ntpga-foundation

Five Frisco ISD Seniors Receive Fore Frisco Scholarships

mrawlins@ntpga.com (Molly Rawlins) — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:14:27 GMT

Students Honored at Breakfast Hosted by Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa

FRISCO, TX (May 23, 2025) – Today, staff from Omni Hotels & Resorts and the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) celebrated the five recipients of the inaugural Fore Frisco scholarships. Layla Baker, Sa’Niyha Coleman, Marie Hampton, Joel Lim and Jalen Randle each received a $20,000 college scholarship funded by Omni Hotels & Resorts, and a breakfast hosted at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa was held in their honor.

Fore Frisco is a new scholarship endeavor between Omni Hotels & Resorts and the NTPGA Foundation that began in the 2024-25 school year. The program aims to help need-based Frisco ISD students with consideration for their academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. Fore Frisco currently involves two FISD high schools – Lone Star and Panther Creek – and introduces students to golf and the life lessons of discipline, honor and integrity that are central to the game.

“We’re honored to partner with the NTPGA Foundation in its meaningful work to give back to our local community through scholarship opportunities,” says Kurt Alexander, President of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Golf has a remarkable way of bringing people together and making a difference, and there’s no greater purpose than helping young individuals pursue their aspirations and build meaningful futures.”

Forty-two students participated in a five-week program and learned the fundamentals of golf—driving, chipping, putting—taught by PGA Professionals at The Ronny Golf Park. In addition to learning golf skills, students gained insight into career opportunities in hospitality at Omni Hotels & Resorts as well as careers in golf. Upon completion of the program, eligible students could apply for a scholarship.

“We were excited to get a scholarship program like this started with Frisco ISD this year. And, we could not have a better partner than the team with Omni Hotels & Resorts,” said Mark Harrison, CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “We had great support from both flagship high schools, their staff and the Omni team. I also know that the five students who received the inaugural scholarships are going to head to college and impress us over these next few years. The future is bright not only for them but also this program.”

“With the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House and our campus located in Frisco, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the community we call home. From offering scholarships to high school students and employing FISD students at The Ronny Golf Park to providing internships that introduce former students to careers in golf, our commitment to local youth runs deep. We’re also proud to host multiple PGA HOPE programs in Frisco, supporting our military and veterans through the game we love,” said Harrison.

In addition to the scholarship, each recipient will be paired with a mentor from the leadership team at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa to help guide them throughout their college years.

The 2025 Fore Frisco scholarship recipients are:

Layla Baker

Layla Baker is a 2025 graduate of Lone Star High School and will be attending The University of Texas at Austin. During her time at Lone Star, she was on the varsity volleyball team. She was in the National Honor Society, Black Student Union, Legacy Leader and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Layla also spent her time volunteering at Frisco Family Services and Angel’s Wish. At UT, she has plans to study Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She is looking forward to making new friends and gaining new experiences.

Sa’Niyha Coleman

Sa’Niyha is a 2025 graduate of Panther Creek High School, and she will be attending Texas State University. During her time at Panther Creek, Sa’Niyha was a part of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Mock Trial Club. She also served as the manager of the football team and a member of the Panther Creek Cheer Team. While at Texas State, she will pursue a degree in Political Science with a focus on Pre-Law. She is looking forward to trying new things and getting involved in her college community, and preparing for her future in law.

Marie Hampton

Marie is a 2025 graduate of Panther Creek High School and will be attending Hampton University. During her time at Panther Creek, she was on Student Council as the Historian/Parliamentarian, National Honor Society, Siliverado’s Dance Team and is the founder and president of the Black Student Union at Panther Creek High School. She is also a part of the National Black MBA Association DFW Chapter Leaders of Tomorrow and Pearls of Service Foundation. At Hampton University, she plans to major in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. Marie is looking forward to meeting new people and helping make a difference in her community.

Joel Lim

Joel is a 2025 graduate of Panther Creek High School and will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas. During his time at Panther Creek, he played football and was involved with HOSA - Future Health Professionals, DECA, and BPA -Business Professionals of America. At UTD, he will be majoring in Biology with a concentration on Dentistry. Joel is looking forward to meeting new people, getting involved on campus, and getting to experience living on his own.

