Ernie R. Reese (August 10, 2005) was an avid golfer whose passion was to mentor and assist Houston area minority youth with their educational endeavors. Ernie's love for the game
inspired him to travel all over the state to play with other avid and novice golfers. It was through those outings that Ernie forged deep and lasting friendships.

Ernie's devotion to the well-being and the uplift of others inspired him to establish this golf tournament to raise funds to provide scholarships for students in the Houston community
that were working to attend a college or university after their high school graduation.

In 1985, the first golf tournament, sponsored in partnership with Ernie's corporate, college, and business associates, set the stage for the legacy we celebrate each year since that inaugural event. Ernie worked for many years growing the tournament to one of the premier scholarship events in the city of Houston, Texas. Tragically, on August 10, 2005, Ernie Reese lost his life in an automobile accident while traveling on a Texas highway. Shortly after his death, Ernie's supporters renamed the tournament "Ernie R. Reese Memorial Golf Tournament" in honor and memory of the founder and organizer of this event.

The Ernie R. Reese Memorial Golf Tournament continues to thrive and grow each year. The proceeds from this annual event benefit the Ronald E. McNair Scholarship Fund.

In honor and in memory of Dr. Ronald E. McNair the Ronald E. McNair Scholarship Fund was established and dedicated to the high standards of achievement inspired by Dr.
McNair's life.