Kiawah Island Junior Open

The Kiawah Island Junior Open delivered a true championship test as the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour brought the Boys 16–18 division to one of the most iconic coastal venues in the country, Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With winter winds, firm turf, and championship-level course setup, this weekend was less about chasing birdies and more about managing conditions, staying patient, and limiting mistakes. Kenley Welborn of Pink Hill, North Carolina emerged as the steady force of the tournament, posting rounds of 80 and 78 to finish at +14 and claim the outright victory. Welborn’s consistency across both days proved decisive, especially as the field battled fluctuating winds and demanding green complexes that punished aggressive lines. His closing 78 showed composure down the stretch and separated him from a tightly packed leaderboard. Roane Taylor of Daniel Island, South Carolina stayed in contention throughout the weekend and finished just one shot back at +15. Taylor followed a solid opening round with a challenging second day, but remained composed enough to secure second place on a course that rewarded discipline more than flash. The battle for third saw Andrew Cochran of Augusta, Georgia and Braden Collins of Summerville, South Carolina finish tied at +16. Cochran rebounded strongly with a second-round 78 after a tougher opening day, while Collins posted back-to-back rounds of 80, showcasing consistency in difficult scoring conditions. Depth across the leaderboard highlighted the strength of the field, with players traveling from across the country to compete on one of junior golf’s most respected stages. From Texas to Massachusetts to New Jersey, the Kiawah Island Junior Open once again reinforced its reputation as a proving ground where mental toughness matters just as much as ball striking. As the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour continues its winter championship stretch, the Kiawah Island Junior Open stood out as a reminder of what elite junior competition looks like when tradition, challenge, and opportunity collide. For the players in the Boys 16–18 division, this weekend wasn’t just another tournament—it was a test of resilience on a course that demands respect, and a valuable step forward in their competitive development.

The Kiawah Island Junior Open continued to live up to its reputation as one of junior golf’s toughest coastal tests, and the Boys 14–15 division faced every bit of that challenge at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With shifting winds, penal rough, and firm greens demanding smart decision-making, the weekend required patience well beyond a player’s age. Xander Desautels of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina rose to the occasion, putting together two resilient rounds of 84 and 86 to finish at +26 and secure the championship. Competing on a course that leaves little margin for error, Desautels showed maturity in course management and the ability to reset after difficult stretches—key traits that separated him from the field over two demanding days. Cole Hertzberg of Roanoke, Virginia finished second at +46, battling through tough conditions that tested consistency from tee to green. Despite the challenges, Hertzberg stayed committed throughout the weekend and earned a strong runner-up finish on one of the most respected venues in junior golf. Rounding out the podium was Colston Merriman, also of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, who finished third at +47. Merriman showed notable resilience, bouncing back from a difficult opening round with a significantly improved second-day performance, a testament to perseverance and competitive growth under pressure. The Boys 14–15 division once again demonstrated that Kiawah Island is not about low scores—it’s about learning how to compete when conditions are demanding and momentum is hard to maintain. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s winter championship slate, the Kiawah Island Junior Open provided invaluable experience for these young players, reinforcing lessons in mental toughness, preparation, and respect for the game. For many in the field, this weekend marked another important step forward in their development, competing on a stage that mirrors the challenges they’ll face as they continue their journey in elite junior golf.

The Kiawah Island Junior Open once again proved to be a demanding stage for developing players, and the Boys 12–13 division faced a true test of composure and adaptability at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With coastal winds shaping shot selection and firm conditions challenging even well-struck shots, this weekend rewarded patience, resilience, and smart course management. Brendan Schaffer of Charleston, South Carolina delivered a strong championship performance, closing with a composed second-round 79 to finish at +19 and secure the division title. After opening with an 84, Schaffer settled in on Sunday, showing improved rhythm and confidence as he navigated the course more efficiently down the stretch. His ability to respond under pressure ultimately separated him at the top of the leaderboard. Just one stroke behind was Prithvi Patel of Lexington, South Carolina, who posted rounds of 83 and 81 to finish at +20. Patel stayed within striking distance throughout the weekend, applying steady pressure with consistent ball-striking and showing the maturity required to compete on one of junior golf’s toughest coastal venues. Owen Moldenhauer of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina finished third at +21 after a dramatic two-round journey that highlighted the volatility of Kiawah’s challenge. An impressive opening 75 put Moldenhauer in early contention, and while the second round proved more difficult, the weekend served as a valuable competitive experience on a championship-level course. Bennett Williams of Canton, North Carolina followed closely in fourth at +22 with back-to-back rounds of 83, while Jayce Archer, Wylkes Whitlow, and Aiden Brown rounded out the field, each gaining critical experience competing under demanding conditions that mirror higher-level tournament play. The Boys 12–13 division exemplified the developmental mission of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour—providing young players with opportunities to compete on elite venues while learning how to manage adversity, maintain focus, and grow through competition. At Kiawah Island, the scores told only part of the story; the real takeaway was the experience gained on a course that challenges even the most seasoned competitors.

