Texas Junior Golf Alliance Set to Host LPGA Qualifier
April 21, 2020 • Blake Davis
DALLAS – The Texas Junior Golf Alliance partnered with the Volunteers of America Classic to give female junior golfers a chance to qualify for an LPGA tournament. Scheduled for Sept. 4-6, the 16-player match play qualifier will be played at the site of the LPGA tournament, Old American Golf Club in The Colony.
“One of our goals as an event is to impact the community in a meaningful way,” Octagon Senior Sales Director Brooke Lee said. “By allowing junior golfers from all over the region an opportunity to compete and win a spot into our tournament will continue to promote women’s golf in a positive light.”
The Volunteers of America Girls’ Match Play Championship is for elite players that have distinguished themselves throughout Texas Junior Golf Alliance events in 2020. The qualifier will feature 16 female junior golfers graduating high school no earlier than 2021: seven from the Legends Junior Tour, four from the Northern Texas PGA’s All-American Tour, four from the Southern Texas PGA’s Prestige Tour and one from the Houston Golf Association’s Performance Series.
The LJT exemptions include the champions of the Texas Girl’s Invitational (Ashley Yen), Lanny Wadkins Junior Championship on June 29-30 (TBD), Texas Junior Amateur on July 27-29 (TBD), George Hannon Junior Invitational on August 10-11 (TBD) and the top three players not already exempt on the Player of the Year Standings.
The NTPGA exemptions include the champions of four All American Tour tournaments scheduled between June and August.
“As a junior golfer, to have an opportunity to qualify and compete in a LPGA event in your home state is a bucket list item,” NTPGA Executive Director Mark Harrison said. “Every young lady who plays junior golf in Texas on the All-American Tour, Prestige Tour or Legends Junior Tour should aspire to try and qualify to compete in the Volunteers of America Girls' Match Play Championship.”
The STPGA exemptions include the champions of the four Prestige Tour tournaments scheduled between June and August.
“We are always focused on providing our junior golf members a roadmap but more importantly unique opportunities to play at the next level,” STPGA Executive Director Thomas Hutton said. “An exemption like this will clearly motivate young ladies to work on their game and gain valuable experience within our programs.”
The HGA exemption will be the champion of the Eddie Burke Sr. Young Houstonian on June 23-25 at Cypresswood Golf Club in Spring (TBD).
The single-elimination bracket will be formed by a random drawing conducted at the player’s dinner on Thursday, Sept. 3. The seven LJT qualifiers and HGA qualifier will be selected to fill one side of the 16-player bracket, while the four NTPGA and four STPGA qualifiers will fill out the other side of the bracket.
The first two rounds of the VOA Girls’ Match Play Championship will be played on Friday, Sept. 4. The semifinal matches will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, and the championship match will determine the LPGA exemption on Sunday, Sept. 6.
“The VOA Girls’ Match Play Championship delivers on our vision of providing Texans with opportunities for world-class competition in their home state,” TGA Executive Director Stacy Dennis said. “Providing our juniors with an opportunity to experience an LPGA event is a unique opportunity to help inspire our players.”
Over the years, the Texas Junior Golf Alliance has produced many professional female golfers. Last year’s Volunteers of America Classic Champion, Cheyenne Knight of Aledo, played on the NTPGA All-American Tour and was a two-time LJT champion. Other Texas Junior Golf Alliance alumna include two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, Kristin Gillman of Austin, and 12-time LPGA winner Stacy Lewis of The Woodlands.
The Texas Junior Golf Alliance extends its sincere appreciation to the Volunteers of America Classic for partnering to give these female junior golfers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Texas Junior Golf Alliance prides itself on growing the game and promoting women’s golf.
“The Volunteers of America Classic is excited to reward a young female athlete with the opportunity to play in a professional LPGA event and watch them learn from their experiences at our event,” Lee said. “We hope this will leave an everlasting impact on this young player and help them stay focused on their professional goals.”
The Volunteers of America Classic is currently scheduled to be played one month after the qualifier at Old American Golf Club on Oct. 1-4. For more information on the VOA Girls’ Match Play Championship, click here
.
ABOUT THE TEXAS JUNIOR GOLF ALLIANCE:
In 2012, the four most prominent junior golf tours in the state joined forces to create the Texas Junior Golf Alliance. The partnership between the Legends Junior Tour, Norther Texas PGA, Southern Texas PGA and Houston Golf Association strives to promote the game and give junior golfers greater access to top-tier statewide competition.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA CLASSIC:
The 2020 Volunteers of America Classic will return to Old American Golf Club in The Colony for the third consecutive year. The official LPGA tournament will feature 144 of the world’s best female golfers in a four-day stroke-play event vying for $1.3 million purse. The 2020 VOA Classic is scheduled for Oct. 1-4.
