Q&A With STPGA Junior Golf Member William Moll
March 26, 2026 • Southern Texas PGA
How did the nerves of your first tee shot on Monday morning rank amongst most nervous golf shots you’ve ever hit?
It was definitely the most nervous I have ever felt standing over a golf ball. There were a lot of people watching, and as I thought about what was at stake, it made the anxiety about the first shot even greater. Playing for something larger than myself brought a lot of extra weight to the shot.
What was the best advice you heard in Paris about how to stay calm under pressure?
Our captain, Mr. Allen Wronowski, PGA, told us to have a great time and enjoy every second while on the course because it was going to be such an awesome experience. Once I got past the first tee shot, by focusing on the present and enjoying the moment I was able to stay calm most of the time.
Talk about the difference in mindset you had when playing alternate shot and best ball. Which one did you prefer playing in?
When playing alternate shot, you need to consider your playing partner, and what he/she would like to hit on the next shot. Best ball is just about making the best score possible with your own ball and you can usually play more aggressively. I prefer best ball because I sometimes find it hard to get into a groove when playing alternate shot.
How badly do you want to play in the Ryder Cup one day, having now gotten a taste of the Junior Ryder Cup?
I would absolutely love to be able to play in the Ryder Cup someday. It is probably one of the biggest goals I could set for myself. The feeling I had walking down to the first tee in front of the crowd was overwhelming. It was so cool and exciting being there. The atmosphere is completely different from a regular tournament. There is so much pride for your country and the competition is intense. I love both of those things.
What was it like playing as the away team in Europe? How much different would the experience have been had you played in the States?
It was definitely tough playing as the away team. Most of the fans were rooting for the European team and adjusting to the time change was a challenge as well. I know that our team was really tired because of the time difference. I think playing in the States would have been better for our team golf wise, but I am glad we played where we did because we were able to see and experience a new country and to some degree, a different style of golf.
You had a very back and forth singles match against Rasmus Hojgaard. Even though he got the edge on you, how much fun was that environment?
The match was awesome even though I lost. I played one of my best rounds, shooting six under. I felt like I put up a good fight, especially down the stretch when we halved a couple of holes with birdies. It was just super fun being able to compete well against one of the top-30 amateurs in the world. It meant a lot to me and gives me confidence knowing that I was able to perform fairly well under the circumstances.
How much more did the nerves kick in after that match, having to watch your teammates and hope that your match wouldn’t be the difference-maker in the final outcome?
Nerves were really high watching the last few matches finish. You definitely think about the “what ifs” in your own match, but while the other matches were still being played, I wanted to concentrate on supporting my teammates. We already had 12 points to secure the tie and we wanted to get another half point to secure the outright win. Watching Rachel Heck’s 12-foot birdie putt to halve her match to win it for the team was very intense and the feeling of euphoria was awesome when she made it.
What was it like getting to meet and hang out with other top junior golfers across the country?
It was so much fun playing with the other junior golfers on the team. While I already knew some of the US players pretty well from other tournaments, over the course of the week in Paris I feel like the entire team really bonded and we all became great friends. We spent so much time together competing as teammates, practicing together, cheering for each other, eating together, going to Disneyland, and just hanging out. Also, getting to meet and know the players from the European team was very special too.
Was there any particular reason you were teamed up with Cole Ponick and Rachel Heck on Monday? Similar golf games, similar personalities, both, or something else?
Well, for both of those pairings, we were paired together because Cole, Rachel, and I are good friends. Chemistry is essential in team match play, so it is important to be paired with someone you get along with well. Also, Cole and I have very similar golf games, so for alternate shot that may have been a factor in our pairing.
Where do you go from here after this experience and what will be the lasting takeaway from your time at this event?
Now that I am back home, I will go back to preparing for college and the rest of my junior career. I can practice now with a new goal in mind of hopefully being able to play in a Ryder Cup someday. The feeling of pride for my country as I walked to the first tee is something I will never forget. Playing in the Junior Ryder Cup is definitely an experience that will motivate me to achieve my goals in the future.
What advice would you give younger golfers?
One thing I would say to junior golfers is just to keep playing the game you love. Getting experience on the course is awesome and very beneficial to your golf game, so practice, but make sure to play a lot too. Just have fun in your junior golf experience and make life-long friends at tournaments.
Over the years, what has the Southern Texas PGA meant to you?
The STPGA has meant so much to me. When I was younger, the STPGA provided so many great opportunities to play and compete in golf tournaments, and there was always a goal to try to make it to the championship tournament and play well. Playing in those tournaments really helped me get to where I am today, with respect to my golf game and life in general. The STPGA has taught me many lessons about the game and has helped me love to play golf. The atmosphere the STPGA creates at tournaments is so fun that it’s impossible to not enjoy it no matter how you play.
Elite junior golfers from Southern Texas and Louisiana will have the opportunity to compete at the event. SPRING, TX (January 28, 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
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!
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!
Exemptions, event schedule, and host site announced today!
