Hilton Head Junior Classic
Palmetto Dunes Golf Club | November 1–2, 2025
The Hilton Head Junior Classic delivered an unforgettable weekend of golf at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club, as players from across the country and around the world competed under perfect Lowcountry conditions in one of the final stops of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) fall season. Known for its picturesque coastal views, narrow fairways, and slick island greens, Palmetto Dunes once again proved why it stands among the most respected venues on the HJGT circuit—rewarding discipline, strategy, and pure shot-making.
In the Boys 16–18 Division, A.J. Gardner of Bluffton, SC, produced a near-flawless display of golf, firing rounds of 72–68 (E) to win by a commanding 14 strokes. Gardner’s control off the tee and ability to capitalize on birdie chances showcased both his local knowledge and his championship poise.
The Boys 14–15 Division saw pure drama, as Baker Hartman of Oak Island, NC, edged Landon Gray of Pinehurst, NC, in a sudden-death playoff after both finished regulation tied at 161 (+21). Hartman’s clutch par on the extra hole sealed his first HJGT title, a testament to his resilience and mental strength under pressure.
In the Boys 12–13 Division, Ibrahim Sheikh of McLean, VA, was steady from start to finish, carding matching rounds of 80–80 (160, +20) to earn a convincing victory. His composed play in shifting winds made him one of the most consistent competitors of the weekend.
On the girls’ side, Georgia Grace Spence of Lakeland, FL, delivered a dominant performance, winning the Girls 14–18 Division by nine strokes after rounds of 73–72 (145, +5). Spence’s precision iron play and confident putting separated her from the field and made her victory one of the standout moments of the event.
Across all divisions, the Hilton Head Junior Classic captured everything that defines the HJGT—elite competition, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. From playoff finishes to breakout performances, the weekend at Palmetto Dunes was a true celebration of junior golf at its highest level.
As the sun set over Hilton Head Island, one thing was clear: the next generation of champions isn’t just learning the game—they’re mastering it.
boys 16-18
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Palmetto Dunes Golf Club | November 1–2, 2025
Perfect weather, pristine conditions, and world-class competition set the stage for a remarkable weekend at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club, where A.J. Gardner of Bluffton, SC, delivered a dominant wire-to-wire performance to capture the Boys 16–18 Division title at the Hilton Head Junior Classic.
Gardner opened with a steady 72 (E) on Saturday, then turned up the pressure on Sunday with a lights-out 68 (-2)—the only sub-par round of the entire division—to finish with a two-day total of 140 (E). His blend of precision ball striking, control off the tee, and confident putting on Palmetto Dunes’ fast, sloping greens set him apart from a deep international field. Gardner’s ability to stay composed and capitalize on scoring opportunities highlighted the poise of a player ready for the next level.
Behind him, a trio of competitors battled tightly for the runner-up position. Brady Himes (Columbus, GA) and Duncan Robinson (Traverse City, MI) shared second at +14 (154), both displaying solid consistency and the grit to hang in on a demanding layout. Just one stroke back, Gavin Baker (Greencastle, PA), Max Diamond (Hilton Head Island, SC), and Andrew Osborn (Matthews, NC)** each finished tied at +15 (155)**, rounding out a highly competitive top five.
The Hilton Head Junior Classic, part of the prestigious Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), drew a diverse field of rising talents representing multiple states and countries. Palmetto Dunes’ coastal winds, water-lined fairways, and lightning-fast greens demanded precision and patience—rewarding the players who could manage both.
For Gardner, this weekend marked more than a victory; it was a statement. His even-par finish on one of the Southeast’s most challenging layouts underscored the depth of his talent and the confidence of a champion. As the HJGT fall season continues, Gardner’s performance at Hilton Head stands out as one of the tour’s most commanding wins of the year.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
A.J. Gardner
E Total
No. 2 Rank
Duncan Robinson
+14 Total
No. 3 Rank
Brady Himes
+14 Total
boys 14-15
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Palmetto Dunes Golf Club | November 1–2, 2025
In one of the most thrilling finishes of the Hilton Head Junior Classic, Baker Hartman of Oak Island, NC, emerged victorious in a sudden-death playoff to capture the Boys 14–15 Division title at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club.
Hartman and Landon Gray of Pinehurst, NC, battled neck and neck over two grueling rounds, both finishing regulation tied at 161 (+21). The playoff capped a weekend that demanded patience, shot control, and mental toughness on one of South Carolina’s most picturesque yet challenging venues.
