HJGT Results

The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour made its way to Connecticut this past weekend for the Connecticut Fall Junior Open at Crestbrook Park Golf Course. Juniors faced a true championship test on a layout that demanded accuracy off the tee and a steady short game to navigate the rolling greens. In the Boys 16–18 Division, Dean Alex (Rockland, MA) came out on top after a stellar final round. Alex fired a 68 (-3) on Sunday to erase his opening 74 and finish at even par (142), capturing a one-shot victory. Right behind him, Finn Sommer (Trumbull, CT) also surged with a closing 68, posting 143 (+1) for runner-up honors. Brett Yaekel (Canandaigua, NY) rounded out the podium with a consistent performance, finishing at 144 (+2) thanks to rounds of 73–71. While Alex, Sommer, and Yaekel separated themselves at the top, the rest of the field battled tough conditions and challenging pin placements, with Eli Kane (Milford, CT) finishing fourth at 155 (+13) and Andrew Zhao (Chestnut Hill, MA) securing fifth at 157 (+15). The event highlighted resilience and competitive spirit across the leaderboard, with players demonstrating determination and growth throughout both rounds. More than just trophies were at stake—this championship offered invaluable experience on a challenging track, preparing juniors for bigger stages ahead.

The Boys 16–18 Division at the South Carolina Junior Open tested players on a demanding Cobb’s Glen layout, where steady play proved to be the key to victory. Hunter Israel (Asheville, NC) captured the championship with rounds of 79–76, finishing at 155 (+11) to secure a three-shot win. Jake Harden (Dublin, GA) posted rounds of 77–81 for 158 (+14) and runner-up honors, while Jackson McCall (Fletcher, NC) closed in third at 162 (+18). Rounding out the top five were Landen Karshagen (Buford, GA) at 163 (+19) and Carlin Winkler (Fairview, NC) at 166 (+22). With tough scoring conditions across both rounds, Israel’s ability to stay consistent separated him from the field and highlighted his composure in championship play.

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 16–18 Division at the South Jersey Junior Open delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the weekend, with three players tied after 36 holes and a playoff needed to crown the champion. Ryan Roman (Dallas, PA) emerged victorious in the playoff, capturing the title after posting rounds of 75–78 to finish at 153 (+9). Keller Tannehill (Margate, NJ) claimed runner-up honors, while Beau Bliem (Collegeville, PA) secured third — all three finishing regulation tied at 153. Just one shot back, Daniel Herzchel (Linwood, NJ) finished fourth at 154 (+10) after a strong closing 73, and Harry Traynor (Malvern, PA) rounded out the top five at 156 (+12). With a crowded leaderboard and a playoff finish, the division showcased resilience and clutch play, making it one of the standout highlights of the South Jersey Junior Open.