Connecticut Fall Junior Open

The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour made its way to Connecticut this past weekend for the Connecticut Fall Junior Open at Crestbrook Park Golf Course. Juniors faced a true championship test on a layout that demanded accuracy off the tee and a steady short game to navigate the rolling greens. In the Boys 16–18 Division, Dean Alex (Rockland, MA) came out on top after a stellar final round. Alex fired a 68 (-3) on Sunday to erase his opening 74 and finish at even par (142), capturing a one-shot victory. Right behind him, Finn Sommer (Trumbull, CT) also surged with a closing 68, posting 143 (+1) for runner-up honors. Brett Yaekel (Canandaigua, NY) rounded out the podium with a consistent performance, finishing at 144 (+2) thanks to rounds of 73–71. While Alex, Sommer, and Yaekel separated themselves at the top, the rest of the field battled tough conditions and challenging pin placements, with Eli Kane (Milford, CT) finishing fourth at 155 (+13) and Andrew Zhao (Chestnut Hill, MA) securing fifth at 157 (+15). The event highlighted resilience and competitive spirit across the leaderboard, with players demonstrating determination and growth throughout both rounds. More than just trophies were at stake—this championship offered invaluable experience on a challenging track, preparing juniors for bigger stages ahead.

In the Boys 14–15 Division, the championship came down to steady play and composure on a demanding Crestbrook Park layout. David Bazile (Westport, CT) captured the title with rounds of 78–83, finishing at +19 (161). Despite a tougher second round, Bazile’s opening 78 gave him just enough cushion to secure the victory. Close behind, Blake Waidlich (Keene, NH) stayed in contention with rounds of 80–82, finishing just one stroke back at +20 (162) to earn runner-up honors. Though the field was small, the competition was fierce, and the division showcased resilience, determination, and valuable tournament experience for all players involved.

The Boys 12–13 Division delivered a competitive battle at the Connecticut Fall Junior Open, with the top two players separated by just two strokes after 36 holes. Gordon Han (Westport, CT) emerged as champion, bouncing back from a 79 in Round 1 with a strong 72 (+1) in Round 2 to finish at 151 (+9). His final-round performance proved to be the difference, securing the title by two shots. Crosby Knowland (Ridgewood, NJ) stayed close throughout the weekend, recording rounds of 76–77 for a 153 (+11) total and runner-up honors. Rounding out the division, Henry Henjes (East Walpole, MA) battled through challenging conditions, finishing third with a two-round total of 185 (+43). The division showcased resilience and competitive spirit, with Han’s closing round standing out as one of the stronger performances across the age groups for the weekend.

In the Boys 10–11 Division, Jack Dolan (New York, NY) battled through two tough rounds at Crestbrook Park to earn the division title. Dolan posted scores of 104–110 for a two-day total of 214 (+72). While the conditions and course setup challenged every part of his game, Dolan showed determination and perseverance from start to finish, gaining valuable tournament experience in a championship environment.

The Girls 14–18 Division featured a competitive field at Crestbrook Park, with several players battling for the top spot over the weekend. Alexandra Young (Woodstock, NY) secured the championship with rounds of 84–85, finishing at 169 (+27). Her consistency across both rounds helped her separate from the field and take home the title. Just three strokes back, Ella Michaud (Kensington, CT) and Naw Whar (Hampton, NH) tied for runner-up honors at 172 (+30). Michaud opened with an 84 before closing with an 88, while Whar improved on Day 2 with an 84 after an opening-round 88. Rounding out the top five were Sydney Chang (Old Bethpage, NY) at 181 (+39) and Meghan McMackin (Sayville, NY) at 182 (+40). The division highlighted determination and steady play across the leaderboard, with Young’s consistent performance ultimately proving decisive.

The Girls U13 Division featured a close battle from start to finish, with two talented juniors going head-to-head at Crestbrook Park. Tanya Jain (Stamford, CT) claimed the division title with rounds of 78–90, finishing at 168 (+26). Her strong opening round proved to be the difference, giving her the edge in the final standings. Just three strokes back, Isabelle Roach (Darien, CT) delivered a steady performance with rounds of 84–87 to finish at 171 (+29) and earn runner-up honors. Both players showcased composure and determination throughout the weekend, gaining valuable tournament experience while competing in a true championship setting.