TEXAS JUNIOR GOLF ALLIANCE ENTERS NEW CHAPTER

NTPGA • January 14, 2019

TEXAS JUNIOR GOLF ALLIANCE ENTERS NEW CHAPTER

HOUSTON, TX - The Texas Junior Golf Alliance today announced a three-year extension by each of its four founding partners – Southern Texas PGA, Northern Texas PGA, Texas Golf Association and Houston Golf Association. The new agreement takes effect immediately and runs through December 2021.


Formed in 2012, the goal of the Alliance was to allow junior golfers a clear path to the best tournaments in Texas. Each of the three-tier two organizations (STPGA, NTPGA, HGA) conduct events that serve as qualifiers into the statewide tier one events ran by the Legends Junior Tour (LJT). This allows players to compete in local events, in which they can earn spots to play in statewide tournaments. The Texas Golf Association runs and operates the LJT, which conducts elite-level, statewide junior events, such as the Byron Nelson Junior Championship, Texas Cup Invitational, and Texas Girls Invitational.


“This extended agreement is extremely exciting for junior golfers as it strengthens the partnership between all four founding partners,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director for the Southern Texas PGA. “It gives more playing opportunities, both locally and statewide, and continues to show that junior golf in Texas is the best in the country.”


This new agreement comes with a few changes and additions. Starting in 2019, players who participate in tier two events have the ability to earn full status on the LJT by way of “the Battle Field Promotion” concept. This promotion takes places when a player wins two tier two events with the same organization in a calendar year. 


"Our goal for the alliance is to provide a clear player pathway for the best playing junior golfers in Texas who desire to play in college and perhaps beyond without ever needing to leave the State," said Mark Harrison Executive Director / CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. "With the addition of Battle Field Promotion, we are excited to provide kids who win twice in a calendar year on the STPGA Prestige Tour, the NTPGA All American Tour or the HGA Performance Series to jump straight to the Legends Junior Tour. The PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour both have similar Battle Field Promotions with their partner tours, the Web.com, and Symetra Tours, so we are confident that it will be a great way to both incentivize and reward players."


Another new component is the increase of Invitational tournaments conducted by the LJT. The Bluebonnet Championship, which is played annually in May, will transition from an Open event to an Invitational. In addition, a new Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational will be formed in the fall.


“With increased demand and players wanting to qualify and then play in a championship event, adding two more Invitationals was ideal for the Legends Junior Tour and the overall Alliance,” said Stacy Dennis, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Association. “This allows for more exemptions to be given out at STPGA, NTPGA and HGA events but still run the most highly competitive junior golf events in the state.”


This year alone between all four organizations, the Texas Junior Golf Alliance will conduct more than 75tournaments across the state. Each tour has past champions who have gone on to play at the highest levels in college and professionally. Supremely talented competitors such as Jordan Spieth, Cole Hammer, and Hailee Cooper are all Texas Junior Golf Alliance alumni.


“The HGA is looking forward to seeing these changes and enhancements to the Texas Junior Golf Alliance,” said Steve Timms, CEO of the Houston Golf Association. “Junior golf remains an important element to our organization and these events provide an incentive to improve your game and earn Legends Junior Tour exemptions.”


For a complete listing of each organization’s 2019 schedule, please visit the websites below. The first alliance event is taking place in January. 

Legends Junior Tour

STPGA Srixon Prestige Tour

NTPGA All American Tour

HGA Performance Series

 

About the Legends Junior Tour

Part of the Texas Golf Association and its Foundation since its inception in 2005, the LJT has provided junior golfers with a chance to compete at a statewide level and hone their skills. The tour features 20 events throughout the state and offers players a chance to earn playing opportunities in national events throughout the year. The LJT has a proven record of helping junior golfers in the state prepare for the national level of competitive golf as well as offer kids a chance to ready themselves and move into the collegiate golf ranks. Each LJT event is open to any member of the Texas Junior Golf Alliance who is under the age of 19 and has proven themselves through one of the Alliance Partners.