Jalen Randle

Jalen is a 2025 graduate of Lone Star High School and will be attending Abilene Christian University. During his time at Lone Star, he was on the Lone Star varsity football team, Frisco Independent School District Mentoring Program, as well as Frisco Fire Department Explorer. He has received many awards, including the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award and the Lone Star Football Silver Award in 2024 as well. At ACU, he will be studying Business Management. He cannot wait to get involved and create a great new community in Abilene.

About the Northern Texas PGA Foundation

Founded in 1983, the nationally acclaimed Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was rebranded in 2019 as the Northern Texas PGA Foundation. The Northern Texas PGA Foundation focuses on five pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, inclusion, internships and military & veterans. The mission of the Northern Texas PGA Foundation is to positively impact lives and communities through golf.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 28 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, and 25 award-winning spas across the country, every Omni welcomes you to experience the true spirit of each destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour to PGA Professional: Spencer Dillard's Journey to Success

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:38:16 GMT

Spencer Dillard’s rise from a young golfer to a devoted PGA of America Golf Professional is a story of passion and purpose. His love for the game began when he was gifted a Tiger Wood’s golf video game as a kid. Spencer, who is now an Assistant Golf Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, reflects on a journey shaped by the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour.

Spencer’s golfing journey began at the age of seven when his parents enrolled him in a small golf camp in McKinney, Texas. A year later, he discovered the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and started competing in tournaments. These early experiences helped him develop both his skills and excitement for the game.

Spencer’s first experience on the junior tour was memorable. “I think I shot 72 for my very first [Prep Tour] event,” Dillard shares. “By the end of that year, I shot a 46. I was so happy to go from shooting a 72 for nine holes to [shooting] in the 40s.”

“I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into,” Dillard said. “I was just like yeah, I’ll go try it out.”

And in 2015, he headed to Huntsville. During his time in Sam Houston State University’s PGA Golf Management Program, Spencer's perspective of the industry expanded. The program’s blend of networking opportunities and mentorship prepared him for life as a PGA Professional. He was able to explore many internships through the program which led to gaining more hands-on experience in the industry.

“I completed an internship in New York, which was a transformative experience for me,” Dillard explained. “I had a great PGA professional there, Rob Labritz. He kind of paved the way for me and showed me what it is to be a club professional.”

Northern Texas PGA Receives 2025 Herb Graffis Award

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:41:18 GMT

Northern Texas PGA Receives 2025 Herb Graffis Award

Today, our Section was selected as the 2025 Herb Graffis Award recipient!

The award is given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections for tireless dedication to growing the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community. Thank you to all of our PGA of America Golf Professionals who are involved in so many of our Foundation programs, helping us to impact lives in the communities we serve in North Texas!

Led by President Cameron Doan, PGA, and Executive Director Kelly Gilley, PGA, the Section is backed by a membership of more than 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who are employed at more than 300 facilities. The Section’s mission is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The NTPGA’s success is fueled by the Northern Texas PGA Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to promoting and growing the game of golf among diverse groups of kids in North Texas, and instilling in them the positive, character-developing traits for which the game is known. Annually, approximately 10,000 children and their families are impacted through the Foundation’s full circle of programs and services. Today, based on the three key pillars of the PGA of America REACH Foundation—Youth, Military, Diverse populations—as well as pillars for college scholarships, internships and inclusion, the Foundation reaches a greater audience to promote and grow the game. The centerpiece of the Foundation’s golf programming is the Ronny Golf Park, a first-of-its-kind facility that features a two-acre, lighted golf park made entirely of fully synthetic turf. It can be enjoyed rain or shine, day or night. It is designed with junior golfers in mind, and led by the Section’s PGA-led staff, who offer a variety of programs for children ages 3-14.

The Section will be formally recognized again later this year when the PGA of America hosts its Annual Meeting at PGA Frisco in November.

Congratulations to all of the 2025 PGA of America award recipients! A full list can be found HERE .

Eight Dallas ISD Seniors Receive Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarships

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:49:32 GMT

Educational program tops $2.5 million in awards.

Educational program tops $2.5 million in awards
Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship awarded
Four-year University of Texas at Arlington scholarship awarded

DALLAS and FRISCO, TX (June 18, 2024) – Today, Deloitte*, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and United Way celebrated the eight recipients of this year’s Deloitte/NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarships – a program that has now awarded more than $2.5 million to 96 Dallas ISD students over the past 17 years.

Alan De La Torre, Amy Lopez, Olayinka Ojo, Jocelyn Owens, Briana Perez and Stephanie Rodriguez each received a $20,000 college scholarship, which are funded through donations from Deloitte partners, principals, managing directors and professionals in North Texas.

