Ewing Charity Classic Supports NTPGA Foundation

Logan Bearden • May 5, 2026

PGA of America Golf Professional Wins $50,000 in Closest-to-the-Hole Shootout

DALLAS, Texas (May 4) – The Northern Texas PGA hosted the Ewing Charity Classic today at Brook Hollow Golf Club, raising $350,000 in support of the Northern Texas PGA Foundation.  This event has become known as one of the nation’s most unique and celebrated pro-am events, and today was the 20th playing of the fundraising tournament.


“I can’t believe we have been doing this for 20 years! I love being able to do this, to have a special day where people can come out and enjoy Brook Hollow Golf Club, while supporting the NTPGA Foundation, a Foundation that does so many wonderful things using the game of golf,” said Fin Ewing III. “It’s been a great 20 years, I absolutely love the PGA Golf Professionals and appreciate all that they do for the game, and I hope to have 20 years more!”


Over the last 30 years, the Ewing Charity Classic and its predecessor, the Westcott Pro-Am (1996–2005), have raised $6,310,000 to benefit the Northern Texas PGA Foundation’s broad community outreach efforts. The funds generated from the tournament help further the Foundation’s mission to positively impact lives and communities through golf.

This event is traditionally held in the fall and includes PGA TOUR players in the format, but freezing temperatures in early December 2025 required a reschedule. 


The Ewing Charity Classic featured 22 teams consisting of three amateurs and a PGA of America golf professional. The 18-hole format was one low gross ball plus one low net ball of the team.


The winning team was led by PGA Professional Chad Moscovic, director of instruction at The Ronny Golf Park, and included amateurs Taylor Brooks, Preston Phillips and Kyle Brooks. Together, they shot an impressive 20-under par, 120, to claim victory in the competition. Moscovic fired a 65 playing his own ball today. For full event results, please click HERE.


Following the competition, PGA Professionals participated in the highly anticipated Closest to the Hole Shootout, where the winner usually drives home in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz. However, since it was the 20th playing of this event, Fin decided to do something a bit different. He wanted to thank all the PGA professionals who participated by giving away $119,250 with $50,000 going to the shootout winner. The funds were generously provided by Ewing Automotive. 


This year’s shootout took place on the Brook Hollow Golf Club tenth tee box from 125 yards. As the afternoon wound down, the air was filled with the lingering scent of cigar smoke, adding a touch of tradition and camaraderie to the PGA Professionals' Closest to the Hole Shootout. Kevin Golding, PGA director of golf at The Lakes at Castle Hills, hit an incredible approach and finished just 7 feet and 8 inches from the hole, a distance no one could best and securing him the grand prize of $50,000.


“Well, I guess I just hit the greatest shot of my life!” said Golding after the shootout. “You know, solid 7 feet and a little bit. It’s unbelievable, so thank you Fin and Finley for all your support of everything that you do for us.”


Golding was the 19th PGA Golf Professional to hit his shot and after the final six professionals hit, no one had bested Golding. The second-place prize was claimed by Neil Lockie, PGA director of golf at Dallas National Golf Club, who put his shot 11 feet 1.25 inches from the hole, earning a $25,000 prize. Dean Larsson, PGA head professional at Royal Oaks Country Club, secured third place and $15,000 with a shot of 12 feet, 11 inches. 


The closest to the hole contest was Mr. Ewing’s idea as a way to not only help raise funds for the Northern Texas PGA Foundation but also to say a special thank you to the PGA of America golf professionals who participate in the event. In 2012, it was so well-received that Mr. Ewing decided to keep the shootout going.


About Ewing Automotive Group

Ewing Automotive Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned dealership group based in Plano, Texas, operating since 1940. Led by President Fin Ewing III, it is a prominent North Texas automotive group representing Mercedes-Benz of Plano, Ewing Buick GMC, and Ewing Subaru of Plano, focusing on high-quality customer service, community involvement, and employee development.