About the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation

Founded in 1983, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, that is committed to introducing, promoting and growing the game of golf to a diverse group of kids in North Texas and instilling in them the positive, character developing traits for which the game is so well known. Each year close to 10,000 children and their families are impacted by the game that lasts a lifetime through a full circle of programs and services including:

Introduction – Golf in Schools, Fairway to Success After School Program, Drive, Chip and Putt, and Summer Golf Camps

Playing – Team Golf, PGA Junior League, Prep, Medalist Levels and All-American Tour – 500+ tournaments per year

Education – College Scholarships – $2.36M distributed including $307,500 awarded in 2018

Employment – Internship and Camp Program


About the Southern Texas PGA Foundation

Founded in 1994, the Southern Texas PGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is committed to impacting lives through the game of golf. Each year close to 6,000 children and their families are impacted through the Foundation that creates an understanding that golf is a lifelong sport that teaches values and life lessons. Our Foundation prides itself on instilling our juniors with positive character traits and a commitment to integrity and honor. The Srixon Prestige Tour now in its 6th year has become the highest level regional tour in Southern Texas and provides players the clear pathway to the Legends Junior Tour. In 2019, the tour will have over 25 events on its schedule. 


About the Houston Golf Association


Founded in 1946, the Houston Golf Association (HGA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Since inception, the HGA has existed to make a difference in Houston communities and in the lives of area youth through golf and charity. HGA began offering its junior golf program to the Greater Houston Area in 1957. Since that time, thousands of youth have benefitted from the opportunities the program has afforded them. HGA, through its wholly-owned subsidiary – The First Tee of Greater Houston reached over 350,000 youth in 2018 through elementary school, after school and traditional golf programs, introducing the game of golf to a broad and diverse audience across the Greater Houston Region. A new and essential part of HGA’s impact is the Municipal Golf Initiative, which upgrades public golf facilities, beautifies green spaces, and creates a place to mentor youth through The First Tee of Great Houston program. For more information go to hga.org

