The field started with 32 boys and 30 girls, who competed in a match play format. For the girls, being the top two in point standings, Maddie Makino and Ashleigh Wilson received a bye. Many girls came to play, with Audrey Whitmore winning 8 & 7, Addison Hines winning 7 & 6, Lenna Persson winning 9 & 7, and Hope Torres winning 9 & 8. Miles Kuhl and Ash Edwards came out strong for the boys, winning their matches 7 & 6. Chris O’Donnell took his match 19 holes, and Michael Rosman took his match to four extra holes to eventually win his match.

The second day was demanding with players playing 36 holes upon winning their morning matches. Tee times began at 8:00 am for the morning matches and 1:30 pm for the second round, with there always being a possibility to play more than the allotted 36 holes, which happened in Christopher O’Donnell’s match. Christopher took his match against Vincent Vanliere an impressive seven extra holes in their first match, eventually winning and turning right around moments later to tee off for his second match of the day, which went to hole 16. While he did not win his second match (Ash Edwards won 4 & 2), he played an impressive 41 holes in a day. For the girls' first matches, Aja Blankenship and Addison Hines won at an admirable 6 & 5. Going into the quarterfinals, Austin Hunt won 5 & 4 for the boys, and Hope Torres won 7 & 6 for the girls.

Going into the final day, for the boys' semi-finals, it was Austin Hunt vs Gavin Amella and Miles Kuhl vs Ash Edwards. Then, for the girls, Shelby McCord vs Hope Torres and Ashleigh Wilson vs Audrey Whitmore. Both Austin and Ash battled to the end, with Austin winning 2 & 1 and Ash winning one up. Hope won 3 & 1, and Ashleigh won 3 & 2. The final matches were set – Austin Hunt vs Ash Edwards and Hope Torres vs Ashleigh Wilson. It was a close match for both; Austin and Ashleigh hung in there, but once they turned to the final 9 holes, Ash and Hope pulled ahead. Hope ended her match first, winning on the 14th hole at 5 & 4. Ash battled it out until the 16th hole, winning his match 4 & 2. After a grueling couple of days, Hope said her key to success was to “stay disciplined and just focus and kind of get those outside distractions out of the way, and just zone in.” Ash said, “It was definitely tough; it was super hot, and I was able to put my head down and make a few putts.”

When asked about the significance of what winning this tournament meant to them, Ash said, “It's huge,” as he continued to say that he “played last year and lost in the first round…; it’s really great to come back and win this year.” Hope said, “It means a lot… I think it’s super cool, you know, I’ve never gotten this far in these types of tournaments, and I think it’s a big accomplishment, especially, you know, about to be a senior, so trying to get those last tournaments in.”

The COPGA Junior Golf team extends a heartfelt thank you to all our partners for their invaluable support. Thank you to Josh Knipp and Mizuno Golf for the shoes, golf balls for all the players, and the two backpacks for our champions. Thank you to Scott Walter, PGA, and the Winston Collection for gifting the two Champions with a custom Major Champion headcover! Thank you to Prime Sports Drink for providing healthy hydration on the course, NCSA College Recruiting for providing college recruiting services for our junior golfers, and UCCS PGA PGM Golf Management.

Colorado PGA Junior Golf would also like to thank Head Professional Brett Baylin, PGA, his staff, and the membership for their hospitality at the Fox Hill Club. Overall, the course was in great condition for the players, who played at a level fit for a Major, thanks to Golf Course Superintendent Rich Parker.