TGA Foundation Raffle Winners Announced

First, the TGA Foundation would like to express a big “thank you” to all the thoughtful golfers who entered this year’s raffle contest to help raise money for the Foundation’s mission to provide worthy young boys and girls in Texas with life-changing opportunities through the game of golf. More than 300 tickets were sold throughout the year for a chance to win one of two VIP packages to Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne.

Now on to the big news. The winners of the two prize packages, valued at over $3,000, were selected on Dec. 5, following a random drawing.

The Grand Prize winner was Kevin Falls of Hutto, who bought his ticket last month at the Texas Shamble. Falls won a two-night stay in the George Strait Suite at Tapatio Springs and two rounds of golf for four on the resort’s award-winning course.

The second big winner of the day was David Atnip of Fort Worth, who bought his ticket in May by getting in touch with Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of TGA Foundation/Outreach. Atnip won a two-night stay in a Traditional Suite and two rounds of golf for two.

All proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund the Foundation’s array of junior golf development programs and initiatives both on and off the course, including access to affordable rounds of golf for $5 or less with Youth on Course, paid high school internships through the Bill Penn Program, college scholarships, and much more.

Congratulations to Kevin and David, and thanks again to all who entered!

For more information about the TGA Foundation and how to help give back to the game, click here.

Sign Up for #GivingTuesday Play Days and Support the TGA Foundation

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea of designating a day of the year that encourages people to do good. Since then, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people each year to donate to nonprofits and charities all over the world.

GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, falling on Nov. 29 for 2022. To celebrate this day of kindness, the TGA Foundation has a trio of events lined up to rally the state’s golf community in support of the Foundation’s mission to provide worthy young boys and girls in Texas with life-changing opportunities through the game of golf.

On Nov. 29, the TGA Foundation will be staging three #GivingTuesday presented by Dream Golf Play Days at Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Rockwall, April Sound Country Club in Montgomery, and Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio. These three unique courses are sure to provide a delightful combination of variety, challenge, and pure joy for everyone who steps onto the tee.

The #GivingTuesday Play Days on Nov. 29 are open to everyone who has a passion for golf and are inspired to help current and future generations benefit from the positive impacts and inherent values the game provides. The format for all three events is a two-person scramble with prizes awarded in gross and net divisions. Participation in the good-natured competition is not required and turning in a scorecard is optional for those who simply want to enjoy a relaxing day on the course.

All proceeds from the #GivingTuesday Play Days will be used to fund the Foundation’s array of junior golf development programs and initiatives both on and off the course, including access to affordable rounds of golf for $5 or less with Youth on Course, paid high school internships through the Bill Penn Program, college scholarships, and much more.

Signing up for a #GivingTuesday Play Day is quick, easy, and can make a huge impact on the TGA Foundation’s mission. Scroll down to learn more about the host venues and for online player registration. If you are unable to join in on the fun on GivingTuesday but would still like to donate to the TGA Foundation, click here.

#GivingTuesday Play Day – Buffalo Creek Golf Club

Date: Nov. 29

City: Rockwall

Format: Two-Person Scramble

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Registration Fee: $60 for TGA Members, $70 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the #GivingTuesday Play Day at Buffalo Creek Golf Club, click here. To learn more about Buffalo Creek Golf Club, click here.

#GivingTuesday Play Day – April Sound Country Club

Date: Nov. 29

City: Montgomery

Format: Two-Person Scramble

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Other: Breakfast included

Registration Fee: $70 for TGA Members, $80 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the #GivingTuesday Play Day at April Sound Country Club, click here. To learn more about April Sound Country Club, click here.

#GivingTuesday Play Day – Brackenridge Park Golf Course

Date: Nov. 29

City: San Antonio

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Format: Two-Person Scramble

Registration Fee: $65 for TGA Members, $75 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the #GivingTuesday Play Day at Brackenridge Park Golf Course, click here. To learn more about Brackenridge Park Golf Course, click here.

In Memoriam: John T. Stuart III (1936-2022)

STUART III, John Thomas died peacefully at home on May 27, 2022.  A lifelong resident of Dallas, he was born August 12, 1936 to Dorothy Guthrie Stuart and John Thomas Stuart, Jr.  He attended Highland Park High School and the University of Texas, graduating in 1958.  Subsequently, he graduated from SMU’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and the Harvard Advanced Management Program.

