HJGT Results

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 Tampa Bay Winter Junior Open continued its competitive weekend at Lexington Oaks Golf Club with the Boys 12–13 division facing a demanding two-day challenge that emphasized patience, perseverance, and learning through competition. With firm fairways and greens that required careful approach play, the course provided a true test for developing junior golfers. Marchelo DeGenova of Tampa, Florida claimed the division title with rounds of 86 and 88 to finish at +30. DeGenova demonstrated steady composure throughout the weekend, navigating the course with discipline and maintaining control despite the challenges presented by the layout and conditions. His consistent play across both rounds allowed him to separate himself at the top of the leaderboard. Sebastian De Caso of Coral Gables, Florida finished second at +40, showing improvement on the final day with a strong second-round performance. His ability to adjust and respond under pressure highlighted continued growth and competitive development on a championship-caliber course. Cameron Limia of Plantation, Florida rounded out the field in third at +57, gaining valuable experience competing in a setting that tested both skill and mental toughness. For the Boys 12–13 division, the Tampa Bay Winter Junior Open served as an important developmental milestone, offering exposure to high-level competition and reinforcing lessons in course management and resilience. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s winter schedule, the event once again delivered meaningful competitive opportunities that help prepare players for the next stages of junior golf.

The National Championship for the Boys 12–13 division at Orange Lake Resort & Country Club delivered one of the tightest finishes of the entire Hurricane Junior Golf Tour season, with two players refusing to break under championship pressure. Cristián Castillo Botrán of Guatemala City and Cat Dann of Mesa, Arizona, matched each other shot for shot across both days, each posting back-to-back rounds of 71 to finish at 2-under (142) and claim co-champion honors. Their poise, precision, and ability to finish strong on Sunday set the tone for an elite showdown fitting for a national title. Just one stroke back was Texas Terry of Lexington, who closed with a steady 71 of his own to finish at 143 (-1), turning the final stretch into a three-player race to the wire. Leo Taylor made a late Sunday charge with one of the best rounds in the field—a 70—to jump into fourth at 145 (+1), followed by Russia’s Victor Kornienko, who delivered a clean even-par finish for fifth at 146 (+2). As conditions tightened in the middle of the pack, a logjam formed at 150 (+6) featuring Krish Choksi, Wilson Goldthorp, and Parker Wells, each finding stretches of momentum but battling the championship setup on Sunday. The depth continued throughout the leaderboard, with players from more than a dozen states and multiple countries showcasing the global reach and elite competition of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. From wire-to-wire consistency at the top to dramatic swings across the field, the Boys 12–13 National Championship once again proved why this age division is one of the most exciting pipelines of rising talent in junior golf.

The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour rolled into The Links at Boynton Beach, and the Boys 12–13 division quickly turned into a showcase of poise, ball control, and mental toughness. When the final putt dropped, Gabriel Shabashkevich stood tall as the division champion, posting a steady 79–78 (157) to capture a well-earned victory. Shabashkevich never let the course—or the pressure—dictate his round. His ability to recover from early miscues and string together confident swings down the stretch separated him from the field. Every time a momentum swing threatened, he answered with a composed shot that kept him out front. Ethan Glasband (160) fought hard all weekend, opening with a sharp 78 that briefly hinted at a possible run at the title. But as conditions tightened on Sunday, mistakes proved costly, and Shabashkevich pulled away just enough to maintain control. Saktinra Puspanathan (163) delivered one of the grittiest performances of the field, battling through tough lies and firm greens to secure a third-place finish, while Charlie Reich (171) and James Gannon (172) rounded out the top five with steady, resilient play. From first tee to final green, the Boys 12–13 division reflected exactly what makes the HJGT the premier proving ground in junior golf—pressure, precision, and players rising to the moment. And this weekend, no one rose higher than Shabashkevich, the newest champion crowned in South Florida.