Grand Oaks Asher Vargas Wins Boys 2025 UIL 6A State Golf Individual Championship

Vargas 3-under round and clutch birdie run prove decisive in Grand Oaks’ first-ever boys golf state title

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – 9:30am

Georgetown, Texas — In a championship that required patience, adaptability, and mental toughness, Grand Oaks High School junior Asher Vargas captured the 2025 UIL Class 6A Boys State Golf Championship on Tuesday May 5 at White Wing Golf Club. His first-round score of 69 held up as the winning mark after severe weather forced tournament officials to cancel the second round.

Vargas becomes the first boys golf state champion in Grand Oaks history. The junior birdied three of the course’s four par-5 holes and finished at 3-under par in the only completed round of the tournament. With no team or individual having played a full second round, the first round became final after weather conditions deteriorated Tuesday morning.

From Belgium to Georgetown

Born in Katy, Vargas spent much of his childhood in Belgium due to his father’s job. He began playing golf at the age of six but initially preferred soccer. “Right before we moved back [to Texas], I won a kids’ club championship, and that’s when I started thinking I might actually be good at this,” Vargas said.

Vargas says his international upbringing helped him prepare for the weather delays that defined the championship. “Playing in Belgium — the wind, the cold, the rain — it helped me stay focused when conditions got bad,” he said.

Calm Through Chaos

Vargas’ ability to stay composed in less-than-ideal circumstances proved crucial. Tournament organizers had planned for both rounds to be played Monday in anticipation of storms on Tuesday. However, rainfall still disrupted play midway through the second round.

“I knew it was going to be one of those long days,” Vargas said. “You can’t go out quickly. You just have to play every hole, and stay patient. That was my mindset.”

The field completed 18 holes and three holes of the second round before play was suspended. With more rain Tuesday morning, the course was deemed unplayable and the first-round results became final.

Vargas started the round on hole 14 due to a shotgun start. He was 2-over par heading into the par-5 18th when he began a three-hole birdie streak that flipped the momentum. “I told myself not to go for it [in two]. I just wanted to give myself a putt,” he said of the 18th hole. “Then I hit it to 15 feet on hole one and made that, and I birdied the par-5 second hole as well.”

By the time the rain delay came at hole 15, Vargas had not checked the leaderboard but began hearing from others that he might be in the lead. “I hadn’t looked at the leaderboard all day,” he said. “But once I heard I was leading, I knew if I just kept doing what I was doing, I’d be in a position to win.”

Coach's Perspective

Grand Oaks boys golf coach Brandon Poncho, who has been with the school since its second year, said Vargas’ consistency and maturity have stood out from the beginning.

“When he first joined the program as a freshman, it was just consistency,” Coach Poncho said. “He wasn’t phased by competition. He has an extensive tournament background, and you could just tell that he belonged out there.”

Poncho said that Vargas has had a quiet influence on the rest of the team, often setting the tone by his example. “He’s a kid who wants to be amongst the team, but also handles his priorities. He takes academics seriously, and he leads by showing what it means to be committed to your craft,” Poncho added.

When asked about Vargas’ performance throughout the season, Poncho didn’t hesitate.

“He owns all the school records — low rounds, consistency, everything.” — Coach Brandon Poncho

“Sometimes he might have a rough patch, but then you look up and he’s rattled off four or five birdies in a row. That’s the kind of player he is.”

*Asher Vargas and Grand Oaks golf coach Brandon Poncho*

Preparing for What’s Next

Vargas has committed to play collegiate golf at the University of North Carolina, a decision he came to after visiting multiple campuses. “It wasn’t on my radar at first,” he said. “But when I visited, between the academics, the facilities, and the coaches, it just felt right.”

He trains under EJ Kim at Axis Golf Academy and works with a physical trainer at The Woodlands Sportsplex to maintain strength and prevent injuries, “I focus on stretching and fitness.”

A Banner Year for Grand Oaks

Vargas’ title added to what has been a remarkable spring for Grand Oaks athletics. The school also celebrated state championships in girls powerlifting and boys discus, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Poncho noted that success across the school’s athletic programs fuels motivation. “These kids see that. They feel it,” he said. “When you have individuals like Asher, and varsity boys and girls seeing what’s possible, it builds belief. But more importantly, they understand that it’s about the process — just getting better every day.”

Vargas echoed that mindset. “It’s cool to win, but I just love being out there. I know how much work it took to get here,” he said. “I’m glad it paid off, but now it’s time to get ready for what’s next.”

Looking Ahead

With one year left in his high school career, Vargas will return to Grand Oaks for a senior season that now carries added weight. Already committed to the University of North Carolina and holding every school scoring record, he’ll be looked to as both a leader and a target — the player to beat on every tee box he stands over.

And in a twist that local golf fans will love, he won’t be the only state champion on the course next season.

The Woodlands High School’s Cooper Paull, the 2024 individual state champion, is still competing as well — meaning that in 2025–2026, South Montgomery County will feature two returning state champions from area schools, both of whom call The Woodlands Country Club their home course.

It’s a rare and special moment in Texas high school golf — and for those in the gallery, a reason to circle the dates and watch closely. Two champions. One community. Next year’s matches just got a lot more interesting.

By The Woodlands Student Center Staff