At Highland Park, John was a cheerleader and Blanket Award recipient.  At the University of Texas, John was a member of Delta Tau Delta, The Texas Cowboys, Editor of The Cactus and a Distinguished Military Student.  He was a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Beta Gama Sigma.  Following graduation, he was in the US Army stationed at Ft Hood Texas. He then joined Republic Bank in Dallas, rising to be President and holding the same title in the successor First Republic Bank of Dallas.  He moved on to be President and CEO of Alpert Investment Company.  He then joined Guaranty Bank, the Temple Inland subsidiary, retiring as Vice Chairman.  He served on the Board and returned as Chairman and CEO for a brief time.   He became Vice Chairman of Belmont Interests, a private wealth management company until he retired.

As an alumnus of the University of Texas, he served as President of the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Exes, President of the Texas Exes at Austin, Chairman of the Texas Red McCombs School of Business Advisory Council, the Longhorn Foundation and the UT System Chancellor’s Council.  He was also President of the University of Texas Foundation.  He served on the Centennial Commission of 100 and the Commission of 125.  The University honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Business School Distinguished Alumnus Award and Hall of Fame Award.  Friends established the John T. Stuart III Centennial Chair in Business Administration. He along with his wife Barbara was named ”Top Hands” by the Texas Exes as well as the Dallas Distinguished Alumni. He was a Life Member of the Development Board at the University of Texas, Austin and Dallas.  He was a member of the Littlefield Society.

He served for six years as a member of the University of Texas Athletic Council and was named an honorary letterman.  He was appointed by the UT Athletic director to the Board of the Cotton Bowl Athletics Association.  He served as President and Chairman in 1992, serving two years and was a Life Director.  As a long-time member of the Team Selection Committee, John traveled to a number of colleges developing lifelong friendships around the country.  He and Barbara enjoyed their travels to UT football games both in Austin and away from coast to coast including three trips to the Rose Bowl, two of which were National Championship games.

He served on a number of civic boards in Dallas but in most recent years he gave his time to Callier Center of Dallas becoming President of the Board.  He also found great enjoyment from his volunteering time with the Boys Scouts of America.  He was President of the Circle 10 Council, President of the Circle 10 Foundation, an area and regional Vice President.  He served as Jamboree Sub Camp 16 Chief in 2010. He received the Distinguished Eagle Award, The Silver Beaver Award, the Silver Antelope Award as well as the Whitney Young Service Award.  He was a Vigil Honor and Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed his trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for training programs on behalf of Scouting including Wood Badge.

Having lived most of his life in University Park, he felt it a privilege to have served as President of the University Library and a number of years on the University Park Finance Advisory Committee which he was Chairman until his recent resignation.

John enjoyed his service to amateur golf in Texas serving on the Texas Golf Association Foundation and a volunteer at area tournaments for the Association.

He served on a number of other boards including The Executive Board of North Texas Public Broadcasting, Chairman of the YWCA, Board of the Florence Foundation, Board of the Summer Musicals and the African-American Museum Board of Trustees.  He was a lifetime member of the Salesmanship Club.

John really enjoyed trout fishing in both the lower 48 and Alaska.  He was fond of his greenhouse and enjoyed discovering new plants for landscaping in Texas.  Both areas he could immerse himself and find pleasure and beauty.

He was a past President of Royal Oaks Country Club, member of Dallas Country Club and Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wonderful and loving wife of almost 66 years, Barbara Kay White Stuart, his son John Michael Stuart, his daughter and son in law, Melissa and George Pettit Macatee IV, grandchildren, George Pettit Macatee, V, wife Kailee, McBride Macatee Oden, husband Madison and John Stuart Macatee and John Michael Stuart II.  John has two Great grandsons; Madison Lee Oden III “Tres” and George Pettit Macatee, VI.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Texas Adaptive Golf Championship Rd. 1 Recap

FORT WORTH — Unexpectedly cold and wet conditions marked Round One of the Texas Adaptive Golf Championship at The Golf Club at Champions Circle. Despite the weather, many players put together solid rounds.

The low round of the day came in the Multiple Leg Division Flight of the Men’s Open Division from Joshua Tankersley, who carded a 4-over 75. Also breaking into the 70’s was Stephen Terpak of the Legends Division Flight in the Senior Men’s Division with an 8-over 79.

