January 1 – 2, 2026
Phoenix Junior Open at Ocotillo
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The Phoenix Junior Open delivered another demanding championship test for the Girls 14–18 division as the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour returned to the Oasis and Sky courses at Ocotillo Golf Club. With desert winds, water-lined holes, and firm greens shaping the scoring, the event required patience, composure, and the ability to finish strong over two competitive rounds.
That ability was on full display from Sophia Christianson of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. After a challenging opening round of 87, Christianson responded with one of the strongest closing rounds in the division, firing a 76 to claim the title at +19 (163). Her bounce-back performance highlighted the mental toughness required to win at this level and underscored the importance of resilience in championship golf.
Reagan Hoffmans of Grandview Heights, Ohio, finished second at +23 (167), staying steady throughout the week and applying consistent pressure with disciplined course management. Behind her, Catherine Seder of Mesa, Arizona, rounded out the top three, navigating the same demanding conditions that tested every aspect of the players’ games.
For the field, Ocotillo proved to be a true separator. Precision off the tee, controlled iron play, and smart decisions around the greens were essential, with little margin for error. The layout rewarded those who trusted their process and stayed committed through adversity.
More than just a leaderboard, the Phoenix Junior Open provided a collegiate-style competitive environment for the Girls 14–18 division — long days, shifting momentum, and the expectation to perform under pressure. As the season moves forward, the experience gained in Phoenix will serve as a meaningful benchmark, reinforcing why HJGT events are designed not only to crown champions, but to prepare players for what comes next.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Sophia Christianson
+19 Total
No. 2 Rank
Reagan Hoffmans
+23 Total
No. 3 Rank
Catherine Seder
+33 Total
December 30 – 31, 2025
Champions Gate Junior Open
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The Champions Gate Junior Open demanded composure, patience, and grit as the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour staged a year-ending championship on the formidable International Course at ChampionsGate Golf Resort — a layout built to expose every weakness in a player’s game.
From the opening tee shot, the message was clear: this was not a scoring contest, it was a test of survival. Length off the tee, exposed fairways, penal misses, and demanding green complexes turned every hole into a decision-making exercise. Players who chased flags paid for it. Players who trusted their process stayed in the fight.
At the top of the leaderboard, Audrey Bai of Hamden Hall, Connecticut, delivered the steadiest performance in the field. After opening with a composed 75, Bai navigated a tougher second round to close out the championship at +13 (157). On a course where momentum could flip in a single swing, her ability to limit damage and stay disciplined separated her from the field.
Just behind her, Alicia Wen of Weston, Massachusetts, and Kelly Mu of Land O’ Lakes, Florida, applied consistent pressure across two rounds, finishing second and third respectively. Both players showed flashes of aggressive shot-making, but ChampionsGate ultimately rewarded control over creativity.
The depth of the field underscored the challenge. From the top five through the final groups, players battled shifting winds, long approach shots, and the mental fatigue that comes with championship golf. The International Course didn’t care about resumes — it demanded execution.
That’s exactly why this event matters.
For the HJGT, the Champions Gate Junior Open once again delivered on its mission: creating an environment that mirrors what players will face at the collegiate level and beyond. Long days. No shortcuts. No easy holes. Just the expectation to compete, adapt, and finish.
As the calendar turns, the takeaway from ChampionsGate is simple — this is where players learn who they are under pressure. And for those who survived the grind, the experience gained on one of junior golf’s toughest stages will pay dividends long after the final scorecard is signed.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Audrey Bai
+13 Total
No. 2 Rank
Alicia Wen
+17 Total
No. 3 Rank
Kelly Mu
+19 Total
December 27 – 28, 2025
Southwest Season Opener at Talking Stick
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Southwest Season Opener at Talking Stick Golf Club delivered a composed, tactical test for the Girls 14–18 field, where desert conditions and firm playing surfaces demanded restraint, precision, and thoughtful course management. As the winter slate opened for the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, Talking Stick once again rewarded players who trusted fundamentals and resisted the temptation to force scoring.
At the top of the leaderboard, Reese Barry set the tone with steady, disciplined play, carding rounds of 74 and 76 to finish at +8. Competing out of Medina, Minnesota, Barry managed the desert air and firm greens with maturity, keeping the ball in front of her and capitalizing on scoring opportunities without overreaching. On a course where approach shots can quickly run through targets, her distance control proved decisive.
The margin remained competitive throughout the final round. Reagan Juhl, also of Minnesota, finished second at +11, applying pressure with consistent ball-striking, while Payton Rowell and Sharon Yoon shared third at +16, each navigating the exposed layout with composure as conditions tightened late.
Talking Stick’s defining characteristics were on full display all weekend. Wide visuals off the tee offered little forgiveness, placing a premium on alignment and commitment. Firm greens demanded exact yardages, and missed approaches often turned birdie chances into challenging up-and-downs. Momentum was difficult to sustain, making patience and smart decision-making the most valuable tools in the bag.
Across the field, players adapted to the realities of desert golf—accepting pars, choosing conservative targets, and staying emotionally steady when the course pushed back. Those who embraced the simplicity of the design steadily climbed the leaderboard, while aggressive lines were rarely rewarded.
As a season-opening championship, the Southwest Season Opener provided a clear early benchmark. Talking Stick Golf Club once again proved to be an ideal stage for elite junior competition, and the Girls 14–18 field responded with poise and maturity. For Barry, the victory was defined by control and confidence—a fitting result on a course that demands clarity of thought and disciplined execution from start to finish.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Reese Barry
+8 Total
No. 2 Rank
Reagan Juhl
+11 Total
No. 3 Rank
Payton Rowell
+16 Total
No. 3 Rank
Sharon Yoon
+16 Total
December 27 – 28, 2025
Eagle Creek Holiday Open
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Championship golf took center stage at Eagle Creek Golf Club as the Girls 14–18 field contested the Eagle Creek Holiday Open, a two-day test defined by exposed sightlines, ever-present water hazards, and greens that rewarded confidence while punishing hesitation. Over 36 holes, composure and disciplined execution proved to be the difference.
At the top of the leaderboard was Briel Royce, who delivered the most complete performance of the weekend to finish at -3, the only player in the division to break par. Competing on her home turf in Orlando, Royce opened with a steady 73 before closing with a brilliant 70, navigating Eagle Creek’s risk-reward design with precision and restraint. On a course where aggressive decisions can quickly turn costly, her ability to stay patient while capitalizing on scoring opportunities set her apart.
The chase remained competitive throughout the final round. Jeri Lafleche of Winnipeg stayed within striking distance, posting rounds of 76 and 72 to finish second at +2, while Jewel Lafleche followed closely in third at +9, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the field. Several players hovered near contention, but Eagle Creek’s demanding closing stretch consistently required exacting shot placement and emotional control.
As the tournament unfolded, the course steadily asserted its challenge. Tee shots demanded thoughtful positioning to avoid penalty areas, while firm greens required precise distance control and a confident putting stroke. Momentum was difficult to sustain, and pars often felt like gains as conditions tested patience across the field.
Eagle Creek once again proved to be a fitting championship venue for the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, offering a true measure of a player’s ability to manage pressure, strategy, and execution. For Royce, the victory was defined by poise and maturity — a performance that reflected both respect for the course and command of the moment on a layout that rewards those willing to play smart, disciplined golf from start to finish.
Rank
Player
Total
No. 1 Rank
Briel Royce
-3 Total
No. 2 Rank
Jeri Lafleche
+2 Total
No. 3 Rank
Jewel Lafleche
+9 Total
