Minnesota Junior Open at Bulrush

Rush City, MN — The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Minnesota Junior Open at Bulrush Golf Club delivered a weekend of competitive golf, dramatic leaderboard swings, and clutch play down the stretch. In the Boys 16–18 division, Benjamin Freshwater of Maple Grove, MN emerged victorious after two days of gritty, consistent play, capturing the championship with a two-round total of 152 (+8). Freshwater opened with a 79 on Saturday, leaving himself room to make a move on Sunday. In the final round, he delivered when it mattered most — firing a composed 73 to surge past the field and secure the win by a single stroke. His ability to stay patient on Bulrush’s challenging greens proved decisive as several players mounted late charges. Finishing just one shot behind was a crowded trio tied for second at 153 (+9): Cooper Daikawa (Lino Lakes, MN), Tate Helland (Albertville, MN), and Ryder Rose (Edina, MN). Daikawa’s steady 77–76 performance kept him in contention throughout, while Helland’s ball striking and Rose’s opening 74 had each of them within reach until the final holes. Charlie Nielsen (Edina, MN) rounded out the top five at 154 (+10), staying consistent with back-to-back 77s, while Myles Jorde (Cando, ND) finished close behind at 156 (+12) after rebounding from a tough opening day with a strong 75 in the final round. The field featured a mix of experienced competitors and rising young talent, all navigating crisp fall conditions and Bulrush’s demanding layout. From Freshwater’s composed closing stretch to the pack of contenders just behind him, the Boys 16–18 division showcased the kind of resilience and determination that defines junior golf in the Midwest. With his victory, Freshwater not only captured the title but also solidified himself as one of Minnesota’s standout players heading into the late fall stretch of the HJGT season.

Rush City, MN — The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Minnesota Junior Open at Bulrush Golf Club saw a strong showing from local talent in the Boys 14–15 division, as Griffin Klepac of Lake Elmo, MN delivered two steady rounds to claim the title. Klepac opened the tournament with an 81 on Saturday to take the early lead and showed impressive consistency in Sunday’s final round, carding a 78 to finish with a total of 159 (+15). His composed performance across both days allowed him to maintain control of the leaderboard and capture a well-earned victory. Fellow Lake Elmo native Reve Barthelemy put together a determined effort to finish second at 164 (+20), matching Klepac’s final-round 78 after an opening 86. Barthelemy’s bounce-back performance on Sunday helped him close the gap, but Klepac’s early advantage proved too much to overcome. The battle between the two Minnesota players highlighted the skill and poise of the region’s young golfers, with both demonstrating maturity beyond their years on a course that challenged even the most experienced players. Klepac’s combination of consistency, patience, and control ultimately carried him to the top, securing another strong finish for Lake Elmo’s rising junior golf talent.

Rush City, MN — The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Minnesota Junior Open at Bulrush Golf Club featured a standout performance in the Boys 12–13 division, as Max Niemiec of Farmington, MN claimed the title in commanding fashion. Niemiec opened with a 79 on Saturday, positioning himself atop the leaderboard heading into the final round. On Sunday, he showed maturity and control, carding a 75 for a two-day total of 154 (+10). His steady play in both rounds showcased a balance of power and precision, earning him a well-deserved victory. While the division was small, Niemiec’s consistency and composure set the tone for the weekend. His ability to adjust to Bulrush’s challenging layout and stay focused from start to finish highlighted the kind of competitive edge that defines the next generation of HJGT talent.

Rush City, MN — The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Minnesota Junior Open at Bulrush Golf Club saw Evan Rajalingam of Chanhassen, MN capture the Boys 10–11 division title with a composed and determined effort over two rounds of play. Rajalingam opened with a 94 on Saturday, then improved with an 89 on Sunday to post a total of 183 (+39). His final-round performance demonstrated poise under pressure and showcased his growing confidence as a young competitor on the HJGT circuit. Despite challenging conditions throughout the weekend, Rajalingam maintained focus and consistency, securing a well-earned victory while gaining valuable tournament experience on one of Minnesota’s most scenic courses.

Rush City, MN — The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s Minnesota Junior Open at Bulrush Golf Club delivered a dramatic finish in the Girls 14–18 division, as Sophia Layman of St. Paul, MN outlasted Reagan Juhl of Stillwater, MN in a playoff to capture the championship. After two days of competition, both Layman and Juhl finished tied at 163 (+19). Juhl posted rounds of 81 and 82, while Layman matched her consistency with scores of 82 and 81. Their back-and-forth battle throughout the weekend showcased poise and grit, culminating in a sudden-death playoff that tested both players’ nerves. In the end, Layman prevailed with a steady performance in the extra hole, claiming her first HJGT title of the season. Tori Peterson of Flandreau, SD finished third at 176 (+32), while Addie Schinka (Lake Elmo, MN) placed fourth at 177 (+33). Kayley Schomaker (Woodbury, MN) rounded out the top five with a two-day total of 186 (+42). The playoff victory highlighted Layman’s composure and resilience under pressure, closing out an exciting weekend at Bulrush Golf Club that celebrated the strength of Minnesota’s emerging junior golf talent.