The 54-hole event features some of the best adaptive golfers from across the nation. Players were welcomed on Monday with a Fundraiser Scramble.

Click here for full leaderboard

What’s Next: Round 2 begins Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. The full schedule of events can be found here.

Course: The Jay Morrish designed course presents a great challenge to all of its competitors and creates a fun experience for everyone through its many amenities and playing surfaces. The design utilizes the area’s natural creeks, large oaks and dramatic hillsides as players wind their way through the championship style layout. The par-71 course is not long but requires superb shotmaking ability and intense focus on many holes. 

About the TGA: The Texas Golf Association was established in 1906 with a mission to promote the playing and advancement of the royal and ancient game of golf in Texas. The association is one of the most respected in the country with an ongoing commitment to its members, contestants, volunteers and all who strive to preserve the great traditions of the game.

About the TAGA: To learn more about the Texas Adaptive Golf Association, please click here.

TGA-YOC Virtual Open House: Learn How Facilities Can Join Youth on Course Network

Nearly 2,000 golf courses across the U.S. and Canada are part of the Youth on Course network, o­ffering rounds of golf to our 130,000 members for $5 or less.

Grow the game and your future customer base – nearly half of YOC members’ rounds are played with a paying adult, generating further business for your course (including increasing your food, beverage and merchandise sales).

The program is simple to implement and complements other junior golf programs, giving participants more opportunities to apply their skills to the course.

HOW IT WORKS

• AVAILABILITY: You decide when YOC members can play at the reduced rate. Members always play for $5 or less, and YOC subsidizes each round played.
• PROMOTION: We’ll provide marketing materials highlighting your course’s YOC membership rates.
• LOGISTICS: Your staff­ checks in YOC members via our online system to track rounds and subsidies.
• PAYMENT: You’ll receive monthly reimbursement checks from YOC for each round played.

Join us for a virtual open house to learn how to bring Youth on Course to your facility.

CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER:

• April 18, 2022
• April 19, 2022
• April 20, 2022

TGA, STPGA, and NTPGA Extend Junior Golf Alliance In 4-Year Agreement

The Texas Golf Association, along with the Northern and Southern Texas PGA Sections, recently announced a four-year extension of the Texas Junior Golf Alliance (TJGA).

Established in 2013 to formalize the relationships between the TGA and PGA Sections, the TJGA creates a statewide partnership that highlights playing opportunities for juniors in each region of the state based on playing ability. The Alliance establishes a local, regional, and statewide roadmap for competitors operated by the governing bodies and leaders of the golf community in Texas.

The new extension takes the TJGA partnership through the 2025 season.

“Texas has an incredible heritage in championship golf, and many of the greatest players in the game have come up through our junior ranks,” said Stacy Dennis, Executive Director of the TGA. “By extending the TJGA partnership and solidifying the relationships between the NTPGA, STPGA and LJT, we can collectively continue to provide Texas junior golfers the best platform to compete and chart their course to accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams. I am so proud to be a part of delivering this opportunity to Texas kids.”

Junior golfers become members of the TJGA and LJT by joining their respective PGA Section’s junior program. Alliance members have opportunities to play in the events conducted by the PGA Section in their region. Through playing in NTPGA All-American Tour and STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour events, Alliance members earn status and exemptions into LJT events, which are conducted by the TGA.

As a result, participation at the local level is encouraged and supported, and LJT Championships attract the best players throughout the state. This allows LJT events to earn American Junior Golf Association Performance Stars, higher World Amateur Golf Rankings, and greater attention from the collegiate golf community, including coaches.

“We are very proud of the partnership that we have with the TGA and STPGA,” said Mark Harrison, Executive Director/CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “The Alliance provides a clear player pathway for our local junior players on the Sections’ Junior Tours to reach the Legends Junior Tour, which is the top of the playing pyramid in Texas. With the likes of Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and Will Zalatoris, amongst others who are by-products of the Alliance and Junior Golf here in Texas, the future is bright for the Legends Junior Tour and our partner organizations. However, most importantly, it is bright for the junior golfers and their parents that we collectively serve.”

As the top of the TJGA pyramid, the LJT formed in 2005 to establish an elite-level, statewide junior tour to provide the state’s top young competitors opportunities to compete at the highest level without leaving Texas. Extending the partnerships with the All-American Tour in North Texas and Srixon Prestige Tour in South Texas continues to fortify the LJT’s position as the proving grounds for the most elite junior golfers in the state.

