This year’s National Championship Weekend delivered unforgettable moments, thrilling finishes, and a celebration of junior golf at its finest. Held across premier courses in the Orlando area, the event brought together the nation’s best young golfers to compete for top honors in their divisions. By the end of the weekend, 10 champions were crowned, each earning their place in HJGT history.
Champions Rise to the Occasion
After a season of hard work and dedication, the National Championship provided the ultimate stage for junior golfers to shine. Among the highlights was Lucius Niesen of Scotts Valley, CA, who posted a blistering 133 (-11) and the low round of the entire weekend (63) at Providence Golf Club. Niesen also captured the largest margin of victory (5 strokes) in the Boys 14-15 division.
The Boys 16-18 division saw another dominant performance, with Layton Richey of Bowling Green, KY, capturing his title at ChampionsGate Resort by an impressive five strokes. Richey’s consistency and determination throughout the event were unmatched.
Dramatic Playoffs Add to the Excitement
Two divisions provided nail-biting finishes as champions needed extra holes to capture their titles.
At Orange Lake, the National Championship Boys 11-13 division culminated in a thrilling playoff between Ari Stuchiner of Durham, NC and Shane Frasure of Clermont, FL. Stuchiner emerged victorious.
At MetroWest Country Club, the Girls U13 division kept spectators on the edge of their seats as the 3-hole playoff added another layer of drama to an already spectacular weekend. Sophie Dinh of Duluth, GA outlasted Solvakia’s Zoey Sophia Papay.
HJGT Tournament Director, Michaela Ball reflected on her event: “The 3 hole playoff was exciting, with two talented young golfers giving it their all. It was amazing to watch them compete under pressure. The course was beautiful, providing a perfect setting for the event, and the staff was fantastic, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was a great experience for the players and spectators.”
Celebrating Special Moments
The weekend wasn’t just about crowning champions; it was also a celebration of remarkable achievements. Two hole-in-ones were recorded during the tournament, highlighting the incredible skill and excitement of junior golf.
Nina Lang of Sussex, WI aced hole #12 on ChampionGate’s National course, a 127-yard par 3. Meanwhile, Palmer Vetri of New York, NY had an ace on hole #12 at Orange Lake in the Boys 11-13 National Championship.
Friday Night Kickoff Party
The festivities kicked off in style on Friday night with a celebration at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Players, families, and sponsors gathered to enjoy fun and camaraderie before the competition began.
“It was truly inspiring to meet such a remarkable group of young, talented golfers and to connect with the Hurricane staff and other esteemed vendors,” said Luke Stava of IMG Academy. “The energy and commitment at the event underscored the shared passion we have for developing the next generation of athletes.”
Srixon’s Ian Patton added, “We met some really great people, and I think they gained a lot of knowledge about our product. I am sure we are going to see quite a few juniors from the event converted to the Srixon brand. I appreciate all your help in organizing this event. Everything went smoothly and the HJGT staff did a fantastic job.”
Other HJGT sponsors on hand included Mizuno, Foresight Sports, Blast Motion, NCSA, Dr. Gregg Steinberg, Qualifier Eligibility Consulting, US Performance Academy, AdventHealth, and Snaps.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season concludes, the HJGT looks forward to another year of fostering the growth of junior golf and creating unforgettable experiences for players and their families. Congratulations to all the champions, and thank you to every player, sponsor, and supporter who made this weekend extraordinary. The future of junior golf is brighter than ever!
