BELLEAIR, Fla. — As June draws to a close, we not only mark the end of the first month of summer but also anticipate the Girls' Junior Championship. This year, Pelican Golf Club will host the event, showcasing Florida's top junior female golfers competing for the title and a place in FSGA history. Starting June 27th, 90 talented players will tee off, setting the stage for an exciting competition to determine this year's champion.
In a new format starting in 2024, all players will compete from the same tee for the Overall Championship, playing 54 holes of stroke play to crown the 95th Girls’ Junior Champion. The tournament will still recognize both a Regular Age Division (16-18) Champion and the Junior Age Division (13-15) Champion.
Last year, Yingshai (Lydia) Lin (16-18) and Amelie Zalsman (13-15) claimed titles in their respective divisions. Lin returns to defend her crown, teeing off at 8:54 A.M. in a featured pairing alongside Sophia Dyer, the 2024 Women’s Amateur Champion. Dyer staged a thrilling comeback this year in the final round of match play to clinch the Women’s Amateur Champion title. .png)
Other notable players include Mi Li and Katelyn Huber who will hit the fairways on the 10th tee at 8:45 A.M. Mi Li, currently ranked 40th in the World Junior Rankings, is a strong contender for the Championship. Li recently finished tied for 4th at the 2024 Rolex Girls Junior Championship and was victorious at this year’s FJT Eagle Harbor Open (16-18) with rounds of 68-70. Huber is a University of Florida Commit who competed in last year’s U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. Huber also fired a 64 in the final round of Exempt-Only at Sandridge to capture the victory.
In a competition with a fierce field, Iris Lee stands her ground as the youngest player. However, her age has no feat against her gleaming resume. Lee was the low amateur in the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifying at Sugar Mill in May, and she won the 2024 FJT PGA National (13-15) *54-Hole Major* Major at just 11 years old.
Kayla Bryant, the 2023 FJT Tour Championship winner is also in the field. Bryant was the 2024 Junior Orange Bowl Champion, and represented the United States in Japan for the Toyota World Junior Championship. Bryant also captured the victory at the 2022 Junior Match Play Championship.
Lastly, keep an eye on Olivia Hasselbach. She finished T-8 in the 95th Women's Amateur Championship and is a former FJT Champion. Hasselbach, a member of Pelican Golf Club, will be navigating her home course, adding to the intrigue of her performance. Hasselbach will hit the opening tee shot on Thursday at 8:00 am off the #1 tee.
Pelican Golf Club, with its Donald Ross-inspired design, promises a challenging par 70 layout over 7,000 yards, featuring lush greenery and crushed quartz sand. The stage is set for an exceptional showcase of talent, as the Sunshine State's finest young golfers compete to win this year’s title. Follow live scoring to see how the 65th Girls’ Junior Championship unfolds.
