HJGT Results

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.

The Boys 16–18 Division at the PGA National Fall Junior Open delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of the weekend. With the leaderboard packed at the top, two players battled their way into extra holes, giving fans a playoff finale to remember. Armaan Thapar (Mumbai, India) emerged victorious after a playoff showdown with Julien Paruas (Hollywood, FL). Both players finished regulation tied at +1 (109), forcing extra holes to decide the champion. Thapar, who posted rounds of 35–74, showed incredible poise under pressure, sealing the title in dramatic fashion. Julien Paruas (Hollywood, FL) matched Thapar stroke for stroke across two days with rounds of 36–73, proving his consistency and mental toughness. Though he came up just short in the playoff, his runner-up finish was a testament to his ability to compete at the highest level. Bailey Donahue (Pittsburgh, PA) was only one shot back, finishing 3rd at +2 (110) after a steady final round of 74. Donahue’s performance kept the heat on Thapar and Paruas, adding to the drama at the top of the leaderboard. Tucker Uhrich (Keswick, VA) placed 4th at +6 (114) after a gritty 79 on Sunday. Antonio Oliva Lavie (Orlando, FL) rounded out the top five at +7 (115). Jason Brockmann (Boca Raton, FL) and Landon Murray (West Palm Beach, FL) also delivered strong top-10 finishes in a highly competitive field. The Boys 16–18 Division at PGA National lived up to the hype, with Thapar’s playoff victory over Paruas capping off a weekend of clutch performances and tight margins. From Donahue’s steady push to Uhrich and Oliva Lavie’s top-five showings, the depth of competition proved once again why PGA National is one of the most exciting stops on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour calendar.

The Boys 16–18 Division at the Charlotte Junior Open at Statesville brought together an impressive field of regional and international players. With a demanding course and a leaderboard that stayed tight all weekend, this age group delivered plenty of excitement and a finish that highlighted consistency under pressure. Riley Naylor (Mooresville, NC) emerged as the champion with an even-par total of E (72). Naylor’s composed final round showed why local knowledge and steady play can make the difference. His ability to manage Statesville’s tricky layout and avoid costly mistakes gave him the title in front of a strong field. Just one shot back, Hunter Israel (Asheville, NC) finished runner-up at +1 (73). Israel’s round was highlighted by consistent play and smart decision-making, keeping him in contention until the final holes. Britton Steede (Cramerton, NC) followed closely in 3rd with a round of +2 (74), proving that a steady approach was key to climbing the leaderboard in Sunday’s conditions. Landon Shoczolek (Mooresville, NC) finished 4th at +4 (76), holding his own in a talented field. Gabe deBuhr (Mint Hill, NC) secured 5th with +5 (77), while Landon Heers (Sherrills Ford, NC) and Brady Orr (Oak Hill, VA) tied for 6th at +7 (79). International representation came from Siyolo Joseph (St. Georges, Antigua and Barbuda), Isaac Toro (Quito, Ecuador), Iqradiaz Arifin (Jakarta, Indonesia), and Ivan Nalima (Kampala, Uganda), adding to the competitive depth of the division. The Boys 16–18 Division at Statesville was a true test of focus and patience, with Naylor’s even-par round setting the bar. Israel and Steede kept the pressure high, while a packed leaderboard highlighted the talent spread across both local and international players. The Charlotte Junior Open delivered a thrilling showcase of junior golf at its finest.