Additionally, in collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), a full, four-year scholarship to the university was awarded to Jada Cole. And, Daisy Mondragon was awarded a full, four-year scholarship in collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

“The University of Texas at Arlington is proud to collaborate with Deloitte and the Northern Texas PGA’s Fairways to Success. The commitment and dedication to student success through access and opportunity have transformed the educational landscape in the region. Congrats to this year’s scholars,” said Michele Bobadilla, University of Texas at Arlington, Senior Associate VP Outreach & Community Engagement.

Established in 2007, the Fairway to Success program annually awards scholarships to students based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. The program spans four DISD high schools – W.W. Samuell, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and David W. Carter – and includes introducing students to golf and the life lessons of discipline, honor and integrity that are central to the game.

“Deloitte is proud to continue to support the Fairway to Success program. We see firsthand the benefits of sponsoring and mentoring young people in the community and offer our enthusiastic support to this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Dan Berner, North Texas Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP. “I’m proud of the work our professionals have done to support these students this year. It’s our hope at Deloitte that the students continue to succeed and apply the skills they’ve learned – both in the classroom and on the golf course – to their future professional endeavors.”

During the 2023-2024 school year, 79 DISD students took part in a virtual six-week college prep program led by Deloitte professionals as well as an after-school golf program. Students learned the basics of golf from PGA professionals, and graduating seniors who qualified by participating in the program had the chance to apply for the scholarships.

Fairway to Success also includes a mentorship component to support the scholarship recipients throughout their college careers. Scholarship recipients interact with Deloitte mentors who share their insights gained from working in a professional services environment. Mentors also help students explore potential career opportunities in the business and STEM-focused fields of study.

“Year after year we are so incredibly proud of our students and the work they do. I cannot thank Fairway to Success enough for recognizing the work that these students have done as well. We know that all our students need to be successful is opportunity and support. As they graduate from high school and with their associate degree, Fairway to Success provides them with the opportunity to attend a 4-year institution through scholarships and the support they need through mentorship. I look forward to our continued collaboration for many years to come,” said Jason Jewell, Assistant Principal at W.W. Samuell High School.

The NTPGA also employs past Fairway to Success recipients as interns each summer, furthering the recipients’ golf education that began on their high school campuses through Fairway to Success.

The 2024 Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarship recipients are:

Jada Cole – Lincoln High School (UNT-D Recipient)
Jada is a 2024 graduate of Lincoln High School. She will pursue higher education at the University of North Texas - Dallas with plans to study psychology. Jada was a multi-sport athlete at Lincoln and also served as captain for the wrestling and power-lifting teams. Jada competed in track and field, and this most recent season she set the district record for women's pole vaulting. Not only was Jada involved in athletics, but she also served as the historian for the school’s student council. This summer, she is interning with PepsiCo in the Human Resources department.

Alan De La Torre – David W. Carter High School
Alan is a 2024 graduate of Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center and David W. Carter High School was his home school for athletics. Alan has yet to decide where he will be attending school in the fall but intends on studying physical therapy since his goal is to one day he would like to be a physical therapist for a professional sports organization. Alan has a strong passion for soccer and is hoping to continue his career in college. Alan is the first of his family to attend college, while also being a first-generation high school graduate. When asked about his experience with Fairway to Success, he said he most enjoyed learning patience when playing golf. While in high school, Alan completed an internship with The Dallas World Aquarium.

Amy Lopez – Thomas Jefferson High School
Amy, valedictorian of the 2024 Thomas Jefferson High School class, will attend the University of Southern California in the fall. Amy is moving to the West Coast to study pharmacology/drug development. She grew this passion by studying with her sister who is currently a pharmacy tech. Her goal is to one day work for big pharma in research development. In her free time, Amy enjoys painting, specifically using acrylic, or watching Disney movies.

Daisy Mondragon – W.W. Samuell High School (UTA Recipient)
Daisy, the salutatorian of the 2024 W.W. Samuell High School class, is heading to the University of Texas at Arlington to study architecture. In her younger years, she developed an interest in architecture. Even though she is the youngest in her family, she will be the first to attend college. When asked about the Fairway to Success program, she mentioned that she enjoyed getting to know her classmates better while golfing.