Hartman, who posted rounds of 81 and 80, found his rhythm on Sunday, making clutch pars down the stretch to force extra holes. In the playoff, he displayed the composure of a seasoned competitor—staying calm under pressure and securing victory with steady ball striking and a confident putt to seal the win.
Gray, who opened with an impressive 77 on Saturday, held the early lead but faced tough breaks in the windy final round, carding an 84 to finish tied for first before falling just short in the playoff. Both players showcased exceptional grit, reflecting the high standard of play that defines the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT).
Rounding out the top three was Mathis Mandeville of Myrtle Beach, SC, who finished at +32 (172) after consistent rounds of 88 and 84, while James Conroy of London, England, and Beau Strickland of Blackshear, GA, shared fourth at +37 (177).
Palmetto Dunes’ coastal layout—with its tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and swirling breezes off the Atlantic—once again proved to be a true test of championship golf. For Hartman, this victory wasn’t just about the playoff—it was about perseverance. His ability to stay composed through 37 holes of pressure earned him not just a win, but a defining moment on the HJGT stage.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Baker Hartman
+21 Total
No. 2 Rank
Landon Gray
+21 Total
No. 3 Rank
Mathis Mandeville
+32 Total
boys 12-13
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Palmetto Dunes Golf Club | November 1–2, 2025
Under clear skies and challenging coastal conditions, Ibrahim Sheikh of McLean, VA, showcased consistency and confidence to capture the Boys 12–13 Division title at the Hilton Head Junior Classic, held at the scenic Palmetto Dunes Golf Club.
Sheikh turned in back-to-back rounds of 80 (+10) to finish with a two-day total of 160 (+20)—a commanding performance that demonstrated control, discipline, and a steady rhythm throughout the weekend. His ability to handle the firm fairways and swirling island winds set him apart from the field, as he navigated Palmetto Dunes’ narrow landing zones and fast greens with precision beyond his years.
Finishing runner-up was Colin Gerald of Conway, SC, who posted rounds of 95 and 98 (193, +53). Despite the challenging setup, Gerald showed resilience and perseverance, improving his ball-striking and finding his footing late in the event.
For Sheikh, this victory capped off a weekend defined by focus and composure—a true display of what it means to compete on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT). His poise under pressure and ability to maintain consistency across both rounds proved why he’s a name to watch as he continues to rise through the HJGT ranks.
At Palmetto Dunes, where precision is rewarded and mental toughness is key, Sheikh delivered a championship-caliber performance worthy of the spotlight.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Ibrahim Sheikh
+20 Total
No. 2 Rank
Colin Gerald
+53 Total
girls 14-18
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Palmetto Dunes Golf Club | November 1–2, 2025
It was a weekend of exceptional golf and poised execution at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club, as Georgia Grace Spence of Lakeland, FL, delivered a commanding performance to win the Girls 14–18 Division title at the Hilton Head Junior Classic.
Spence was in control from the opening tee shot, posting rounds of 73 and 72 to finish at +5 (145)—a dominant nine-shot victory over the field and one of the lowest totals across all divisions. Her crisp ball striking and steady putting allowed her to navigate the challenging coastal winds and fast, undulating greens of Palmetto Dunes with ease. On Sunday, her even-tempered 72 sealed the win in style, underscoring her ability to stay composed under pressure and finish strong.
Andrea Seale of Frederick, MD, claimed runner-up honors at +14 (154) with rounds of 80 and 74, closing with a strong final day that featured one of the cleanest scorecards of the event. Her Sunday charge showed grit and determination, narrowing the gap before Spence’s steady play pulled away late.
Rounding out the top three was Annabelle Poovey of Charlotte, NC, at +47 (187), while Chandler Salita of Hilton Head Island, SC, and Cecilia Clifton of Charlotte, NC, completed the top five.
The Hilton Head Junior Classic, part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT), once again showcased why Palmetto Dunes is a favorite among junior golfers—a course that demands precision, patience, and mental toughness.
For Spence, this victory was more than a win—it was a statement. Her consistency, confidence, and calm command of her game made her performance one of the standout highlights of the HJGT’s fall calendar, proving she’s a player built for championship moments.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Georgia Grace Spence
+5 Total
No. 2 Rank
Andrea Seale
+14 Total
No. 3 Rank
Annabelle Poovey
+17 Total