Texas Border Business
Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen, Texas, is proud to be the host golf course for the Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifier on Friday, May 2, 2025, starting at 2:00 p.m. Hosted in partnership with the Southern Texas Professional Golf Association (STPGA) and the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department, the event is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 years old. Participants will have three shots at each station and qualifying golfers will advance to the regional portion and a chance at the National Competition at Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters, where they will compete against junior golfers from across America.
“The Southern Texas PGA is honored to once again partner with the City of McAllen and Champion Lakes Golf Course for this incredible event. McAllen has gone above and beyond to provide an unparalleled experience for junior golfers, offering amenities and activities that set this qualifier apart from any other in the region,” said John Miller, STPGA Junior Golf Manager. “Champion Lakes Golf Course is a premier venue with an outstanding course layout that adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the game. The level of play here is exceptional, and we are excited to see the next generation of golfers take on the challenge as they compete for their shot at Augusta National Golf Club,” concluded.
Registration is free and there are no skill level requirements to take part in the competition.
To sign up, head to www.McAllenParks.net by 4:00 p.m. on April 27 to secure a spot in the competition.
“It is a privilege to welcome junior golfers and their families back to Champion Lakes Golf Course for the Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifier,” said Carlos Espinosa, Golf Pro and Champion Lakes Golf Course Director. “This event not only showcases the talent of young golfers but also provides them with an opportunity to compete at a national level without having to leave their hometown. Our course is ready to provide the perfect setting for an exciting and competitive qualifier, and we look forward to seeing all the young talent take their shot at Augusta.”
According to Denny Meline, Director for the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department and Espinosa, Champion Lakes Golf Course was once again selected by the Southern Texas PGA to host the Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifier because of the amenities the City of McAllen and Champion Lakes Golf Course offer. Participants should be able to shoot their best swing at each station, helping to make the qualifier quite competitive.
“The McAllen Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to collaborate with Champion Lakes Golf Course and the STPGA to bring this incredible event back to our community,” said Denny Meline, McAllen Parks & Recreation Department Director. “Drive, Chip & Putt creates unforgettable experiences for young golfers and their families, inspiring the next generation of athletes. We take great pride in providing opportunities like this that not only promote the game of golf but also build confidence and skill in our youth.”
For more information about the event, please visit www.mcallenparks.net or call the Champion Lakes Golf Course at (956) 681-3444. To sponsor, please contact Aida Moreno at (956) 681-3315 or via email at amoreno@mcallen.net.
This is the second time this event is held in McAllen and will be hosted by the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department and Champion Lakes Golf Course, with assistance from I.T. Department and the Office of Communications. A total of 118 junior golfers from across the Rio Grande Valley participated last year.
