Junior Golf Boys 16-18 Division

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – The Saddlebrook Winter Junior Open presented by GEICO, hosted by the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, produced a weekend of exceptional play and international flair as competitors took on the Oak and Cypress courses at Saddlebrook Resort. Leading the charge in the Boys 16–18 Division was Kaito Takahashi of Wesley Chapel, Florida, who delivered two rounds of sharp, confident golf to finish at three-under-par (139) and claim the division title. Takahashi opened with a 70 before backing it up with a clinical 69 on Sunday, showcasing both precision and composure on a course that demanded strategic decision-making. His ability to convert birdie opportunities and recover when needed separated him from the field in a wire-to-wire performance. Fellow Wesley Chapel native Jinyi Yan put together a strong showing of his own, finishing second at +1 (143) after rounds of 70 and 73, while Lukas Konate of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, rounded out the top three at +4 (146). Aaryan Sharma of Winter Garden, Florida, placed fourth at +8 (150), followed by Jai Mansell of Belleair, Florida, and Leon Yang of Shenzhen, China, who tied for fifth at +9 (151). With players representing nine countries, including Japan, India, China, Mexico, and Germany, the Boys 16–18 Division reflected the global scope and competitive depth that continue to define the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. Takahashi’s calm precision and steady leadership over two days at Saddlebrook solidified his standing as one of the most consistent young players in the HJGT field this season.

WILMINGTON, Del. – The Northeast Season Finale at Rock Manor, hosted by the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, brought an exciting conclusion to the regional season as some of the area’s best junior golfers battled for top honors under crisp fall conditions at Rock Manor Golf Club. In a tight, competitive field, Joseph Kelly of Wilmington, Delaware, emerged victorious, capturing the Boys 16–18 Division title with a two-day total of +4 (146). Kelly opened with a strong 72 on Saturday and followed with a steady 74 on Sunday, holding off a late charge from Declan Conner of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and Luke Farnese of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, who both finished just one stroke back at +5 (147). Conner’s second-round 70, the low round of the weekend, put the pressure on down the stretch, but Kelly’s consistency and control in the closing holes secured his win on home turf. Luke LaScala and Kie Shaw, both of Wilmington, Delaware, finished tied for fourth at +6 (148), rounding out a talented top five that represented the depth of competition across the Northeast. Kelly’s victory marked a fitting close to the HJGT’s regional calendar, as players from across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and surrounding states competed with determination and sportsmanship. His steady play and hometown composure made him a deserving champion to cap off an unforgettable Hurricane Junior Golf Tour season finale.