About the Northern Texas PGA Foundation

Founded on the mission to positively impact lives and communities through golf, the Northern Texas PGA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization focused on driving change through five pillars: junior golf, college scholarships, inclusion, internships and military & veterans.


About the Northern Texas PGA

The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Over 1,100 PGA of America Golf Professionals employed at more than 300 facilities comprise this Section. Its geographic territory includes the State of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin. The Northern Texas PGA headquarters are located on the PGA Frisco campus and feature picturesque office space, a growth of the game pavilion and a golf park designed for junior golfers and families. The Northern Texas PGA staff’s mission is to serve PGA of America golf professionals and grow the game by managing the day-to-day affairs of the Section. The Northern Texas PGA also operates the Northern Texas PGA Foundation and The Ronny Golf Park.


By Logan Bearden June 16, 2026
From left to right: Sa'Mareion Tucker, Matisse Edwards, Daisy Navarro, Leibi Chavira Reyes, Yvette Altamirano, Abril Guerrero, Ariel Meza Meza. (not pictured is Camyre' Williams who was unable to attend the banquet)
By Logan Bearden June 9, 2026
Frisco, Texas (June 9, 2026) – The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2026 scholarship recipients. Ninety high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $947,500, breaking last year’s record by $184,500! Since its inception in 1983, the Foundation’s scholarship program has now reached an incredible milestone, surpassing 1,000 scholarships awarded for a lifetime total of nearly $7.5 million in student support. “What amazing numbers these are!” said Northern Texas PGA Chief Executive Officer Mark Harrison. “The growth and support we have seen for our scholarship program over the last few years is remarkable, and truly unmatched. I want to thank all of our partners who make this year-over-year record possible, and I also want to congratulate and wish the best of luck to the young men and women who have worked diligently throughout high school to receive one of our scholarships this year. I know they will go on to do great things.” The 2026 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), and one student was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of North Texas, which is a new partner school for this year. Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients: A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship Saydi Durbin – Mart High School Ethan Hocking – Mart High School Allison and Jerry Freeman Scholarship Niko Klassen – Homeschool ANNIKA Foundation Scholarship Alicia Bellendir – Coppell High School April and Mark Anthony Scholarship Huey Black – Canyon High School Baylor Scott & White Scholarship Garrick Ly – Lone Star High School Aliya Rasheed – Panther Creek High School Ben Hogan Foundation / Fred & Michele Reynolds Scholarship Jeffery Rubenstein – Highland Park High School Ben Hogan Foundation / Lillie Biggins Scholarship Mikayla Martin – Homeschool Ben Hogan Foundation / Mike McMahan Scholarship Adam Strauss – Greenhill School Ben Hogan Foundation / Mike Wright Scholarship Gracie Ellis – Clarendon High School Birdies For Kids Scholarship Sydnee Fain – Midland High Jade Mara – Argyle High School Cameron Doan NTPGA Golf Professional of the Year Scholarship Landon Reece – Mildred High School CJ Corporation Scholarship Katherine Bustetter – Centennial High School Harper Mallonee – Highland Park High School Luke Martin – Rockwall-Heath High School Delaney Newberry – Highland Park High School Yunjae Park – Prosper High School Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Yvette Altamirano – W. W. Samuell High School Matisse Edwards – David W. Carter High School Abril Guerrero – Thomas Jefferson High School Ariel Meza Meza – Thomas Jefferson High School Sa'Mareion Tucker – Lincoln High School Camyre' Williams – Lincoln High School Destination Grapevine Texas Women's Open Scholarship Audrey McCallum – Colleyville Heritage High School Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship Cameron Warner – Wakeland High School Ewing Automotive Scholarship Hannah Antunes – China Spring High School Avery Jones – Homeschool Fore Frisco Scholarship Amara Okafor – Lone Star High School Rajdeep Singh – Panther Creek High School Lauryn Spraggs – Panther Creek High School Nikki Zahedi – Lone Star High School Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship Alan Ocampo – Thomas Jefferson High School Fritz and Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship Taylor Carr – McKinney Boyd High School Giveback Foundation Scholarship Jelani Johnson Simon – Panther Creek High School Evan Tupper – Lone Star High School Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship Keegan Batla – Garden City High School Darby Ehrbar – Flower Mound High School Tyson Embry – Marcus High School Caroline Fent – Ursuline Academy of Dallas Riley Gudgeon – Hebron High School Xiyu Mei – Walnut Grove High School Jude Robbins – Wakeland High School I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship De'Asia Williams – David W. Carter High School Jackie Cupit Scholarship Brody Callens – White Oak High School Jerry Andrews Scholarship Dylan Wisener – Sachse High School Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship Max Cearley – Rockwall High School Brooks Head – Coppell High School Reed Heilig – Flower Mound High School Brooklynn Landrumm – Melissa High School Van Leugers – Rockwall High School Haylie Moore – Burleson Centennial High School Bryan Sargent – Walnut Grove High School Joe Black / Texas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship Jacob Mekelburg – Maypearl High School Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship William Wampler – Canton High School Jon and Kim Morgan Scholarship Aashi Vakta – Justin Wakeland High School Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship Damir Ali – Thomas Jefferson High School Marely Angeles – Lincoln High School Dayanara Aquino – W.W. Samuell High School Montrell Horner – Lincoln High School Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship Anisaa Abdullah – Emmett J. Conrad High School Reagan Lorenson – McKinney North High School Daphny Moore – Keene High School M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship Samuel Fate – Tyler Legacy High School Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship Anabelle Floriani – Lone Star High School Miss Katie Scholarship Gloria Solis – Thomas Jefferson High School Never Stop Believing Scholarship Annabeth Boyd – Trinity Preparatory Academy Perry Arthur Scholarship Faith Hughes – Community Christian School Philip Bleakney Scholarship Samuel Williams – Vilonia High School Randy Smith Scholarship Carson Niemann – Byron Nelson High School Ronny Glanton Scholarship Addison Akers – Bryan Adams High School Ronny Golf Park Scholarship Madison Bixler – Lone Star High School Riaan Nazrul – Panther Creek High School Carlo Rogers – Panther Creek High School Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship Kian Sköld – Frisco High School Scottie and Meredith Scheffler Scholarship Austin Morrissette – Northwest High School Addelyn Schwarzlose – Tascosa High School Sherrill Park / Two Dads and a Coach Scholarship Kristin Coffman – Berkner High School Tehan Scholarship Cooper Knapp – Wylie High School The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Scholarship Aiden Tiet – Garland Christian Academy UNT / Fore Frisco Scholarship Kayla Rochez – Panther Creek High School UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Daisy Navarro – W.W. Samuell High School UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Leibi Chavira Reyes – W.W. Samuell High School West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring Jenny Cox Claire Smiley – Amarillo High School West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring S.A. Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure, and Sherwin Cox Gunnar Barrera – Levelland High School Three additional scholarship winners will be announced later this June, with recipients selected via random drawings at two upcoming events. First, the Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am fundraising tournament will award a $5,000 scholarship to a participating recent graduate. Later in the month, the S.A. Smith West Texas Junior Invitational will host a drawing for two $2,500 memorial scholarships in honor of Jerry D. Smith, one awarded to a male participant and one to a female participant.
By Erik Anderson June 2, 2026
FRISCO, Texas (June 2, 2026) – Following a milestone celebration of their 20-year partnership this May, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and Ewing Automotive Group are proud to announce a five-year extension of their agreement. This agreement ensures the Ewing Automotive Group will remain a key supporter of golf in North Texas through 2030. Under the extended terms, Ewing Automotive Group will continue as the title sponsor of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and its three competitive tours. As one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, the Junior Tour serves approximately 4,500 members (ages 6–19) and conducts more than 450 tournaments annually. The pathway includes The Prep Tour powered by Ewing Subaru of Plano, The Medalist Tour powered by Ewing Buick GMC, and The All American Tour powered by Mercedes-Benz of Plano. A recent addition to the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour is the Randy Smith Tour . This non-competitive tour is a beginner-friendly tour focused on fun, teamwork, and learning, and is the first step on the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour pathway. Since the partnership’s inception in 2006, the scope of junior golf in the region has expanded significantly. The Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour has hosted over 6,565 tournaments and facilitated approximately 365,000 rounds of golf. Annual event totals have more than doubled, rising from 200 tournaments in 2006 to 457 in 2025. Beyond the numbers, the Junior Tour has become a premier proving ground for elite talent. Alumni of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour have secured nine Major Championships, including titles won by Scottie Scheffler (4), Jordan Spieth (3), Angela Stanford (1), and Brittany Lang (1). Remarkably, since 2006, NTPGA Junior Tour alumni have produced more major champions than entire nations, including England, Australia, Spain, and South Africa. The extension also reaffirms Ewing Automotive Group’s commitment to the Northern Texas PGA Foundation through the continued hosting of the Ewing Charity Classic. Over the past 30 years, the Ewing Charity Classic and its predecessor, The Westcott Pro-Am, have raised over $6.3 million to support community outreach programs. Furthermore, the "Closest-to-the-Hole" contest, a tradition started by Fin Ewing III in 2012 to recognize and thank participating PGA professionals, will continue through 2030 by awarding a new car for first place and cash prizes for second and third places in the shootout. “Learning to play golf as a child was an incredible blessing that provided priceless time with my father and brother,” said Finley Ewing IV, CEO of Ewing Automotive Group. “We credit golf for our close family relationships, and that passion eventually led to scholarships at Vanderbilt and Texas Tech for my brother, Charlie, and me, providing access to amazing opportunities. We are honored to help provide that same foundation for the next generation.” The partnership extension also secures vital funding for the NTPGA Foundation’s scholarship program. Two Ewing Automotive Group scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, will be awarded annually to graduating seniors. This contribution supports a program that has grown from $62,000 in total annual giving in 2006 to $947,500 in 2026. “Simply put, we could not achieve our mission at the Northern Texas PGA without the unwavering support of Fin Ewing III and his family,” said Mark Harrison, CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “The Ewing name is synonymous with golf in North Texas, but more importantly, the family represents the very best of our community. Their generosity allows us to go above and beyond in serving our PGA professionals and growing the game. We are thrilled to formally extend this partnership, but even more grateful to continue the friendship through the end of the decade and well beyond.”
By Logan Bearden May 28, 2026
FRISCO, TX (May 28, 2026) – This week, Omni Hotels & Resorts, alongside the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA), hosted a celebratory breakfast to honor five Frisco ISD seniors who received a Fore Frisco scholarship at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa. The 2026 Fore Frisco scholarship recipients are Amara Okafor, Kayla Rochez, Rajdeep Singh, Lauryn Spraggs and Nikki Zahed. Now in its second year, Fore Frisco is a need-based scholarship program that is a joint effort between the NTPGA Foundation and Omni Hotels and Resorts aimed at helping local students by considering their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. The two participating Frisco ISD high schools in this program are currently Panther Creek and Lone Star High School. More than 30 students from both schools participated in a five-week program hosted at The Ronny Golf Park and learned the fundamentals of golf 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.  Fore Frisco embodies Omni Hotels & Resorts ‘Heart for All’ commitment to championing our communities in meaningful, lasting ways. At Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, we are proud to support a program that not only provides financial assistance but also opens doors for local Frisco ISD students through mentorship and exposure to careers in golf and hospitality. Watching these students gain confidence and envision their futures is incredibly powerful, and we are excited to see Fore Frisco continue to grow its impact across Frisco,” said Jeff Smith, Vice President & Area Managing Director, Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa. Furthermore, 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. An exciting and impressive addition for year two of this program, the University of North Texas joined as a partner to offer one full-ride scholarship to a Fore Frisco participant who had interest in attending UNT. The winner was Kayla Rochez. "We are proud to partner with Fore Frisco to create opportunities for exceptional students to unlock their full potential. Program