Olayinka Ojo – W.W. Samuell High School
Olayinka, originally from Nigeria, is a graduate of the Early College High School Program and W.W. Samuell High School. Olayinka has intentions to further her education at the University of Texas at Arlington or Texas Woman’s University on the pre-med track. In her free time, Olayinka enjoyed running track for Samuell High School, where she also was team captain. She also manages her schoolwork with a part-time job at IHOP. She has a genuine interest in helping kids and has set a goal of becoming a pediatrician.

Jocelyn Owens – Lincoln High School
Jocelyn is a 2024 graduate of Lincoln High School. Upon graduation, she will be headed to the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT-D). During her time at UNT-D, she will be a part of the track and field team and has the intention to study chemistry. Her career goal is to become a dentist. During high school, Jocelyn kept busy by being involved in the academic decathlon, e-sports club, and the local Boys & Girls Club. If she is not busy with school activities, she has a passion for cooking. This passion was introduced to her by her grandparents who operate a local catering business. The biggest lesson she learned while in high school is to take chances and not leave room for regret.

Briana Perez – Thomas Jefferson High School
Briana is a 2024 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, as well as the P-Tech program, earning her associate's degree from Brookhaven College. This coming fall, Briana will be heading to Austin to attend the University of Texas and pursue studies in early childhood education. Briana was a part of the high school wrestling team and also worked El Rancho being promoted to head cashier. Briana wants to continue to be an example to her younger siblings by showing her leadership.

Stephanie Rodriguez – W.W. Samuell High School
Stephanie, a 2024 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School and the Early College High School program, will attend the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to study international business with a focus on German. Currently, her sister is also attending UTA and studying for the same degree, which influenced Stephanie. She hopes to study abroad while in school and to one day be a project manager for a German company. Stephanie has also found a connection with the Harry Potter series. Her sister introduced her to the series, and she stated that she feels a connection to them because of the mentor Harry had in Dumbledore is how she would describe how she views her older sister.

*Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of their legal structure.

Northern Texas PGA Foundation Awards $731,500 in Scholarships

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:57:38 GMT

Scholarships Given Now Surpass $5 Million in Total.

The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2024 scholarship recipients. A record 87 high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $731,500 – the most ever awarded in a single year by the NTPGA Foundation.

This year, the NTPGA Foundation celebrates our newest recipients and the fact that since our scholarship program began, we have now awarded over five million dollars in scholarships!

The 2024 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 the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

Since 1983, the Northern Texas PGA Foundation has awarded $5.73 million in college scholarships to 841 deserving students.

“I am thrilled and more so appreciative to surpass $5,000,000 in scholarships awarded this year. It is a lot of money and every dollar is for students pursuing higher education,” said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA. “We would not be able to continue and grow this program without the support of everyone who believes in our Foundation and our commitment to students’ higher education. Thank you to our supporters, and congratulations to the 87 students who received a scholarship this year. I know they all have a bright future ahead.”

This year, of the scholarships awarded, 62% were based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement, while 38% were awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement.

Listed below are the names of the 2024 scholarship recipients:

