2026 Fall Challenge heads to Quicksand Golf Course
The Legends Junior Tour will return to action as the Fall Challenge takes place Sept. 26-27 at Quicksand Golf Course in San Angelo.
“We’re excited to bring the Fall Challenge to Quicksand Golf Course,” said Tournament Coordinator Charlie Martindale. “They have been great hosts for the Texas Golf Association in the past, and now we get to bring some of the best junior golfers in the state to compete.”
Quicksand Golf Course has been a fixture in West Texas golf since opening in 1996. Designed by renowned golf course architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, the 7,171-yard, par-72 layout occupies approximately 300 acres along the Concho River in San Angelo. The course embraces the natural terrain of the area with rolling fairways, expansive bunkering, sandy waste areas and water features, creating a links-style layout that places a premium on accuracy and course management. Quicksand quickly earned recognition as one of the state’s notable courses, including being ranked among Texas’ top 20 courses by Texas Golfer Magazine in 1999.
Since its opening, Quicksand has developed a strong reputation as a tournament venue, hosting championships and competitive events throughout West Texas and beyond. Its combination of length, strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes provides a demanding test at the championship level. Quicksand hosted the 96th West Texas Amateur in 2024, marking the first time the championship had been contested at the San Angelo layout. Its tournament history and distinctive West Texas character make it a fitting setting for the Fall Challenge.
With the 2026 LJT season entering its final stretch, the Fall Challenge is one of just three events remaining in the Player of the Year Points race presented by Huntington Bank. Players will continue to compete for valuable points that help determine the Jackie Burke Cup teams at the conclusion of the season.
In addition to Player of the Year points, several key exemptions are also on the line at Quicksand. The Boys Division champion will earn exemptions into the 2026 Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, 2027 Texas Cup Invitational, 28th Huntington Bank Byron Nelson Junior Championship, 101st Texas Junior Amateur, 2027 Bluebonnet Championship and 2027 Hannon-Fields Junior Invitational.
The Girls Division champion will earn exemptions into the 2026 Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, 2027 Texas Girls’ Invitational, 2027 Hannon-Fields Junior Invitational, 2027 Bluebonnet Championship and 101st Texas Junior Amateur. The Boys 14 & Under Division champion will earn exemptions into the 2026 Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, 2027 Bluebonnet Championship, 2027 Hannon-Fields Junior Invitational and 101st Texas Junior Amateur.
The Fall Challenge is a 36-hole stroke play event for players ages 12-18 who are active members of the Texas Junior Golf Alliance. The field is divided into the Boys, Girls and Boys 14 & Under divisions.
Last year’s Fall Challenge at The Wilderness Golf Club produced three champions who took dramatically different paths to victory. Austin’s Dylan Knox came from six shots behind to win the Boys 15-18 Division in a five-hole playoff. After opening with a 1-under 71, Knox fired a 6-under 67 that included six birdies on his front nine and four consecutive birdies from Nos. 6-9 before prevailing in the playoff at 6-under 138.
Coppell’s Alicia Bellendir cruised to a six-shot victory in the Girls Division after rounds of 67-70. Bellendir closed her final round with four birdies on her second nine to finish at 7-under 137. In the Boys 14 & Under Division, Del Rio’s Isaiah Diaz overcame a double bogey on his ninth hole of the final round with three birdies on his closing nine to force a playoff. Diaz went on to defeat Gunter’s Austin Anderson in a one-hole playoff, finishing at 8-under 136. All three champions earned 1,000 Player of the Year points for their victories.
To learn more about the 2026 Fall Challenge, click here. To view Player of the Year Points Race presented by Huntington Bank, click here.