Major Championship at Oneka Ridge

The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour returned to Minnesota this past weekend for the Major Championship at Oneka Ridge, where some of the Midwest’s top junior golfers battled for two days on a demanding course that tested precision, patience, and consistency. In the Boys 16–18 Division, Jake Palen (Eagan, MN) rose above the field with back-to-back rounds of 70 to finish at 4-under par (140), securing the championship by two strokes. Palen’s steady play and ability to manage the course under pressure set him apart in a leaderboard packed with local talent. Grady Puett (Eden Prairie, MN) delivered an opening-round 69 and stayed in contention throughout, finishing in solo second at 2-under par (142). Just one shot back, David Bauer (Hastings, MN) posted rounds of 71–72 to claim third at 1-under par (143). The competition remained tight across the board, with Jack Brogle (Peterson, MN) carding the low round of the tournament on Day 1 with a brilliant 66 before finishing in fourth at even par. Rounding out the top five, Charlie Nielsen (Edina, MN) held steady with a two-day total of 145 (+1). The event featured strong showings from players across Minnesota, Colorado, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and even international representation from Ontario, Canada. With multiple rounds under par and a course that challenged every part of their game, the Major Championship at Oneka Ridge highlighted both the depth of competition and the bright future of junior golf in the region.

The Boys 14–15 Division at the Major Championship at Oneka Ridge showcased grit and determination, as players navigated a tough layout that demanded precision across all 36 holes. Leo Miller (Grant, MN) rose to the occasion, capturing the division title with rounds of 74 and 73 to finish at 3-over par (147). Miller’s consistency and ability to avoid big mistakes proved to be the difference, securing a four-shot victory. In second place, Nathan Dunbar (Edina, MN) stayed in contention throughout the weekend with back-to-back solid rounds of 76 and 75, finishing at 7-over par (151). Jake Moran (Zumbrota, MN) rounded out the top three, battling through challenging conditions to post a 10-over par (154) after rounds of 76 and 78. The leaderboard also featured strong performances from Chace Swanson (Mahtomedi, MN) at +13 (157) and Peyton Peterson (Maplewood, MN) at +15 (159), who closed out the top five. From steady frontrunners to late pushes in the field, the division highlighted the depth of young talent across Minnesota. The players’ resilience and competitiveness reflected the high standards of junior golf, and the event provided another valuable opportunity for growth and exposure on a championship stage.

The Boys 12–13 Division brought exciting play and standout performances at the Major Championship at Oneka Ridge, with players showing poise well beyond their years on a demanding course. Max Niemiec (Farmington, MN) was the clear star of the weekend, firing rounds of 72 and 69 to finish at 3-under par (141) and secure a commanding seven-shot victory. Niemiec’s final round 69 was the low round of the division and showcased both consistency and confidence under championship conditions. Chasing the leader, Jackson Bergstrom (Sartell, MN) turned in steady rounds of 73 and 75 to finish at 4-over par (148) and claim solo second place. Just behind, Peyton Riddering (Mahtomedi, MN) stayed consistent with back-to-back 75s, taking third at 6-over par (150). Rounding out the top five were Jackson Fogelson (Bemidji, MN) at +9 (153) and Grayson Lorz (Oxbow, ND) at +15 (159), both delivering solid play against a competitive field. From Niemiec’s under-par performance to the determined efforts of the entire field, the division highlighted the strength of the next wave of junior golfers in the region. The players demonstrated skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, making this year’s Major Championship at Oneka Ridge a memorable test of talent.

In the Boys 10–11 Division, Sam Yankowiak (Forest Lake, MN) delivered a strong performance to capture the division title. Yankowiak opened with an impressive 70 in Round 1, setting the pace early, and followed it up with a battling 76 on Day 2 to finish at 2-over par (146) for the championship. His steady play and ability to manage the course under pressure earned him a well-deserved victory and highlighted his potential as one of the rising young talents in junior golf.

The Girls 14–18 Division at the Major Championship at Oneka Ridge came down to a dramatic finish, as two players tied at the top after 36 holes. Sarah Dove (North Oaks, MN) and Brynn Roehrich (Watertown, SD) both posted totals of 9-over par (153), forcing a playoff to determine the champion. Roehrich rose to the moment, holding steady under pressure to win the playoff and secure the title. Dove, who fired rounds of 76–77, showcased consistent play all weekend and earned a well-fought runner-up finish. Roehrich, with scores of 78–75, closed strong on Sunday to force the playoff before ultimately taking home the trophy. Just three shots behind, Payton Anderson (Maple Grove, MN) and Reagan Juhl (Stillwater, MN) tied for third at +12 (156). Rounding out the top five were Kieley Hanson (Chanhassen, MN) and Sonja Johnson (Waconia, MN), who both finished at +14 (158). The deep field featured competitive play throughout, with multiple players posting strong rounds and late charges, including Nora Benson (Long Lake, MN), who fired a final-round 75 to finish ninth. The playoff victory capped an exciting weekend of competition, highlighting both the talent and determination of junior golfers in the Girls 14–18 Division.

The Girls U13 Division at the Major Championship at Oneka Ridge featured a tight two-player race that went down to the very last holes. Tianer (Lanie) Lan (Woodbury, MN) captured the division title with rounds of 110 and 100, finishing at +66 (210). Lan showed grit and improvement from Round 1 to Round 2, lowering her score by ten shots on the final day to secure the victory. Just one stroke behind, Pria McClintock (Appleton, WI) posted rounds of 108 and 103 for a +67 (211) total, taking home runner-up honors. The Girls U13 Division highlighted the importance of perseverance and composure, with both Lan and McClintock gaining valuable tournament experience in a championship setting.