TAMPA. Fla. – Clipper Salmon and Sophia Dyer have been named Florida State Golf Association’s Junior Players of the Year. After incredible years for both players, the record books have been etched with their names for the first time.
Boys’ Junior Player of the Year
Tampa native Clipper Salmon made a significant impression on the Florida golf scene in 2024, competing against some of the state's top talent. His remarkable first round 64 at the
107th Amateur Championship was one of the highlights of his impressive 2024 season. His 8-under first round had him leading the field after the completion of day one. One of just 23 Juniors in the 156 player field, Salmon would finish above the rest of them on his way to a solo eight place finish.
The result shouldn't have come as a surprise, as just the week before, Clipper captured the victory at the FJT Golf Road Junior (16-18) *Major* after rounds of 69-72. Salmon would go on to receive stroke-play medalist at the the Junior Amateur Match Play Championship - Boys (16-18), where he would ultimately finish as the runner-up. This success set the stage for further achievements where in his next four junior events, he would fail to finish outside of the top 10.
At the FJT Eagle Trace (16-18) *54-Hole Major*, he posted solid rounds of 73-71 to secure second place in the rain-shortened event. Looking ahead, Clipper has committed to the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where he will continue his golfing journey starting in the fall of 2025.
Girls’ Junior Player of the Year
Sophia Dyer made significant strides during the 2024 season, adding numerous achievements to her resume and ultimately earning the prestigious title of Girls’ Junior Player of the Year. Her season began with a solid seventh-place finish at the FJT Stone Creek Open (16-18) in February. From there, Dyer went on to deliver a series of exceptional performances that
solidified her standing as Player of the Year.
One of her standout moments came at the 95th Women’s Amateur Championship, where Dyer rallied from a four-hole deficit in the final match to win 2-up on the 18th hole against One Kashima. This victory earned her an exemption into the 124th U.S. Women’s Amateur.
The following day, Dyer would go qualify for the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. At the Championship, Dyer would face adversity once again. With just six holes to play in Stroke Play Qualifying, Dyer was two shots out of the cut line for match play. Sophia would not be deterred as she would rattle off four birdies in those six holes to qualify for the match play portion of the Championship.
Dyer continued to impress with a victory at the FJT Skyview Open (16-18), where she posted rounds of 75-71 to secure the win. She is currently ranked 78th on the Junior Golf Scoreboard. This year, Sophia Dyer announced her commitment to the University of Florida, where she will follow in the footsteps of her father and brother by pursuing her dream of playing collegiate golf.
Salmon and Dyer will be honored at the FSGA’s Annual Dinner in Orlando in early February. The Annual Dinner celebrates the best players in the state, volunteers, board members and many other important individuals involved in the game of golf in Florida.
