Junior Golf Girls 14-18 Division

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — Coastal wind and firm conditions once again dictated play at Jekyll Island Golf Club, where the Girls 14–18 division battled through three demanding rounds at the 54-Hole Jekyll Island Junior Open. Diana Gao of Foshan, China emerged as champion at 21-over-par 237, navigating shifting conditions with composure. Gao opened with an 80, surged into contention with a steady second-round 74 — the lowest round of the division for the week — and closed with an 83 to secure the title. In a championship where consistency outweighed volatility, her ability to produce the week’s best round proved decisive. Cindy Moreki of South Africa finished runner-up at 250. After opening with an 88, Moreki improved each day, posting rounds of 82 and 80 to close strong and separate from the rest of the field. Her progression over 54 holes reflected growing comfort on a layout that punishes indecision. Rayna Hardin of Florida claimed third at 278, followed by Chandler Salita of South Carolina at 299. Completing 54 holes on this exposed coastal venue required endurance, focus, and discipline — traits that were tested throughout the week. Jekyll Island Golf Club’s design framed the championship. Crosswinds influenced club selection on nearly every approach. Greens required precise distance control. Misses into surrounding collection areas demanded creativity. The scoring reflected the test. The division also highlighted the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s international scope, with competitors representing China, South Africa, and multiple U.S. states. Over three rounds, the global field competed on equal footing against one of Georgia’s most demanding coastal tracks. At Jekyll Island, the challenge was constant. Through wind and pressure, Diana Gao proved the most complete over 54 holes — and earned the championship accordingly.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Girls 14–18 division at the 54-Hole Orlando Junior Open delivered elite scoring and international depth over three demanding rounds at Orange Lake Resort and Country Club, where water-lined fairways and exposed greens required controlled aggression. Arabella Lopez of Connecticut separated herself from the field with two decisive rounds under par. She opened the championship with a blistering 67, steadied through an 80 in Round 2 as conditions tightened, and closed with a composed 68 to finish at two-over-par 215. In a division packed with global talent, Lopez’s ability to rebound and finish strong defined the week. Cristina Alvarez of Colombia finished runner-up at 218, stringing together rounds of 75-72-71. Her consistency across all three days kept pressure on the leaderboard and marked one of the most balanced performances of the tournament. Julia Gelma Labarga of Spain secured third at 224, followed closely by Angela Vidova of the Czech Republic at 227. The top five alone represented four different countries, underscoring the international competitiveness of the field. Orange Lake Resort demanded precision. Tee shots had to find position to avoid water and forced layups. Approaches required disciplined distance control into firm putting surfaces. Over 54 holes, volatility was punished and course management rewarded. Final-round movement shaped much of the leaderboard. Several competitors surged late, including players from Germany, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and across the United States, reinforcing the depth and global reach of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. The 54-hole format once again proved its value. One strong round was not enough. Sustained execution over three days determined separation. The championship required mental endurance as much as shot-making. At Orange Lake Resort, the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour showcased a division rich in international talent and competitive maturity. Arabella Lopez’s closing performance secured the title — but the week as a whole reflected the rising global standard of girls junior golf within HJGT competition.