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The 16th Annual Big Tex Golf Classic, presented by Cattlemen’s Bank, was a hole-in-one for Texas students. A record-breaking $274,000 was raised at the event, with 100% of all donations going directly to the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs to help fund education for students throughout the Lone Star State. Last year’s event raised approximately $207,000. Every dollar raised through the Big Tex Golf Classic and other State Fair fundraising events benefits the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which have provided more than $25.3 million in auction awards and college scholarships to Texas students since 2018 alone. The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs support graduating high school seniors across the Lone Star State who have participated in competitive youth livestock events held at the State Fair, graduating seniors from six Dallas ISD high schools in the Fair Park area, and longtime seasonal employees of the State Fair of Texas or their dependents. Scholarship recipients attend Texas colleges, universities, or accredited trade schools. “The record-breaking success of the Big Tex Golf Classic is a testament to the generosity of Texans who believe in investing in the future of our state,” said Karissa Condoianis, Senior Vice President of Public Relations. “Thanks to the support of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, every dollar raised through this event will directly benefit Texas students through the State Fair’s local and statewide scholarship and youth livestock programs. Because the State Fair of Texas covers all fundraising event expenses through the success of our annual State Fair event, 100 percent of funds raised go directly to supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators, and agricultural advocates across the Lone Star State.” The annual Big Tex Golf Classic event, chaired by Caleb Robinson with Robinson Growth Partners, Joshua Furrh with Silver Fox Resources, and Zack Lamp with HKS, led a competitive 72 teams that included 288 golfers and two area high school teams competing at the event held at two Brookhaven Country Club Golf Courses in Farmers Branch – The Masters and The Championship. First and second-place teams, per course, took home the trophies and annual bragging rights. Leading The Masters in first place was Team Gatlin, including Jared Gatlin, Tyler Stecker, Terry Stecker, and Joe Joe Ackles. On The Championship Course, first place went to Team Ernst & Young, with Paul Floyd, Neil Cohen, and Marcus Mlcak. “I am incredibly thankful for and amazed by the continued generosity of our sponsors—both long-standing partners and those new to the event—as well as the volunteers and State Fair of Texas staff who make this tournament such a unique and high-quality experience. Zack Lamp, Josh Furrh, and I aim to make this tournament more enjoyable and more impactful each year, all in support of investing in future generations of Texans,” said Caleb Robinson, Big Tex Golf Classic Co-Chair. Keeping the tradition alive, local high school teams played alongside our donors, who sponsored the student teams. The teams included golfers from Woodrow Wilson High School and Richardson High School, sponsored by Marsh McLennan Agency, Benchmark Title, Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP, TXU Energy, Benefits Texas, Walne Family Holdings, Davey Davis, and Andrew Prine. Moss, HTeaO, and Miramar Holdings sponsored the Closest-to-the-Pin contests on each course. Additional on-course activations and prizes were offered throughout both courses, including games, Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, Rolling Cigars, and Porch Swing Iced Tea. “As the Title Sponsor, Cattlemen’s Bank is proud to support an event that makes a real and lasting difference for Texas students. The continued growth of the Big Tex Golf Classic—and the record-breaking funds raised this year—is a testament to the generosity and shared commitment of this community. We’re honored to partner with the State Fair of Texas and help invest in opportunities that will benefit the next generation across our state,” said Zach Wooldridge, President of Cattlemen’s Bank. The success of the Big Tex Golf Classic in raising critical funds for Texas students would not be possible without the generous support of the sponsors and donors who help bring this impactful event to life. Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring the tournament: |
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The Live Auction included one-of-a-kind packages and raised $15,100. We are very grateful to our Live Auction Donors: Stephen Gwinn, Zack Lamp, Josh Furrh, Caleb Robinson, Turtle Box, HTeaO, Hello Car Wash, Steven Mancillas, Andrew Prine, Neal Robinson, JW Marriott, Cattlemen’s Bank, Rokas, Scheels, PGA, The Village Dallas, Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Live! by Loews, Southwest Airlines, the State Fair of Texas, and Terry Black’s BBQ. Learn more about the 2026 Big Tex Golf Classic at BigTex.com/Golf. Information for the 2027 Big Tex Golf Classic will be announced later this year. Learn more about the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs at BigTex.com/Fundraising. |