“While this alliance showcases how Texas is the best place for junior golf, it more importantly showcases all three organizations’ desire to create lifelong golfers and introduce the game to as many people as possible,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the Southern Texas PGA. “The STPGA believes strongly that we need to create a player pathway for all junior golfers, and we are excited that the alliance continues to be strong for the best junior golfers in Texas.”

For more information on the LJT, click here. For more on the NTPGA’s All-American Tour, click here. For more on the STPGA’s Srixon Prestige Tour, click here.

Foundation Raffle Winners Announced

In Memory of John Semander

It is with deep sadness that the TGA announces the passing of John Semander. Semander gave selflessly of his time, energy and resources to promote golf in Texas for many years. His contributions to the game of golf are immeasurable and have impacted the state’s entire golfing community. The longtime TGA volunteer and Past Director passed away on July 27. He was 89 years old.

Semander was a gentle spirit who didn’t know a stranger. He seemed to be friends with everyone and had a warm-hearted story to share about each one to back it up. The Houston native was recognized numerous times for his steadfast dedication and efforts in helping the TGA.

He was the recipient of the 2005 South Texas Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2009 Bob Wells Distinguished Service Award, the TGA’s highest honor for individuals who’ve contributed to the growth of the game through their volunteerism and meritorious service.

In addition to duties as a TGA Director, Semander also served as a member of the TGA Rules Committee, as well as the USGA Junior Amateur Committee.

In 2010, Semander captained the South Texas team to victory in the Texas Shootout held at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands.

The longtime Shell employee was also very active with the Houston Golf Association among other pursuits.

In 2017, the TGA established the John Semander Family Scholarship to financially assist golfers who are seeking higher education. Semander’s dedication, character and lifelong connection to golf were attributes that the scholarship program endeavored to honor and encourage in the next generation of golfers.

The TGA mourns the loss of John Semander and sends its condolences to his family and friends.

The Spirit Golf Association Announces Appointment of Charlie Epps, PGA, as Interim President

HOUSTON, Texas (August 20, 2020) – The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) announced today that long-time PGA Professional Charlie Epps will serve as interim president. Epps has served on the SGA Board of Directors since January 2020.

The Spirit Golf Association, a 501 (c) (3) charity dedicated to the promotion of amateur golf for the benefit of health-related causes, was formed in 1999 by Houston philanthropist Corby J. Robertson, Jr. Corby established the SGA and Whispering Pines Golf Club, rated by Golf Digest as the #1 course in Texas, as a mission for philanthropically minded people to support charitable causes, enjoy membership privileges at a world-class golf property and to conduct The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship.

“We are so fortunate to have Charlie step into this role after being an invaluable member of our Board of Directors and take the reins as we continue our charitable missions and promoting the international goodwill of amateur golf,” said Robertson. “Right now we’re focusing heavily on our recently created Spirit Food Fund, and Charlie has been instrumental in helping us raise more than $1.35 million for the food insecure. He brings years of unmatched experience and expertise in the golf industry and will continue to be a great asset to our organization.”

As interim president, Epps will be responsible for executing the mission and vision of the SGA, in addition to recruiting members to Whispering Pines and sponsors for SGA events while achieving the financial and managerial objectives of the association.

“I’ve been involved in a volunteer capacity with the Spirit Golf Association since the beginning,” said Epps. “I share Corby’s passion for golf in addition to giving back through the game. I look forward to continuing to grow our organization and coordinating events that have a positive impact on our Texas communities.”

Epps, a member of the teaching staff at Golf Club of Houston, has always been committed to giving back to the game of golf, especially in the development of young players. He spent 15 years as the Head Professional at Houston Country Club and six years Pine Forest Country Club.

In his service to the PGA of America and the game, he has held positions of prominence on local, state and national leadership boards and committees gaining him recognition as the recipient of numerous PGA and Southern Texas PGA awards and honors. He was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2012 for his work as a club professional and golf instructor.

He and his friend, the late Dick Harmon, partnered to provide opportunities for young players to develop their game. He founded the Yellowstone Academy Foundation Golf Tournament to raise funds to help Houston’s inner-city kids gain access to golf. He also helps organize the Dick Harmon Memorial Invitational along with numerous other charity events.

