PGA REACH Southern Texas Awards $394,500 in College Scholarships

SPRING, TEXAS – PGA REACH Southern Texas, in partnership with our Scholarship Trustees, is excited to announce this year’s scholarship winners. For the upcoming academic year of 2025-2026, PGA REACH Southern Texas will be awarding $394,500 across 87 different scholarships to 78 deserving winners.

“This is always a highlight to our year,” said Dr. Rich Ballinger, President of the Southern Texas PGA. “I cannot thank all our donors and trustees enough for supporting this pillar of our Foundation. We are truly impacting lives in a positive manner.”

A cornerstone of this year’s program is the incredible support from the Hannon Cup Association, which contributed $105,000 across 21 different scholarships. These scholarships were made possible thanks to the generous support of several dedicated trustees under the Hannon Cup Association. 

These include contributions from The Legends Clubs, Texas Mutual, Jon Morgan, Buckman/Pigg, the Tim Wilson Memorial Fund, and the Hansen and Grissom families. Their commitment underlines the deep connection between golf and education, and the continued leadership of PGA of America Member Steve Termeer and Brent Buckman.

Since 1999, the program has awarded over 668 scholarships, with a cumulative value of more than $2,683,500—providing vital academic support to high-achieving student-athletes across the region.

“We could not be prouder of these 78 deserving winners,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director for the Southern Texas PGA. “We are more than just golf and this program allows us to help young adults achieve their academic goals.”

Another highlight is the return of the Insperity Invitational Scholarship, contributing $20,000 once again this year. The 2025 recipients of Gabriel Garson-Gorroway and Etta Huffman were honored last week at the Player’s Dinner on May 1st with the Greats of Golf.

The Charlie Epps Scholarship program continues to make a significant impact as well, awarding 14 scholarships totaling $70,000. Charlie Epps is a Texas Golf Hall of Fame Member and Past President of the Southern Texas PGA and his annual event in September helps raise dollars for this program.

This year, Energy Transfer supported 16 scholarships totaling $40,000, continuing their mission to empower future leaders through education. 

Additionally, the Gary Patterson Foundation awarded four $10,000 scholarships for the first time, providing substantial support to students committed to both academic and athletic excellence.

We also want to continue to celebrate the legacy of PGA Professional J.L. Lewis, with seven scholarships awarded this year totaling $35,000, made possible through proceeds from the Cimarron Hills Pro-Am that takes place each Spring!

New to this year’s program was the Divots Foundation Scholarship. Created by Texas junior golfers for Texas junior golfers, the Divots Foundation uses its annual Texas Cup event to raise funds while promoting leadership, teamwork, and charitable giving.

“I would like to personally thank all of our donors and trustees for their support and donations. Without them, we would not be able to continue to see this program grow year over year,” said Hutton.

Each scholarship listed below represents more than financial aid—it’s an investment in the future of these students and their communities. Awards ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, and each one tells a story of perseverance, leadership, and passion.

2025 PGA REACH Southern Texas Scholarship Recipients