June 18, 2024
Educational program tops $2.5 million in awards 
By Margaret Miller June 3, 2024
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By Vincent Lopez April 4, 2024
The Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour will have three participants at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2024.The National Finals have been held the Sunday before The Masters since 2013 and has ingrained itself into the legendary traditions of the tournament and course. Dixie Mae Crain has competed on the NTPGA Junior Tour since 2019 and has shown steady improvement over the past five years. Although her experience on the Junior Tour has undoubtedly improved her game, there is another aspect of the tour that has aided her on her journey to Augusta. “Just getting the pressure from other people being there, like competitors and all that, just having that pressure,” said Crain. She hasn’t let the rush of being a National Finalist change her preparation however, “It’s really all about if you really get consistent. You just need to get consistent with your chipping and putting.” After seven years of participating in Drive, Chip and Putt Dixie will be competing in the age 12-13 division at Augusta and looks forward to the trip to Georgia with her dad, brother, and two former coaches. 
By Vincent Lopez January 22, 2024
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By Molly Rawlins September 26, 2023
FRISCO, TX – The Northern Texas PGA and Veritex Community Bank announced a partnership extension with support directed towards junior golf and events for PGA of America Golf Professionals. The enhanced partnership will last through 2026 and benefit both the NTPGA and NTPGA Foundation. Veritex has been involved as a sponsor of the NTPGA since 2012. Veritex will support tournaments for the NTPGA’s nearly 900 professionals as a sponsor of the Joyce Crane | Veritex Community Bank Section Championship and The National Car Rental Northern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship presented by Veritex Community Bank. Additionally, the NTPGA’s Assistant of the Year will receive a $1,500 bonus from Veritex. Tournaments and events conducted on the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour will be referred to as the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour presented by Veritex Community Bank. The Spring, Summer and Fall Series Points Challenges in all three areas (East, Metro and West) will be referred to as the Veritex Community Bank Points Challenges. “Veritex’s core values are truth, transparency, and integrity. These beliefs are synonymous with those inherent in the game, which is why we are proud to align with organizations such as the NTPGA,” said C. Malcolm Holland, CEO and President of Veritex Community Bank. “We support the game at every level, beginning with junior golf, to rising college and Korn Ferry Tour players, and peak with major champions. Providing a foundation for kids to learn, have fun and compete through the guidance of PGA Professionals is a core aspect of that journey.” “The Northern Texas PGA Members, Associates, staff and junior golfers are fortunate to have a partner on our side like Veritex. We are delighted to continue this long-standing relationship that helps the NTPGA in fulfilling our missions of serving the PGA Professionals and growing the game of golf alongside our friends at Veritex Community Bank who have become a major contributor to the game here in North Texas,” said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA.
By Steven Clements July 7, 2023
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THE COLONY, TX – Alicia Bellendir cards an even-par second round at The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship. After a 34-38–72 she now leads by two strokes heading into tomorrow’s final round at Golf Clubs at The Tribute. Bellendir once again started off strong with two birdies in the opening three holes. “It was okay today, I started off pretty well, at one point I was 2-under and I kept that up for most of the round,” she said. “I ended with two bogeys because I put myself in bad positions, so I ended up shooting even. It wasn't terrible but it could have been better.” Looking ahead to tomorrow’s final round Bellendir said, “I’m just hoping that I can shoot par, since it's a harder course, not many people will shoot a super good round.” In the final grouping at 9:39 a.m. with Bellendir will be Maelynn Kim and Veronika Exposito. Kim, who is from Katy, is two strokes behind the lead at 7-under-par. She also played in the final grouping in last year’s Championship. Exposito, from The Woodlands, is in 3rd place at 6-under-par after shooting a 67 today. Her 5-under-par round was the lowest of the day. Of the field of 52 players, 31 made the 36 hole cut and will move onto the final round. After playing the first 36 holes of the Championship on the Tribute Golf Links, tomorrow’s final round will be played on Old American Golf Club. It is the host site for the LPGA Tour event and Friday’s final round course set-up will simulate the LPGA Tour event's Sunday set-up. Tomorrow the Championship will once again award an exemption into The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America on October 5-8, 2023 to the champion. The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship is supported by Jerry J. Ransom. Tribute Golf Links Par 36-36–72 Yardage: 6,297 yards View current leaderboard HERE
By Steven Clements July 6, 2023
THE COLONY, TX – Alicia Bellendir of Coppell continued the Independence Day fireworks at The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship. She fired an opening round 32-31–63, 9-under-par and sits four shots ahead of second place. Starting the championship with an opening birdie, Bellendir never looked back on her way to a career low 63. “I started off with birdie, par and then eagle and then I just was playing pretty well throughout and then I had a row of five birdies and then I had a bogey and then I ended with birdie, par so it was pretty good today.” Bellendir had a strong day on the greens “I was making a lot of putts from 12 feet and in,” she said. This is Bellendir’s third time playing in the championship. She qualified by winning the All American Tour Talley Riggins Summer Showdown by 12 strokes on May 31 - June 1, 2023 at Sherrill Park Golf Course. Coincidentally Bellendir’s previous career low round of 67 came at this event. Maelynn Kim from Katy who finished in 4th place last year is once again in contention. She carded a first round 5-under-par, 67 and sits in second place. 14 players of the 52 player field are under-par after 18 holes. Tribute Golf Links will host the first 36 holes of the Championship before a cut is made to the low 30 scores and ties. The remaining players will play the final round on Old American Golf Club, the host site for the LPGA Tour event. Wednesday’s final round course set-up will simulate the LPGA Tour event's Sunday set-up. This year’s Championship will once again award an exemption into The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America on October 5-8, 2023. The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship is supported by Jerry J. Ransom. Tribute Golf Links Par 36-36–72 Yardage: 6,297 yards View current leaderboard HERE
By Molly Rawlins June 6, 2023
> Educational program tops $2.2 million in money awarded  > Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship awarded > Four-year University of Texas at Arlington scholarship awarded
June 5, 2023
