Colorado PGA Junior Golf (COPGAJR) held its second Major event of the summer Monday through Wednesday, July 10-12, at Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in Westminster, Colorado. Some of Colorado's most elite boys and girls competed for three days, battling it out for honors and the chance to qualify for the National Junior PGA Championships. Monday provided beautiful blue skies and great course conditions for the juniors. On day two weather warmed up further, reaching 95 degrees which created challenging speed on the greens. Difficulty and warm weather continued into the final day giving way to light rain which rolled in during the afternoon, providing a cool-off for the golfers. The course staff did an amazing job at maintaining stellar course conditions, thanks to the hard work of golf course superintendent Paul Sibley and his entire staff.

Ava Schroeder of Colorado Springs hitting her tee shot on #15 during the final round

The field started with 87 juniors in total, with 63 boys and 24 girls teeing it up on Monday. After play on day two, a cut was made that advanced 32 boys and 14 girls to the final round. Two female competitors tied for the 13th and final slot, both advanced. The boys' champion was Miles Kuhl shooting 67-76-71, totaling 214 at +1 for the three days. "The most consistent part of my game was my putting. Being successful on the green and winning this major was a big boost of confidence. I got it done.” Miles proceeded to discuss how eliminating three putts was vital and that his accuracy with his long irons put him in a better position for putts.

The girls' champion was Ashleigh Wilson shooting 73-69-79, totaling 221 at +8. Ashleigh’s driver was on point for all three days of play. "I was confident and consistent.” Ashleigh went on to explain the difficulty of the narrow fairways and how consistency off the tee was critical to her success. Wilson was able to add another major win to her career. “You work so hard, and it finally pays off. It’s important not to question yourself.”

Miles Kuhl and Ashleigh Wilson holding the Junior PGA Championship trophy

Our two Champions and their runner-ups qualify to compete at the National Junior PGA Championship at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas, from August 1-4, 2023. 

The COPGA Junior Golf team would like to send a huge thank you to all of our partners for this event. Josh Knipp and Mizuno Golf provided tee gifts with drawstring bags, utility pouches, Mizuno golf balls, and two golf bags for our champions. In addition, tee gifts included a junior PGA hat, a Gatorade towel, and a Gatorade water bottle. Thank you to Pure Grips for gifting the two Champions with new Pure Grips gift certificates, and a huge thank you to UCCS PGM Program for providing lunch for all the players on Wednesday! Thank you to BioSteel for continued healthy hydration on the course and Junior Golf Hub for creating a recruiting space for our junior golfers. 

Colorado PGA Junior Golf would also like to thank Head Professional Brian Carlson, PGA, and his staff for having Walnut Creek Golf Preserve in great shape for a great championship event. The Mizuno Colorado PGA Junior Major Championship schedule will resume July 25-27 for the next major at Lake Valley Golf Club.