Charlotte Junior Open at Statesville

The Boys 16–18 Division at the Charlotte Junior Open at Statesville brought together an impressive field of regional and international players. With a demanding course and a leaderboard that stayed tight all weekend, this age group delivered plenty of excitement and a finish that highlighted consistency under pressure. Riley Naylor (Mooresville, NC) emerged as the champion with an even-par total of E (72). Naylor’s composed final round showed why local knowledge and steady play can make the difference. His ability to manage Statesville’s tricky layout and avoid costly mistakes gave him the title in front of a strong field. Just one shot back, Hunter Israel (Asheville, NC) finished runner-up at +1 (73). Israel’s round was highlighted by consistent play and smart decision-making, keeping him in contention until the final holes. Britton Steede (Cramerton, NC) followed closely in 3rd with a round of +2 (74), proving that a steady approach was key to climbing the leaderboard in Sunday’s conditions. Landon Shoczolek (Mooresville, NC) finished 4th at +4 (76), holding his own in a talented field. Gabe deBuhr (Mint Hill, NC) secured 5th with +5 (77), while Landon Heers (Sherrills Ford, NC) and Brady Orr (Oak Hill, VA) tied for 6th at +7 (79). International representation came from Siyolo Joseph (St. Georges, Antigua and Barbuda), Isaac Toro (Quito, Ecuador), Iqradiaz Arifin (Jakarta, Indonesia), and Ivan Nalima (Kampala, Uganda), adding to the competitive depth of the division. The Boys 16–18 Division at Statesville was a true test of focus and patience, with Naylor’s even-par round setting the bar. Israel and Steede kept the pressure high, while a packed leaderboard highlighted the talent spread across both local and international players. The Charlotte Junior Open delivered a thrilling showcase of junior golf at its finest.

The Boys 14–15 Division at the Charlotte Junior Open at Statesville saw one player separate himself from the field with a commanding performance, while the rest of the leaderboard showcased the grit and determination of North Carolina’s rising junior golfers. Jonathan Dewey (Charlotte, NC) lit up the course with a spectacular -3 (69) to take home the championship. Dewey’s round was marked by steady shot-making and confident putting, making him the only player in the division to break par. His win was not only decisive, but also a statement performance on his home turf. Baker Hartman (Oak Island, NC) secured runner-up honors with a round of +9 (81). Despite the challenges, Hartman’s ability to grind through tough stretches and keep his round together showed his competitive edge. In 3rd place, Neil Swaminathan (Durham, NC) carded an 82 (+10). His performance was highlighted by solid play early in his round, keeping him firmly in the top three. Andrew Blanchette (Davidson, NC) and Isaac Gribbin (Goldsboro, NC) tied for 4th at +11 (83), both showing flashes of excellent play despite tough back nines. Cole Shuster (Chapel Hill, NC) finished 6th at +12 (84), while Zach Democko (LaGrange, NC) placed 7th at +13 (85). A three-way tie for 8th included McNair Beaver (Charlotte, NC), Tripp Hallett (Charlotte, NC), and Elijah Snyder (Spruce Pine, NC), all finishing at +14 (86). The rest of the division—from Thomas Cronin (Wahaw, NC) and Charlie Morrison (Statesville, NC) in T11 to Eli Wood (Mooresville, NC) in 19th—showed determination in navigating Statesville’s demanding layout. This division belonged to Jonathan Dewey, whose under-par round set him apart from the competition and highlighted his poise under pressure. Behind him, Hartman, Swaminathan, and a crowded middle of the leaderboard made for exciting battles and proved the depth of talent in North Carolina junior golf. The Boys 14–15 Division at Statesville was a showcase of skill, heart, and future promise.

The Boys 12–13 Division at the Charlotte Junior Open at Statesville highlighted the determination of two young competitors who battled through a tough course setup to showcase their skill and perseverance. Daxin Horn (Charlotte, NC) secured the championship with a total score of +27 (99). Horn’s ability to stay composed and grind through Statesville’s demanding layout gave him the edge, earning a well-deserved win on home turf. Cooper Boone (Mills River, NC) finished close behind with a score of +31 (103). Despite a challenging round, Boone’s determination to keep battling to the final hole showed maturity and resilience for his age group. The Boys 12–13 Division proved that even with a small field, the competition was intense and meaningful. Horn’s steady play secured the victory, while Boone’s perseverance highlighted the heart and growth of junior golf. Both players walked away with valuable tournament experience that will fuel their development moving forward.

The Boys 10–11 Division at the Charlotte Junior Open at Statesville was all about determination and growth, as two rising golfers battled through the course and gained valuable experience on a championship stage. Jonah Hull (Matthews, NC) claimed the division title with a score of +17 (89). Hull’s round was highlighted by steady stretches of play and the ability to manage Statesville’s challenges with composure. His performance set the bar for the division and earned him a well-deserved victory. Carter Orzechowski (Belmont, NC) secured runner-up honors with a total of +58 (130). While the round presented challenges, Orzechowski’s commitment to finishing strong and competing with heart demonstrated the resilience and growth mindset that junior golf is all about. The Boys 10–11 Division proved that every stroke is a learning opportunity. Hull’s consistent play earned him the championship, while Orzechowski’s perseverance showed the spirit of junior golf. Both players walked away with tournament experience that will fuel their future development.