The Kiawah Island Junior Open delivered a demanding but rewarding experience for the Boys 10–11 division, as the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour challenged its youngest competitors on the championship grounds of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With coastal winds, long sightlines, and firm greens presenting obstacles well beyond their years, this division showcased grit, growth, and competitive spirit across two full days. Cole Burris of Canton, Georgia emerged as the division champion, putting together a strong weekend with rounds of 82 and 78 to finish at +16. Burris showed impressive composure for his age, improving in the second round and navigating the course with increasing confidence as the tournament progressed. His ability to adjust and stay patient proved decisive in separating him from the field. Jonah Hull of Matthews, North Carolina finished second at +21, staying firmly in contention throughout the weekend. Hull followed a steady opening round with another solid performance on Sunday, demonstrating consistency and focus on a course that rarely offers easy scoring opportunities. Cole Kreutzer of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina claimed third place at +37, battling through challenging conditions and gaining valuable experience on a demanding layout. Behind him, the remainder of the field continued to show determination and perseverance, completing a tournament that tested endurance, mindset, and adaptability. For the Boys 10–11 division, the Kiawah Island Junior Open was about more than scores—it was about learning how to compete on a championship venue, managing adversity, and building confidence through experience. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s commitment to long-term player development, this event provided young competitors with a meaningful introduction to elite-level tournament golf. The lessons learned at Kiawah Island will carry forward, serving as an important foundation as these players continue their journey through junior golf.

The Kiawah Island Junior Open concluded with a strong showing from the Girls 14–18 division, as competitors faced the same demanding coastal conditions that defined the weekend at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With shifting winds, firm greens, and strategic tee shots required throughout the course, the event tested patience, adaptability, and mental toughness at every turn. Elin Sarstrand of Spartanburg, South Carolina delivered one of the most impressive performances of the tournament, closing with a standout second-round 76 to finish at +19 and claim the division title. After an opening round of 87, Sarstrand made critical adjustments and responded with poise and confidence, separating herself from the field on Sunday with disciplined shot-making and steady course management. Finishing just one stroke behind was Elliott Walters of Wilmington, North Carolina, who posted rounds of 83 and 81 to end the weekend at +20. Walters remained consistent throughout both rounds, applying pressure at the top of the leaderboard and demonstrating the composure required to contend on one of junior golf’s most respected venues. Kinley Brazell of Columbia, South Carolina secured third place at +37, followed closely by Maya Sarstrand of Spartanburg, South Carolina in fourth at +41. Both players battled challenging conditions and gained valuable experience competing in a championship setting that rewards resilience as much as execution. The remainder of the field continued to show determination and perseverance, completing a tournament that demanded focus from start to finish. For the Girls 14–18 division, the Kiawah Island Junior Open served as an important developmental milestone, offering exposure to elite competition and a course that mirrors the challenges faced at the highest levels of the game. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s winter championship slate, the event reinforced the Tour’s commitment to providing meaningful competitive opportunities for young athletes, helping prepare them for the next stages of their junior golf journey.

The Kiawah Island Junior Open provided a meaningful championship experience for the Girls U13 division, as the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour welcomed young competitors to the demanding coastal layout at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. With wind, firm fairways, and challenging greens shaping every decision, the weekend emphasized patience, focus, and learning through competition. Maëlle Dickerson of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina claimed the division title with rounds of 92 and 90 to finish at +38. Competing on a course that tests players well beyond their years, Dickerson demonstrated determination and composure throughout both rounds, navigating the course with persistence and steadily managing the challenges presented by the conditions. For the Girls U13 division, the weekend at Kiawah Island was about more than the final score—it was about gaining experience on a championship venue, building confidence, and developing the mental resilience required to compete in elite junior golf environments. Every hole offered a learning opportunity, and the experience gained will carry forward as these players continue to progress in their junior golf journey. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s commitment to player development, the Kiawah Island Junior Open once again delivered a valuable competitive platform, allowing young athletes to test themselves on one of junior golf’s most respected stages.