The CGA State Junior Championship showcased exceptional young talent across various age groups in a two-day individual stroke play tournament. Competitors in the 11U and 13U divisions took on the 18-hole course at CommonGround Golf Course, while the 9U players demonstrated their skills on the par 3 course. The event featured an array of impressive performances, highlighting the bright future of golf through a display of talent and sportsmanship. Here’s a closer look at the standout players and memorable moments from this exciting tournament.
Championship Results- 13U, 11U
9u Girls
Champion: Lily Sanchez
Lily Sanchez returned to the 2025 CGA State Junior determined to be a champion after finishing as runner-up in 2024. And she did just that by shooting a two-day total of 79. When asked what she enjoyed most about the tournament, she said, ” I enjoy making new friends.”
“I’m excited that I won today and we’ll be back next year to play in the 11U division,” said Sanchez. For Lily, her season isn’t done yet as she is heading to Pinehurst next week to play in the U.S. Kids World Championship.
Runner-up: Gwyneth Lysaught
9u Boys
Champion: Henry Moreno
Henry Moreno defended his title at the CGA State Junior Championship. Dressed in his signature final-round orange, Moreno finished one under par, with a two-day total of 53. His scorecard is the envy of every golfer with only one bogey, two birdies, and the rest pars.
“I’m happy to have defended my title by going back-to-back. I’m happy that next year, I think I can win in the 11U division,” said Moreno. When asked about his favorite part of the tournament, he responded, “I love the whole tournament because I get to play golf, plus I get to spend time with my mom, who is my caddie this week!”
Runner-up: Ray Mallookis
11u Girls
11U Girls Champion: Madison Colleran
Coming into the final round, Madison Colleran was second behind last year’s 11U Champion, Adelyn Kim. But on the back nine of the final round, Colleran prevailed to win by one stroke over Kim.
“I’m proud of my victory today as I wanted to do this for some time now, so I’m glad I got it done,” said Colleran. The highlight of the round for Colleran came on 17 when she made a birdie. “Making a huge putt on 17 for birdie was awesome, since yesterday I didn’t have such a great hole there.”
Runner-up: Adelyn Kim
11u Boys
Champion: Koehn Kuenzler
Koehn Kuenzler defended his title going back-to-back as the 11U Boys Champion. Kuenzler made it look easy by shooting a two-day total of 135 (-7). During the final round, Kuenzler shot 65, setting a course record from the purple tees.
“It feels great to go back to back. Last year, I played well in the final round, shooting 67, but this year I played great the first day, but left some strokes out there. Today, I was out there playing my best game. Hopefully, I do it again next in the 13U division, ” said Kuenzler.
13u Girls
Champion: Sofia Casas
Sofia Casas took the lead on day one and didn’t let go, becoming the 13U champion. During the first round, Casas had five birdies to finish with a score of 72. Her two-day total was 157.
“I feel great winning today. I felt that I played better yesterday, but held my own on the golf course today and played well. I enjoy being out there and playing golf,” said Casas.
Runner-up: Erianna Perez
13u boys
Champion: Tyler Nikkel
Tyler Nikkel came into the final round three shots out of the lead, even though he shot an under-par round of 69 in the first round. However, Nikkel bettered that in the final round to shoot 68 and be five under for the tournament.
“I’m excited that I won today, even though I was three back going into the final round. It was a lot of fun to play with Doro. I made four birdies on the back nine today and my putter felt a lot better,” said Nikkel. “I enjoy this tournament because I get to play with my friends.”
Nikkels will play at the U.S. Kids World Championship next week at Pinehurst.
Runner-up: Doro Wilcox
