Boys Post First-Ever Win
For the first time in over three decades, the boys team representing Arizona hoisted the Junior America’s Cup trophy. Hosted July 28-31 by the Oregon Golf Association at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Arizona ran away with the team title in the 53rd annual event, finishing a comfortable 10 strokes clear of the field at 17-under par.
Landon Ashcraft led the charge. In the final round he recorded seven birdies and an eagle to post a 9-under 62, finishing the tournament with medalist honors at -14. Dylan Boenning claimed solo second place at 5-under par. Owen Greenough fired a final-round 68 to finish T16 and Ajay Morris closed strong with a 69 to land at T21.
With team Arizona fielded by the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, the Junior America’s Cup showcases top junior talent from across the Western U.S., Canada, and Mexico in a 54-hole team competition. Past champions include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler, and Bryson DeChambeau.
Girls Finish Second
One week before the boys’ historic win, the Girls Junior America’s Cup teed off July 20-24 at Scottsdale’s Westin Kierland Golf Club. After last year’s historic win in Utah, team Arizona enjoyed the home-field advantage in their title defense against an international field. They nearly pulled it off, finishing in second place, 9 strokes off the pace set by Southern California.
Julia Herzberg led the local team, firing -16 for the tournament, one stroke off the pace set by Southern California’s Rina Kawasaki. Kailyn Helm tied for sixth at 10-under. Aubrey Hilgers contributed with a T9 finish at 5-under, and Kaitlyn Moreland rounded out the lineup at 4-over, placing T29.
This year marks a major milestone for the event—it’s the first time the Girls Junior America’s Cup has ever been held in Scottsdale, and the first time it’s returned to Arizona since 2006, when Oro Valley Country Club hosted in Tucson.
With alumni like Lorena Ochoa, Lizette Salas, Pat Hurst, Amy Fruhwirth, and Brandie Burton, the Girls Junior America’s Cup continues to be a powerful launching pad for the next generation of stars in women’s golf.