ABOUT OCTAGON:
At Octagon, we inspire brands, talent, and our people to see the world for all its potential. Then, we help our clients pick the right opportunity to make the next right move. We are a passionate team of 800 savvy veterans and bold upstarts, relentlessly committed to helping our clients and our teammates push forward. What’s Your Move? See more at Octagon.com
and join us @Octagon
.
SPRING, TX (October 27, 2025) – The Southern Texas PGA is proud to announce our 2025 STPGA Junior Golfers of the Year, Jules Mahan and Daniel Rice. This distinguished honor recognizes these junior golfers' exceptional accomplishments on the course, leadership in their communities, and their unwavering commitment to representing the values and spirit of the Southern Texas PGA. Jules Mahan, a standout competitor within our STPGA Junior Golf programs, has built an impressive junior golf resume that reflects her drive, consistency, and sportsmanship. She is a two-time Texas Junior Cup team member (2018, 2020), helping lead Southern Texas to victory in both years. Her success also includes two STPGA Prestige Tour wins, two STPGA Little Linksters Summer Championship wins, and a title at the 2025 STPGA Parent-Child Championship. Mahan, who is committed to playing Division I golf at Murray State University, embodies the true meaning of a student-athlete. A member of the National Honor Society, she balances a demanding tournament schedule with academic excellence, earning the NEISD Writing Award, multiple A/B Honor Roll honors, and strong results in a rigorous AP course load. Beyond her achievements on the course and in the classroom, Mahan is deeply dedicated to service. She volunteers over 200 hours each year with First Tee Greater San Antonio, mentoring younger golfers as an Ace Level participant, and has helped raise $35,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children’s Medical Center through Kids Play Fore Kids. Her journey has not been without challenges. Diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, Mahan overcame pain and fear with determination and perseverance—qualities that now define her both on and off the golf course. “Some of my favorite memories are playing until the sun set with my dad and brother,” she shared. “Golf means family to me—it’s where I find peace, joy, and gratitude.” From her earliest days competing in STPGA events after moving to San Antonio, to representing Southern Texas on victorious team stages, Mahan has grown into a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and heart. Since picking up a club at age nine, Daniel Rice has become one of the Section’s most decorated junior players. A two-time STPGA Prestige Tour Champion and three-time runner-up during the 2024–2025 season, Rice’s consistency and competitive spirit have made him a fixture at the top of leaderboards. He is set to compete in the first-ever STPGA Prestige Tour Bayou Cup this December, marking an impressive achievement. Rice is also a two-time high school state qualifier, Magnolia High School MVP, and First Team All-Region and All-District selection. Rice has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Houston Christian University, competing in Division I college golf. Demonstrating excellence both academically and athletically, he has earned Lifetime A/B Honor Roll status, completed six AP courses, and received three Academic All-District honors, maintaining a 3.6 unweighted GPA (4.6 weighted) and placing in the top 16% of his class. Rice also volunteers each spring with his high school coach to mentor junior high golfers—teaching fundamentals, course management, and sportsmanship while encouraging young players to compete in STPGA tournaments. Rice’s journey in golf has also been one of resilience. Overcoming personal hardship with strength and maturity, Rice has found in golf a lifelong source of discipline, friendship, and purpose — qualities that define him as one of Southern Texas’s most inspiring young golfers. That mindset was on full display during one of Rice’s most memorable moments: shooting a career-low 64 (-8) at Houston National to win his first STPGA Prestige Tour event—a round shared with friends who also achieved personal bests. “That day reminded me why I love the game,” he said. “It’s about competition, friendship, and constantly striving to improve.” For Rice, golf has been a teacher of life’s most meaningful lessons—discipline, patience, sportsmanship, and respect. Whether he’s competing, mentoring others, or volunteering in his community, he carries those lessons with him. His commitment to excellence, perseverance through hardship, and unwavering love for the game make him a shining example of what it means to be the STPGA Junior Golfer of the Year. These exceptional Junior Golfers of the Year will be formally recognized alongside the other Section Award recipients at the STPGA’s 58th Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, February 9, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Chapter Award recipients will be honored at their respective Chapter Meetings later this fall.
Fredericksburg, TX (October 25-26, 2025) – The STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour returned to the familiar fairways of Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course for the Antigua Fredericksburg Open. A staple on the Prestige Tour schedule since 2014, this event continues to be a favorite among players and families alike. Surrounded by the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the course’s scenic views and challenging design set the stage for two exciting days of competition, sportsmanship, and memorable moments.
Victoria, TX (October 18-19, 2025) – The STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour made its way to Victoria Country Club, an event filled with tradition and competitive spirit. Known for its scenic layout and challenging course, Victoria Country Club provided the perfect stage for two days of exciting play. Players showcased their skill and determination, adding another memorable chapter to the tournament’s growing legacy.
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
