our impact, we invite you to celebrate the individuals, partnerships, and stories that define PGA REACH Southern Texas—and the lives forever changed along the way. And lastly, thank you. Thank you for your support and belief in what we are doing.
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