participants at UNT are highly successful. We are honored to award a full scholarship to Kayla, who represents the very best of what this partnership makes possible,” said Harrison Smith, Ph.D., President of The University of North Texas. “Year two of the Fore Frisco program was a great success, and the addition of UNT as a partner and these five students are a testament to that,” said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA. “Amara, Kayla, Rajdeep, Lauryn and Nikki represent what this program is all about, and I know that they are going to impress us as they begin their college journeys. We have great support from both flagship high schools, their staff and the Omni team. We feel very fortunate to have the ability to keep building the Fore Frisco program.” More about the 2026 Fore Frisco scholarship recipients: Fore Frisco $20,000 Scholarships provided by Omni Hotels & Resorts: Amara Okafor - Amara is a graduate of Lone Star High School and is heading to the University of Texas at Dallas to study Business Administration. While visiting Nigeria with her family last year, Amara volunteered with underprivileged children in the community and discovered an interest in law as she witnessed the impact that legal professionals can have on the lives of others. Amara loves spending time with her family and is looking forward to serving as a summer camp counselor before starting classes in the fall. Rajdeep Singh - Rajdeep is a graduate of Panther Creek High School and plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall. Inspired by the work ethic of his parents, Rajdeep has been involved in a variety of programs, such as the Frisco Mayor's Youth Council, Subiendo Academy with the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, and Student Ambassadors. Rajdeep plans to study Business to help others have access to financial education. In his free time, Rajdeep enjoys fishing and teaching Bhangra dance to younger children. Lauryn Spraggs - Lauryn is a graduate of Panther Creek High School and will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana in the fall. While at Panther Creek, Lauryn was a Student Ambassador, an active member of the Swim and Dive team, and involved in the art program. Lauryn plans to study Biology and pursue medical school to dive into a career in reconstructive surgery. When asked about her takeaways from Fore Frisco, Lauryn said, "I learned more than I ever expected - about golf, business, and even myself." Nikki Zahedi - Nikki is a graduate of Lone Star High School and will attend the University of North Texas in the fall to study Psychology. While at Lone Star, Nikki was a part of the yearbook team, served as the Team Manager for the Rangerettes Drill Team, and was also a member of the National Honor Society. Nikki is passionate about becoming a child psychologist in hopes to make a positive impact on children's and families' lives in the same way others made an impact on her growing up. UNT Full Ride Scholarship Recipient: Kayla Rochez - Kayla is a graduate of Panther Creek High School and will be attending the University of North Texas in Denton in the fall. The middle child of five, Kayla, has a strong support system and is inspired by her older siblings to pursue higher education. By participating in the school's track team, Kayla grew in her discipline and was selected as a team captain as a result of her work ethic. Kayla is pursuing a degree in Business with the hopes of becoming an accountant.
April 7, 2026
Congratulations to Stephen “SJ” Sanders, Jr., an 11-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas, on winning the Boys 10–11 division at the Drive, Chip, & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club. Sanders delivered an impressive performance, highlighted by a 245-yard drive and a putt to 10 inches to help secure the victory. He began playing golf at age six and has been a member of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour for five years, competing in more than 100 tournaments. His win on a national stage is a testament to his hard work, dedication and passion for the game. Well done, SJ! 
February 17, 2026
The brand will sponsor competitive junior events, serve as the official apparel provider to staff, and provide exclusive merchandise, prizes, and more at events as part of their effort to encourage and develop the next generation of golfers
October 16, 2025
A new beginning for junior golf that is founded on mentorship, family, and fun
September 9, 2025
23 recent college and university graduates to get hands-on golf industry experience
By Molly Rawlins September 2, 2025
Four North Texans Named to 2025 USA Walker Cup Team, Including Three Former Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour Members
By Margaret Miller June 17, 2025
From left to right: Karina Herrera, Jocelyn Ancelmo, Crystal Soto, Natalie Guerrero, Quintasia Isby, Maryah Smith, Clarissa Gamez and Natalie Aranda.