Carlos Espinosa

Hometown: McAllen, Texas


High School: McAllen High (’80)


College: University of Houston


Best known for: Golf

Espinosa played for McAllen High and later for the University of Houston, where he helped the Cougars win the national title in 1985. He played professionally around the world for 14 years and is now the golf pro at Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen. 

One of several people who impacted his career was Steve Elkington, who won 17 professional tournaments including a PGA Championship – one of golf’s four major tournaments. 

“Steve took me under his wing during our senior year in college; he opened my eyes to the realities of competitive golf and, at the same time, served as my bridge to some of the best teachers, players, and minds in the game of golf, including former Masters and PGA Champion Jackie Burke,” Espinosa said. “It was through Steve I was able to grow my relationship with Mr. Burke and shape many of the ideas I use every day to manage and grow the game at McAllen’s Champion Lakes Golf Course.”

He will become just the fourth golf athlete (Tony Butler 1998, Mike Brisky 2012, Albert Ochoa 2022) to enter the RGV Sports Hall of Fame.