A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship – Armando Chavez – Mart, Texas
A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship – Abram Ross – Mart, Texas
A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship – Coleman Arnett – Mart, Texas
A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship – Monte Swaner – Waco, Texas
Allison and Jerry Freeman Scholarship – Wesley Preskenis – North Richland Hills, Texas
April and Mark Anthony Scholarship – Garrett Moore – Lubbock, Texas
Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Addison Carpenter – McKinney, Texas
Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Trinity Harris – Red Oak, Texas
Briggs Berry Heart of a Lion Scholarship – Ryli Lewis – Granbury, Texas
Briggs Berry Heart of a Lion Scholarship – Akyah Ditto – Granbury, Texas
Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Amy Lopez – Dallas, TX
Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Jocelyn Owens – Dallas, TX
Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Alan De La Torre – Dallas, TX
Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Briana Perez – Dallas, TX
Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Olayinka Ojo Quintana – Dallas, TX
Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Stephanie Rodrigue z – Dallas, TX
Destination Grapevine Texas Women’s Open Scholarship – Landry Ashmore – Grapevine, Texas
Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship – Harry Wang – Lucas, Texas
Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Alexander Danko – Frisco, Texas
Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Sydney McCullough – Odessa, Texas
Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship – Melissa Ojeda – Dallas, Texas
Fritz & Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship – Samuel Bumgardner – Fort Worth, Texas
Gentle Creek Salute to the Vets Scholarship – Josephine Craig – Moody, Texas
Gentle Creek Salute to the Vets Scholarship – Lillie Spies – Mesquite, Texas
Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Antonio Dimafelix – Garland, Texas
Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Gabrielle Zang – Keller, Texas
Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Chiara Brambilla – Southlake, Texas
Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Sidney Gainor – Lewisville, TX
Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Chloe Gaines – Weatherford, Texas
Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jason Lew – Southlake, Texas
I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – Patrick Worthey III – Cedar Hill, Texas
I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – Katelynn Moore – Dallas, Texas
Jake McCullough / Dallas District Golf Association Scholarship – Katherine Rendon – Flower Mound, Texas
Jerry Andrews Scholarship – Garrett McMellon - Garland, Texas
Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am Scholarship – To be announced July 1
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Leilani Diezi – Frisco, Texas
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Bella Leugers – Rockwall, Texas
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Catherine Swize – Midlothian, Texas
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Jillian Goodman – Dallas, Texas
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Connor Cassano – Shreveport, Louisiana
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Bailey Davidson – Dallas, Texas
Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Hailey Ashcraft – Dallas, Texas
Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship – Trista Volentine – Chandler, Texas
Jon & Kim Morgan Scholarship – Rhea Dinesh – Frisco, Texas
Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Jayden Blevins – Dallas, Texas
Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Alejandro Canelo – Dallas, Texas
Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Mario Gutierrez – Dallas, Texas
Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Yasmin Cruz – Dallas, Texas
Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Addison Kelley – Little Elm, Texas
Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Travis Jay Rodriguez – Burleson, Texas
Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Emmy Martinez – Dallas, Texas
M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship – Hudson Parr – Longview, Texas
Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship – Hogan Kenney – Hickory Creek, Texas
Mike & Rosie Moncrief/Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – Tarun Anand – Irving, Texas
Miss Katie Scholarship – Alexis Reyes – Dallas, Texas
Mizzen + Main Scholarship – Christian Clanton – Trophy Club, Texas
Pat & Kori Green/Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – Hannah Martin – Flower Mound, Texas
Perry Arthur Scholarship – Lindsey Li – Plano, Texas
Philip Bleakney Scholarship – Isaac Gregorie – Dallas, Texas
Randy Smith Scholarship – Bryana Ann Saucillo – Seagoville, Texas
Rob Norland Scholarship – Morgan Nguyen – Carrollton, Texas
Ronny Glanton Scholarship – Savannah McCabe – Frisco, Texas
Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship – Avery Nguyen – Carrollton, Texas
Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Jace Boslow – Carrollton, Texas
Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Connor Biggio – McKinney, Texas
Sherrill Park / Two Dads and a Coach Scholarship – Alexis Small – Richardson, Texas
Sherrill Park / Two Dads and a Coach Scholarship – William Winfield – Richardson, Texas
Talley Riggins Construction Group Scholarship – Remi Morriss – McKinney, Texas
Tehan Scholarship – Max Chan – Heath, Texas
Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation Scholarship – Kayce Ford – Prosper, Texas
Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation Scholarship – Jade Hofeldt – Sanger, Texas
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Scholarship – Christopher Locke – Burleson, Texas
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Scholarship – Vanessa Gonzalez – Dallas, Texas
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Scholarship – Angel Torres – Dallas, Texas
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Scholarship – Nancy Pacheco – Dallas, Texas
The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Ace Sibley – Frisco, Texas
The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Andrew Cannon – Frisco, Texas
The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Bryce Cannon – Frisco, Texas
The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Brooklyn Iley – Frisco, Texas
Thomas Hanson Memorial Scholarship – Geren Gathright – Fort Worth, Texas
Tony Romo / Invited Celebrity Classic Scholarship – Patrick Worthey III – Cedar Hill, Texas
Tony Romo / Invited Celebrity Classic Scholarship – Sachin Kommineni – Coppell, Texas
Troy Reiser Scholarship – Madison Stansberger – Fort Worth, Texas
UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Jada Cole – Dallas, Texas
UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Daisy Mondragon – Dallas, Texas
West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring SA Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure and Sherwin Cox – Andrew McWilliams – Midland, Texas
Workday Scholarship – Aliesa Situmorang – Prosper, Texas

For more information about the NTPGA Foundation scholarship program or for additional information about our 2024 recipients, please visit www.ntpgajuniorgolf.com/scholarships .

Three Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour Members Earn Invites to Augusta as Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalists

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 14:04:39 GMT

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.

