HJGT Results

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Myrtle Beach Holiday Classic continued its demanding run at Barefoot Resort and Golf, where the Boys 12–13 division faced a stern two-day test that emphasized patience, course management, and mental resilience. By the end of the weekend, Caisen McKay emerged as the most consistent competitor, earning the title with steady execution across both rounds. McKay, competing out of Charlotte, North Carolina, posted rounds of 80 and 82 to finish at +18, separating himself through composure on a layout that offered little margin for error. Barefoot’s firm greens and strategic angles demanded thoughtful decision-making, and McKay’s ability to avoid big numbers proved decisive as conditions tightened late in the championship. Josiah Hardee of Alpharetta, Georgia, kept pressure on throughout the final round, closing with an 81 to finish second at +25, while Bennett Williams of Canton, North Carolina, rounded out the podium at +38. Each navigated a course that consistently challenged ball-striking and touch around the greens, rewarding commitment and discipline over aggressive play. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour holiday schedule, the Myrtle Beach Holiday Classic once again delivered a championship-caliber environment for developing players. For McKay, the victory reflected a mature approach and steady mindset—qualities well-suited to a venue that demanded focus on every shot from the opening tee to the final putt.

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — The Marco Island Holiday Junior Open continued its demanding run at The Rookery at Marco Island, where the Boys 12–13 division faced a championship-caliber test defined by coastal winds, narrow sightlines, and greens that rewarded commitment. Across two days, it was Austin Twedt who separated himself, delivering the most composed performance of the weekend to claim the title. Twedt, competing out of Plymouth, Minnesota, followed an opening-round 78 with a steady 76 on Sunday to finish at +10, the lowest total in the division. His ability to manage ball flight and avoid costly mistakes proved decisive on a layout that consistently punished aggressive lines and lapses in focus. The chase was tight throughout the final round. A three-player tie for second at +12 underscored the depth of the field, with Nathaniel Miller, Paul Trost III, and Connor Vaughan all remaining within striking distance as conditions grew more exacting late in the day. Each showed flashes of strong shot-making, but The Rookery demanded sustained discipline from start to finish. Further down the leaderboard, the course continued to assert itself, testing resilience and course management across the field. For a developing age group, the venue offered a valuable lesson in patience and decision-making — hallmarks of success at higher levels of competitive golf. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s holiday schedule, the Marco Island Holiday Junior Open once again provided a meaningful proving ground. For Twedt, the victory was built on steady execution and maturity under pressure, closing the weekend with a performance that matched the demands of one of Florida’s most respected tournament venues.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Holiday Classic wrapped up a full weekend of competition at Celebration Golf Club with the Boys 12–13 division facing the same demanding conditions that defined the event from start to finish. On a course that rewarded discipline and composure, Mervin Lee delivered a steady performance to claim the title. Lee, competing out of Great Neck, New York, posted matching rounds of 83 to finish at +22, separating himself through consistency and smart course management. With Celebration’s narrow sightlines and challenging green complexes applying pressure throughout the weekend, avoiding costly mistakes proved to be the key, and Lee did just that over both rounds. The event underscored the mental and physical challenge Celebration Golf Club presents to young competitors, particularly in a division where learning to manage tournament conditions is part of the development process. As part of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s holiday schedule, the Orlando Holiday Classic once again provided a competitive stage that tested resilience as much as shot-making. For Lee, the victory marked a composed and controlled finish to the year, closing the weekend with a performance built on patience — a fitting way to end a tournament defined by precision and perseverance.

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.