15th Annual Zaharias Awards Banquet

15th Annual Babe Zaharias High School Junior Golf Awards at 5 Under Golf Center

The top high school golfers in Southeast Texas were honored at the 2025 Babe Zaharias Golf Banquet Tuesday night, May 20th. Players of the Year, Underclassmen of the Year, Character Awards, and more honors were presented at the beautiful event here in the restaurant of 5 Under Golf Center.

Guests were treated to a presentation highlighting each finalist, a full Cajun feast from 5 Under’s award-winning restaurant, and inspiring speeches from golf professionals with ties to the Beaumont-Port Arthur-Orange area.

See details, photos, and video below

Keynote speaker, Brad McMakin, delivered a stunning speech about dedication, work ethic, and the power of teamwork. The University of Arkansas head golf coach (and former LU golf coach) recounted fascinating stories of teammates pushing each other to succeed, honoring those who you play with and play for, and sharing his admiration for the golf history in the SETX area.

His words of wisdom echoed throughout the room as he paid homage to his early days of building the Lamar golf team, pointing out PGA golfer and LU standout, Chris Stroud, and vital connectors, Brian White and Giles Kibbe of the Astros Golf Foundation, and foundational supporters of the LU Golf Team — Terry Garth and Don Shaver, owner of 5 Under Golf Center.

Chris Davis of Wells Fargo, a former player of McMakin’s at Lamar, told stories of his coach and his teammates. The pride and passion for his beloved team was invigorating and left half the room in tears and the other half ready to run through a brick wall! With a rousing applause and standing ovation, the presentation progressed to the awards ceremony. The Babe Zaharias Foundation board members, Jerry Honza and Austin Williams, hosted the event. Along with 5 Under Golf president, Lance LaRue, they took turns at the mic introducing the finalists and sharing entertaining insights to their personalities before announcing the winners.

Winners & Finalists for the 2025 Awards include:

Girls Player of the Year

TATUM BEAN – Port Neches-Groves

Finalists:

Cassie Grizzaffi, LCM

Peyton Hidalgo, Hardin-Jefferson

Girls Underclassman Player of the Year

GRACE DAI – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

Finalists:

Peyton Barnes – West Brook

Aubrey Carpenter – Bridge City

Girls Character Award

AVA BORNE – Port Neches-Groves

Finalists:

Reece Molina – Bridge City

Jordyn Rucker – Orangefield

Girls Underclassman Character Award

SAVANNAH MURDOCK – Bridge City

Finalist:

Kinley Jones – LCM

Boys Players of the Year (TIE)

DRAKE ANDREPONT – Hardin-Jefferson

LINCOLN PARKS – Orangefield

Finalists:

Julian Mathews – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

Reece Williams – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

Boys Underclassman Player of the Year

REECE WILLIAMS – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

Finalists:

Foster Cecka – Port Neches-Groves

Skylyn Fisher – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

Boys Character Award

COOPER TRAVIS – Hardin-Jefferson

Finalists:

Robert Barron – Nederland

Julian Mathews – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

Boys Underclassman Character Award

FOSTER CECKA – Port Neches-Groves

Finalist:

Lucian Mazzola – Monsignor Kelly Catholic

2025 Coaches Awards — Coach Darrell Westfall of Hardin-Jefferson for High School Boys Golf and Coach Ray Weaver of Bridge City High School Girls Golf.

Several other area high school golf coaches were recognized at the banquet, including Barbara Comeaux of PNG — recently inducted into the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame (volleball, golf, director of girls athletics). Austin Williams pointed out others including Lamar Athletic Director, Jeff O’Malley; student golfers with scoring records, high GPAs; and and other notable annectodes pointing to the well-rounded abilities and character of this year’s honorees. Also recognized was Julian Mathews of Kelly High School, recieving the first ever scholarship from the Babe Zaharias Foundation sponsored by First Security Bank.

Headlined by sponsor Wells Fargo Advisors and supported by The Astros Golf Foundation and Trecora, the banquet at 5 Under in Beaumont proved once again just how special golf is in this area of Texas. Lance LaRue praised the organization and the continued legacy included in the presentation.

“It’s wonderful to honor these high school golfers and coaches tonight, and it’s a chance for us as a community to show them our support and appreciation,” says LaRue.

“And it’s a cool showcase of talent and legacy of Southeast Texas golf, past and present all together. The rich history and the people involved are all incredible…it’s a real treat to see the likes of Coach McMakin, Chris Stroud, and Giles Kibbe talking with kids one-on-one, giving tips, taking photos, and trading stories. That’s powerful.”

5 Under Golf Center thanks all who attended and helped produce such a fantastic event. Jerry Honza and Austin Williams, KFDM’s Mike Friedman, the Beaumont Enterprise, and Traiditions Photos are also to thank for their outstanding coverage and attention to the awards banquet.

We are so proud and honored to have hosted this event once again at 5 Under Golf Center, and we look forward to celebrating more great golfers of Southeast Texas soon.

15th Annual Zaharias Awards Banquet

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