HJGT Results

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Under breezy skies at Stoneybrook West Golf Club, the Boys 16–18 division delivered a weekend of precision golf and international flair. When the final putt dropped, it was Florian Jakubke of Werne, Germany who stood alone atop the leaderboard, capturing the title with a composed five-over-par 149 (74–75). Jakubke’s steady play separated him from a tightly packed field. While others struggled to navigate Stoneybrook’s slick greens and demanding par-3s, the German standout maintained his rhythm, closing with back-to-back pars to seal the victory. Just two shots back, Jayden Jae of Bradenton, Florida, and Jason Johnson of Innsbruck, Barbados finished in a tie for second at +7 (151). Both players applied pressure down the stretch—Jae with a steady 76 and Johnson matching Jakubke’s 75 in the final round—but couldn’t quite overtake the leader. Local favorite Brady Durkin of Winter Garden made a strong weekend push, carding 152 (+8) to finish fourth, while Wyatt Bliss of Orlando rounded out the top five at 154 (+10) after two consistent rounds of 77. With players representing nine different countries, the Boys 16–18 field at the Winter Garden Junior Open showcased not only elite talent but also the global reach of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. Jakubke’s poise under pressure earned him a well-deserved victory and capped an impressive international showing on Florida turf.

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.

Seaview Marriott Golf Resort | November 1–2, 2025 The winds off the Jersey Shore didn’t make it easy, but Staten Island’s Anthony Rzeszutko stayed poised under pressure and delivered when it mattered most—claiming the Major Championship at Seaview title with a gritty two-day total of 147 (+5). Rzeszutko, who opened with a 75, entered Sunday within striking distance of the lead. His second-round **72—the lowest round of the day—**was a masterclass in consistency. While others faltered amid the coastal gusts, Rzeszutko found a rhythm off the tee and showed clutch precision on Seaview’s treacherous greens. His calm demeanor and closing stretch separated him from the field, securing a four-shot victory in one of the Northeast’s most competitive majors. Finishing runner-up was Alex Amitsis of Upper Saddle River, NJ, whose composed 73 on Sunday propelled him into second place at +9 (151). Amitsis’ steady ball-striking was the hallmark of his performance, capped by a birdie on the 18th that showcased his fighting spirit to the end. PJ Foley of Northfield, NJ rounded out the top three at +10 (152) after carding back-to-back rounds of 78-74, anchoring himself firmly among the event’s elite performers. Just one shot back, a fierce battle for fourth unfolded among David Ahn (Jamesville, NY), Declan Conner (Swarthmore, PA), Gregory Kriz (Blue Bell, PA), and Ryan Roman (Dallas, PA)—all finishing tied at +11 (153). Each showcased flashes of brilliance, with Ahn’s closing 73 and Roman’s matching 74 underscoring the depth of talent in this major field. As the sun dipped over the famed Bay Course, Rzeszutko’s name stood alone atop the leaderboard—a testament to his focus and resolve over 36 demanding holes. The victory not only cements his place among the region’s rising stars but also adds a prestigious major title to his growing résumé. In the end, Seaview once again lived up to its reputation: scenic, challenging, and a true test of championship golf. And for Anthony Rzeszutko, it was the stage where skill met composure—and a Hurricane Major crown was earned.

Aberdeen Golf Club | November 1–2, 2025 The final stop of the HJGT fall season in Missouri brought drama, precision, and championship-caliber golf to Aberdeen Golf Club, where Austin Rinkenberger of Wildwood, MO, delivered a wire-to-wire performance to capture the Boys 16–18 Division title in the St. Louis Fall Finale. Rinkenberger was locked in from the opening tee, posting back-to-back rounds of 70 (-2) to finish at 4-under par (140)—the only player in the field to break par for the event. His combination of composure and control over Aberdeen’s fast greens and tight fairways showcased his ability to manage both the course and the pressure of closing out a major HJGT event. Rinkenberger’s consistency across all 36 holes was nothing short of dominant, sealing his victory by a five-stroke margin. Finishing runner-up was Hudson Shy of Saint Charles, MO, who also went low on Sunday with a 70 (-2) to climb the leaderboard and close at +1 (145). Shy’s second-round charge featured a string of birdies on Aberdeen’s front nine and proved he’s a player capable of going toe-to-toe with the best in the region. Grady Frey of St. Louis, MO, took solo third at +9 (153) after rounds of 78 and 75, showing solid control over the demanding par 4s. Meanwhile, Michael Atnip (Jefferson City, MO) and Cole Harris (Bettendorf, IA) shared fourth at +10 (154), rounding out a top five that featured some of the Midwest’s most competitive young golfers. The St. Louis Fall Finale at Aberdeen Golf Club served as a fitting close to another standout season on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. The course’s rolling terrain and firm, Scottish-style layout demanded precision, and the field rose to meet the challenge. For Rinkenberger, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. His poise under pressure and command of the game set the tone for what promises to be a bright future, as the HJGT once again proved to be the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of elite golfers.