Only five years after picking up a golf club, Ani Cooper is a Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist as well as an accomplished golfer on the NTPGA Junior Tour. Her preparation for the National Finals included “[Practicing] chipping a lot,” and “[Spending] four times as much time on short game practice.” Although Cooper is excited and overwhelmed at the prospect of playing at Augusta, her confidence going into the Finals has not wavered.

Ani believes she can win and already has her eyes on next year’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, “My goal is to get there next year,” adding “you have to absorb what happened during your time at Augusta because you’re probably not going to get a similar experience unless you come here next year.” After three years of trying to punch her ticket to Augusta, Ani has accomplished her first goal and now shifts her focus to winning the age 10-11 division Final.

The youngest of the three National Finalists is eight year old Adelyn Owen who started playing golf at just three years old. Her love of the game comes from the fact that “even if you hit a bad shot, you’ve always got the next hole to make it good. You can always improve each hole.” This is just Owen’s second time competing in Drive, Chip and Putt after not qualifying for regionals in 2022.

Her jump from not qualifying in 2022 to being a National Finalist in 2024 aligns with her golf goal of “[Trying] to improve each time I golf,” adding “hit the best I can, and in the end be happy with what I did.”

Although each of their journeys to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals were different, Dixie Mae Crain, Ani Cooper, and Adelyn Owen’s love for golf and determination in getting to Augusta is exceptional.

This is the tenth year that an NTPGA Junior Tour member has competed in the National Finals. Make sure to catch all the action on Golf Channel Sunday morning!

Congratulations to our PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Award Winners

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:15:32 GMT

The Northern Texas PGA is proud to share that eight PGA members have been named PGA jr. League #GameChanger Player Engagement Award winners! The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to PGA Jr. League and serve as leaders in golf instruction and player development. Additionally, Charleton Dechert, PGA facilities manager at First Tee of Fort Worth, and Joey Anders, PGA instructor at Brookhaven Country Club were celebrated for having two of the top 10 largest programs in the country.

Charleton serves as the PGA Jr. League Coordinator at First Tee of Fort Worth, an organization that focuses on introducing the game of golf to young people in the area. In 2023, he led the largest PGA Jr. League program in the nation for the second year in a row! 473 golfers participated in programming in 2023. That’s 109 more golfers than the second-largest program in the country. He continues to inspire and guide the next generation of golfers.

Joey’s work with PGA Jr. League in 2023 culminated with his team winning the 13u National Championship at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco and having a 17u team compete at their own national championship. His PGA Jr. League program at Brookhaven Country Club ranked ninth-largest in the country, and he has helped develop over 30 Division I collegiate golfers as an instructor. This year Joey and Brookhaven served 291 junior golfers!

The Sections additional six winners of the 2023 PGA Jr. League #GameChanger PLayer Engagement award include:

Cory Ryan, Crown Colony Country Club

Travis Lynch, Travis Lynch Golf at Trails of Frisco

Scott Robbins, Stewart Peninsula Golf Course

Cliff Mishler, Stonebridge Ranch

Chuck Higgins, Keeton Park Golf Course

Dave Baron, Timarron Country Club

Each of these Members is committed to growing the game through their work with junior golfers in North Texas. Their instruction is invaluable to hundreds of children getting started in the sport. These professionals are supporters of not only PGA Jr. League programming but also the Ewing Automotive Junior Tour.

Northern Texas PGA Announces Extension, Enhanced Partnership with Veritex Community Bank

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:19:16 GMT

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.

About Veritex Community Bank
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Veritex is a bank holding company that conducts banking activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Veritex Community Bank, with locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and in the Houston metropolitan area. Veritex Community Bank is a Texas state-chartered bank regulated by the Texas Department of Banking and the Federal Reserve System. Veritex specializes in providing depository and credit services to small and mid-size businesses, which have been largely neglected by national banks. The name “Veritex'' is derived from the Latin word “veritas,” meaning truth and “Texas.” For more information, visit www.veritexbank.com .

About the Northern Texas PGA

The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Its geographic territory includes the State of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin. 975 PGA Members and Associates employed at more than 300 facilities comprise this Section.

Northern Texas PGA headquarters are located on the PGA Frisco campus and feature state-of-the-art office space, a growth of the game pavilion and a golf park designed for junior golfers.

In addition to managing the day-to-day affairs of the Section, the Northern Texas PGA also operates a non-profit and charitable foundation that focuses on five pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, inclusion, internships and military & veterans.

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