On the PGA Tour, Epps coached two-time Major Championship winner Angel Cabrera and five-time Tour winner Blaine McCallister. Epps is currently featured weekly on the Charlie Epps Golf Hour which airs nationally on the SportsMap Nation Radio Network Saturdays 8-9 a.m. CT (97.5 FM in Houston).

Whispering Pines Golf Club is currently undergoing construction and is on track to reopen in fall 2020. Just 80 miles north of Houston along the shores of Lake Livingston sits Whispering Pines Golf Club, one of the best private golf clubs in the country. The club was founded not only to offer its discerning members a superior golf experience on an exceptional course, but it also was created to promote amateur golf and to benefit charitable causes on a local, national and international level. Whispering Pines is ranked #1 in Texas and was recently ranked #21 in the top 200 modern courses in the country by Golfweek.

TGA Foundation Finding New Ways to Grow the Game

The Texas Golf Association Foundation strives to grow the game through new initiatives every year. In 2020, the TGA Foundation launched Youth on Course in the San Antonio area. The program gives juniors access to play golf for $5 or less at eight courses in San Antonio.

“We love this program because it gives junior golfers a chance to take their skills from The First Tee, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and more junior programs to the course and continue to learn the game,” TGA Foundation Managing Director Kelly Kilgo said. “Youth on Course helps to make golf a big part of their lives because now they can go play fantastic courses for no more than a $5 green fee.”

The eight courses in San Antonio participating in this year’s Youth of Course program are Mission Del Lago, Riverside, Willow Springs, Brackenridge Park, Olmos Basin, Northern Hills Golf Club, Cedar Creek and San Pedro Driving Range.

Founded in 2006 by the Northern California Golf Association, Youth on Course began as way to increase the accessibility and affordability of golf for the area’s youth. Within five years, the program was thriving and expanded as a nationwide initiative. Today, the 501(c)3 organization partners with state and regional golf associations across the country. Youth on Course is currently offered in 34 regions and has subsidized more than 900,000 rounds of golf.

“Investing in the future and health of the game is exactly what the TGA is built for and Youth on Course allows us to accomplish this with juniors, families and golf facilities,” TGA Executive Director Stacy Dennis said. “Youth on Course provides juniors with an opportunity to take the next step from skill development programs to access on a golf course. It creates relationships between juniors, their parents and local golf facilities. This program creates a pipeline of juniors that can continue to build confidence on the golf course and become lifelong players.”

Youth on Course memberships are $20 a year. The membership gives access to the eight courses in San Antonio as well as internships, caddie program and scholarships. The program is designed for youth ages 6-18 and there are zero restrictions on when to join.

To learn more about Youth on Course, click here.

The TGA Foundation started its own initiative in 2016. The TGA Works Program gives high schoolers who are interested in working in the golf industry opportunities to intern at various Member Clubs across the state. TGA Works is a paid summer internship and offers invaluable lessons on and off the golf course.

“Throughout the TGA Works internship, I learned the ins and outs of the golf business,” said Cade Cook, who worked at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton last summer. “The internship opened my mind to so many new things and persuaded me toward a career in the golf business even more.”

The program strives to introduce motivated youth to respected careers in the golf industry. It helps clubs invest in their local communities and grow the game. Member Clubs, who offer internships, will receive up to $3,000 in grant funding to offset intern wages.

Along with Indian Creek Golf Club, Quail Valley Golf Course in Missouri City and Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth had TGA Works interns last summer. Responsibilities ranged from tournament operations, golf course agronomy, merchandise management, outside services and golf instruction.

To apply for a TGA Works internship,  click here. Application deadline is May 15.

ABOUT THE TGA FOUNDATION: The charitable arm of the TGA, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that was established to make certain that golf in Texas continues to grow and prosper. It achieves this mission through the financial and administrative support of existing grass-roots junior golf development programs, and in creating new avenues for deserving and underserved youth to learn some of life’s most important lessons through their exposure to the game of golf.  By ensuring that deserving young people from every walk-of-life have the opportunity to be exposed to this great game and the accompanying valuable life lessons to be learned, as well as discovering the many possible career opportunities surrounding the sport, the TGA Foundation expects that golf in the Lone Star State will be in good hands for generations to come. To learn more about the TGA Foundation, click here.