Central New Jersey Junior Open

The Boys 16–18 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open delivered two days of tight competition, momentum swings, and a finish that came down to just a handful of strokes. Westlake Golf & Country Club challenged players with tricky greens and pressure-packed closing holes, making every shot count. Braden Bhalla (Ridgewood, NJ) captured the championship with a total score of +3 (109). Bhalla’s consistency was the key, as he followed a sharp opening nine of 35 with a composed round of 74 on Sunday. His steady play under pressure separated him from a tightly packed leaderboard to claim victory. Just two strokes back, Drake Brogan (Ocean View, NJ) finished runner-up at +5 (111). Brogan came out hot with a brilliant 32 on the front nine Saturday, but the course tightened its grip in the second round. Quinn Gallagher (Bryn Mawr, PA) was right in the mix as well, taking 3rd place at +6 (112) after back-to-back consistent rounds capped with a 77. The depth of talent was on full display with Bryce Ciochetto (Havertown, PA) and Gavin Karlin (Belmar, NJ) tying for 4th at +7 (113). Both turned in gritty final rounds—Ciochetto with a balanced 74 and Karlin with a steady 76. Oscar Solares (Princeton, NJ) rounded out the top six at +8 (114) after a composed 77. A three-way tie at +12 (118) featured Will Giegerich (Robbinsville, NJ), Dingwen Troy Yang (Westfield, NJ), and Jackson Prag (Astoria, NY)—each showing their ability to grind through challenging conditions. Local and regional standouts like Chase Gillie (Newtown, PA), Dylan Mattessich (Manasquan, NJ), and Cole Kelly (Philadelphia, PA) filled out a competitive top 12, making this division one of the deepest of the weekend. The Boys 16–18 Division at Westlake was a battle of composure and resilience. Bhalla’s steady play gave him the championship, but Brogan, Gallagher, and a crowded top 10 kept the pressure alive until the very end. The depth of competition and intensity of play made this one of the most exciting highlights of the Central New Jersey Junior Open.

The Boys 14–15 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open was a showcase of determination and competitive grit. With Westlake’s tricky layout and pressure-packed final round, players were forced to balance smart course management with aggressive shot-making to stay in contention. Carter Hippauf (Quakertown, PA) captured the title with a steady total of +11 (117). After an opening nine of 39, Hippauf managed his game brilliantly down the stretch, closing with a 78 in Round 2. His consistency over two days set the tone and gave him just enough cushion to edge out the competition. Finishing just two strokes back, Anderson Narzisi (Sellersville, PA) posted +13 (119) for runner-up honors. His final-round 83 wasn’t without challenges, but his strong first nine on Sunday kept him in striking distance of the lead. Landon Marder (Freehold, NJ) claimed 3rd place at +15 (121), showing resilience after a tough finish. His opening nine of 37 was among the strongest in the division, keeping him firmly in the hunt before closing with an 84. Mikey Falasco (Northport, NY) finished 4th at +17 (123) after grinding through the back nine. Nathan Lavin (Burlington, NJ) completed the top five at +18 (124), showing steady control with a closing 81. Just one stroke back, Ethan Clouser (Newtown, PA) finished 6th at +19 (125), highlighted by a composed back nine in Round 2. The rest of the field—featuring Chase Tarantino (Yardley, PA), Timothy Hauser (Stony Point, NY), and Vivan Longia (Robbinsville, NJ)—powered through challenging conditions, proving the depth of talent in this division. With Hippauf’s consistent play leading the way, Narzisi’s push to the wire, and Marder’s flashes of brilliance, the Boys 14–15 Division brought excitement from start to finish. The crowded leaderboard and determined performances reflected the heart of junior golf—competitive spirit, resilience, and growth under pressure.

