HJGT Results

The Boys 16–18 Division at the Central New Jersey Junior Open delivered two days of tight competition, momentum swings, and a finish that came down to just a handful of strokes. Westlake Golf & Country Club challenged players with tricky greens and pressure-packed closing holes, making every shot count. Braden Bhalla (Ridgewood, NJ) captured the championship with a total score of +3 (109). Bhalla’s consistency was the key, as he followed a sharp opening nine of 35 with a composed round of 74 on Sunday. His steady play under pressure separated him from a tightly packed leaderboard to claim victory. Just two strokes back, Drake Brogan (Ocean View, NJ) finished runner-up at +5 (111). Brogan came out hot with a brilliant 32 on the front nine Saturday, but the course tightened its grip in the second round. Quinn Gallagher (Bryn Mawr, PA) was right in the mix as well, taking 3rd place at +6 (112) after back-to-back consistent rounds capped with a 77. The depth of talent was on full display with Bryce Ciochetto (Havertown, PA) and Gavin Karlin (Belmar, NJ) tying for 4th at +7 (113). Both turned in gritty final rounds—Ciochetto with a balanced 74 and Karlin with a steady 76. Oscar Solares (Princeton, NJ) rounded out the top six at +8 (114) after a composed 77. A three-way tie at +12 (118) featured Will Giegerich (Robbinsville, NJ), Dingwen Troy Yang (Westfield, NJ), and Jackson Prag (Astoria, NY)—each showing their ability to grind through challenging conditions. Local and regional standouts like Chase Gillie (Newtown, PA), Dylan Mattessich (Manasquan, NJ), and Cole Kelly (Philadelphia, PA) filled out a competitive top 12, making this division one of the deepest of the weekend. The Boys 16–18 Division at Westlake was a battle of composure and resilience. Bhalla’s steady play gave him the championship, but Brogan, Gallagher, and a crowded top 10 kept the pressure alive until the very end. The depth of competition and intensity of play made this one of the most exciting highlights of the Central New Jersey Junior Open.

The Boys 16–18 Division at the Eagles Landing Junior Open showcased depth, resilience, and plenty of drama. Playing the Hill/Creek course, the field battled demanding conditions and a layout that punished mistakes but rewarded precision. In the end, one player rose above a tightly packed leaderboard to secure the title. Davis Blackmon (Loganville, GA) captured the championship with a steady two-day total of +2 (110). Despite a tougher final round 76, his opening nine of 34 provided the momentum he needed to hold off the field. Blackmon’s ability to stay composed under pressure gave him the edge in a division where every stroke mattered. Matthew Runckel (Alpharetta, GA) kept the pressure on until the very last hole, finishing runner-up at +3 (111). His closing round of 73 was one of the strongest on Sunday and nearly forced a playoff. Runckel’s poise and clutch play down the stretch made for a thrilling finish. Wilson Knight (Brooks, GA) secured 3rd place at +7 (115), highlighted by a controlled round of 74 on Sunday. Knight’s consistent iron play and smart decision-making allowed him to separate from the middle of the pack and earn a spot on the podium. The leaderboard was stacked with talent: Sam Smith (Cedartown, GA) finished 4th at +9 (117) after showing grit with a closing 77. Reid Sanfilippo (Dawsonville, GA) and Nicholas Sulkowski (Peachtree City, GA) tied for 5th at +10 (118), both demonstrating resilience against a tough course setup. A three-way tie at +11 (119) featured Minjun Choi (Sandy Springs, GA), Colton Keller (Hoschton, GA), and Jackson Porter (Simpsonville, SC), underscoring just how competitive the division was top to bottom. From there, a host of Georgia and Southeast standouts filled out the leaderboard, each grinding through the course’s challenges and proving why the Boys 16–18 Division is one of the most exciting age brackets to watch on the junior golf circuit. The Eagles Landing Junior Open was a battle of patience and precision. With Blackmon edging Runckel by just one stroke and a tightly bunched leaderboard behind them, the event highlighted the strength and depth of talent in the Boys 16–18 Division. Despite less-than-ideal conditions, these players powered through and delivered a weekend of golf that truly showed the caliber of play that defines junior golf at the highest level.

The Boys 16–18 Division at the Mid Atlantic Fall Junior Open brought drama, resilience, and a battle that came down to the very last strokes. Stonewall Golf Club presented a true test with demanding greens and tricky conditions, and the leaderboard stayed crowded from start to finish. Mason Shapiro (Brambleton, VA) powered his way to the top, finishing at +9 (153). After opening with a 73, Shapiro showed toughness on Sunday with an 80, enough to hold off a determined field and capture the title. His ability to keep composure when the course pushed back was the difference-maker. Just one stroke back, Oliver Tanguay (Midlothian, VA) made a final-round push with a strong 75, securing runner-up at +10 (154). Tanguay’s ability to bounce back from a challenging first round nearly forced a playoff, and his surge created plenty of excitement for the gallery. Kenyon Crawford (South Riding, VA) secured 3rd place with a total of +11 (155). Crawford’s consistency was on full display with rounds of 78–77, proving his ability to navigate the demanding Stonewall layout. His poise and steady play kept him in contention throughout the weekend, earning him a well-deserved podium finish. Just one stroke behind Crawford, Blake Cullather (Chesterfield, VA) placed 4th at +12 (156). His gritty opening-round 75 kept him near the top of the leaderboard, and while Sunday’s 80 left him just shy of third, Cullather’s performance still underscored his competitive edge. The top five was rounded out by a tie at +12 (156) featuring Sawyer Davis (Nokesville, VA), Landon Paul (Manassas, VA), and Jackson Quinn (Leesburg, VA). Quinn’s Sunday 74 was one of the best rounds of the tournament and showcased the depth of talent in this division. From there, strong play across the board highlighted the field—from Harrison Tindall (Annapolis, MD) in 8th to international competitor Carlos Duncan (Panama, Panama) in the top 10—underscoring the diversity and competitiveness of the group. The Boys 16–18 Division at Stonewall Golf Club proved to be a test of skill and mental toughness. With Shapiro edging out Tanguay by just one stroke, Crawford’s steady play earning him solo 3rd, and Cullather rounding out the top four, the Mid Atlantic Fall Junior Open delivered the kind of drama and high-level golf that makes junior competition so special. Despite less-than-ideal conditions, these athletes powered through, showing the caliber of play that defines the HJGT.

Will Reidy from Boston, MA was the first-place finisher for the weekend. Reidy brought in consistent scores of 72 for the weekend totaling 144 strokes. Dean Alex from Rockland, MA was the runner up for the weekend with scores of 73 both days totaling a weekend score of 146 strokes. Rounding out the top three honors was Jake Null from Southbury, CT. Null brought in consistent scores of 77 for the weekend finishing with 154 strokes.