The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2023 scholarship recipients. A record 80 high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $696,500 – the most ever awarded in a single year by the NTPGA Foundation. The scholarship amounts vary from $2,500 to $20,000. In addition, two students were awarded a “last-dollar” full scholarship to two of the Foundation’s partner schools, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) and University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Two $5,000 scholarships, the iWash of Texas Scholarship and the Gary Dunkerson College Scholarship, will be awarded to two junior golfers via a random drawing during the SA Smith West Texas Junior Invitational tournament later this June. Another two scholarships thanks to the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation totaling $10,000 will be awarded to two students graduating high school or currently in college who are the child or grandchild of a past NTPGA PGA HOPE graduate. “To award $696,500 in scholarships this year to a record-breaking 80 students is truly incredible," said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA. “We would not be able to continue this program without the support of everyone who believes in our Foundation and our commitment to higher education. Thank you to our supporters, and congratulations to these 80 deserving students. We know they all have a bright future ahead.” This year, of the scholarships awarded, 67% were based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement, while 33% were awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement. Since 1983, the Northern Texas PGA Foundation has awarded $4.99 M in college scholarships to 754 deserving students. Listed below are the names of the 2023 scholarship recipients:  Allison & Jerry Freeman Scholarship – Jack Whalen – Dallas, TX April & Mark Anthony Scholarship – Luke Newton – Highland Village, TX Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Scholarship – Grace Frei – The Colony, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Maddox Burton – Irving, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Clarita Fuentes – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Gael Soto-Barboza – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Lizbeth Enriquez – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Gabriel Herrera – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Leslie Jamarillo – Dallas, TX Ben Hogan Foundation / Bruce & Gloria Devlin Scholarship – Brock Braden – Midland, TX Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – Matthew Rui – Allen, TX Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – James Thomson – Dallas, TX Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Seve Aguirre – Colleyville, TX Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Davis Ovard – Frisco, TX CMAA Scholarship – Lilly Sillis – Midlothian, TX Dean Larsson / Dallas District Golf Association Scholarship – Katherine Brown – Colleyville, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Cithlaly Crispin – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Shane Davis – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Doris Gradiz – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Rachelle Gutierrez – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Jose Loredo Quintana – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Emily Silva – Dallas, TX Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship – Brett Walsh – Lantana, TX Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Sophie Drago – Mansfield, TX Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Nathan Womack – Elk City, OK Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship – Areli Macz Melchor – Dallas, TX Fritz & Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship – William Kroneberger – McGregor, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – AJ Adams – Plano, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jeremiah Cuellar – Midlothian, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Chase Fields – Roswell, NM Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jack Kash – Flower Mound, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jordyn Keeton – Forsan, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jacob Pasteur – Roanoke, TX I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – Aliya Larzeia – Dallas, TX I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – JaLynn McKinney – Dallas, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Dante Bush – Plano, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Grant Kutz – Coppell, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Lauren Gatsos – Fort Worth, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Christian Willis – Hickory Creek, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Katya Tibbets – Montgomery,TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Julia Helsel – Arlington, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Madison Wong – Allen, TX Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship – Magen Dow – Ponder, TX Joe Black / Texas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship – Kade Burton – Midland, TX Jon & Kim Morgan Scholarship – Lucas Thorley – Alvarado, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Greece Gomez – Dallas, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Ashley Cruz – Dallas, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Destiny Reed – Dallas, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Luis Leon Pastor – Dallas, TX Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Grady Ault – Jacksonville, TX Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Madison Wert – Roanoke, TX Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Evan Wunsch – Trophy Club, TX M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship – William Gillen – Tyler, TX Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship – Maddie Anders – Fairview, TX Misty Morgan / Laura Morgan FISD Scholarship – Erica Kim – Frisco, TX Mizzen + Main Scholarship – Barret Wisener – Dallas, TX Perry Arthur Scholarship – Kennedy McCullough – Aledo, TX PGA Frisco Scholarship – Aashana Patel – Frisco, TX Philip Bleakney Scholarship – Chase Brown – Wichita Falls, TX Randy Smith Scholarship – Elena Jurado – Childress, TX Rob Norland Scholarship – Marcus Williams – Prosper, TX Ronny Glanton Scholarship – Blake Patterson – Forney, TX Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship – Madeleine Melson – Colleyville, TX Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Olivia Santiago – Flower Mound, TX Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Kara Kim – Frisco, TX Talley Riggins Construction Group Scholarship – Shay West – San Angelo, TX Tees for Keys Scholarship – Michael Rasmussen – Lufkin, TX The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Jackson Baughman – Prosper, TX Thomas Hanson Memorial Scholarship – Diane “Queenie” Guercio – Plano, TX Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Will Harris – Garland, TX Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Victoria Malott – Richardson, TX Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Catalina Malott – Richardson, TX UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Eh Tu Gae – Dallas, TX UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Joshua Puga – Dallas, TX West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring SA Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure and Sherwin Cox Scholarship – Ethan Evans – Amarillo, TX Workday Scholarship – David Jensen – Hickory Creek, TX For more information about the Northern Texas PGA Foundation scholarship program or for additional information about our 2023 recipients, please contact Casey Rayburn at crayburn@ntpga.com or visit www.ntpgajuniorgolf.com/scholarships .
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