The Boys 12–13 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open highlighted the grit and determination of some of the region’s rising stars. Westlake’s layout demanded patience and focus, and these young golfers responded with competitive play and standout moments across the leaderboard. Preston Minio (Lansdale, PA) secured the win with a composed two-day total of +14 (120). Minio’s steady second round of 78, including a balanced front nine of 42, gave him the separation he needed to close out the victory. His consistency across both days made him the clear leader in the field. Mervin Lee (Great Neck, NY) took runner-up honors at +20 (126), showing resilience despite a tougher Sunday round of 84. His strong start kept him within striking distance of Minio until the final stretch. Just one stroke back, Daniel Baskies (Livingston, NJ) finished 3rd at +21 (127). With an 83 in Round 2, Baskies displayed competitive grit, keeping the pressure on until the closing holes. Daniel Ruggiero (Mays Landing, NJ) placed 4th at +24 (130), highlighted by a steady opening nine in his final round. Damian Morales (Sparta, NJ) finished 5th at +32 (138), showing flashes of strong play despite a tough back nine. Tobin Chen (Short Hills, NJ) rounded out the division at +50 (156), gaining valuable experience at the tournament level. The Boys 12–13 Division at Westlake was a story of perseverance, steady improvement, and competitive drive. Minio’s consistency earned him the title, while Lee and Baskies kept the pressure on to the very end. Every player gained not only tournament experience but also momentum for the next stage of their junior golf journey.

The Boys 10–11 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open showcased determination, resilience, and the spirit of competition among the tour’s youngest players. Westlake’s course conditions proved challenging, but these competitors powered through and left with valuable tournament experience. Jackson Adams (Wall Township, NJ) captured the championship with a total of +26 (132). His final round of 87, highlighted by a steady front-nine 45, was enough to separate him from the field. Adams’ composure and ability to keep battling through a demanding setup earned him a well-deserved title. Jayson Mehta (Short Hills, NJ) took 2nd place with a total of +58 (164). Despite a tough second-round 112, Mehta’s fight to complete both rounds demonstrated perseverance and determination—qualities that will serve him well as he continues to develop his game. Both Gabe Lewin (New York, NY) and Jayden Mehta (Short Hills, NJ) were unable to complete the event but showed flashes of promise during their opening play. Their participation added depth and excitement to the division. The Boys 10–11 Division embodied the essence of junior golf—growth, learning, and heart. Adams’ steady performance secured him the victory, while Mehta’s resilience highlighted the competitive spirit of the age group. With experience gained and lessons learned, these players are well on their way to bigger accomplishments in the seasons ahead.

The Girls 14–18 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open featured exciting competition, strong finishes, and a determined champion who rose above the field at Westlake Golf & Country Club. Charlotte Reid (Cream Ridge, NJ) captured the championship with a two-day total of +15 (121). Reid’s steady first round kept her in control, and despite a challenging Sunday, she closed with an 82 to secure the win. Her ability to stay composed under pressure made the difference in a talented field. Local standouts Mia Martinez (Little Egg Harbor, NJ) and Morgan Tyhanic (Little Egg Harbor, NJ) tied for 2nd at +20 (126). Martinez posted a 43–83 final round, while Tyhanic’s 44–82 showed her resilience on the closing day. Their matching totals highlighted just how close the battle for second was. Shloka Vishwanath (Downingtown, PA) rounded out the top four with a total of +40 (146). Though Sunday brought challenges with a 99, her determination to grind through tough conditions showed her perseverance and competitive spirit. The Girls 14–18 Division at Westlake demonstrated depth, resilience, and the ability to finish strong. Reid’s composed play earned her the top spot, while Martinez and Tyhanic delivered a thrilling tie for runner-up. Vishwanath’s effort to finish strong capped off a division full of heart and competitive energy.

The Girls U13 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open highlighted the drive and determination of the tour’s youngest competitors. Westlake’s course presented a tough challenge, but these players showed resilience and commitment over two days of play. Madelyn Robinson (Holmdel, NJ) earned the championship with a total of +43 (149). After opening with a steady 48, Robinson powered through a demanding Sunday to post a 101 and hold her position atop the leaderboard. Her ability to push through tough scoring conditions secured her the division title. Karina Mehta (Short Hills, NJ) claimed runner-up honors with a two-day total of +58 (164). Mehta battled hard across both rounds, carding a 55–109. Her perseverance and determination stood out, making her performance a strong step forward in her junior golf journey. The Girls U13 Division embodied the heart of junior golf—resilience, growth, and the courage to compete. Robinson’s steady play secured her the win, while Mehta’s fight to the finish showcased her determination. Both players left Westlake with valuable experience and momentum for the future.