Diamondhead, MS: The Gulf States Junior PGA Championship took place at The Club at Diamondhead on Wednesday, June 28th-Thursday, June 29th. 144 players competed in the event.
Harper Hinckley took the Girls 16-18 and Overall Girls Division with a score of 72-73—145! Lucy Cook claimed second place in the Overall Girls Division and first place in the Girls 13-15 with a score of 74-73—147. Based on their first and second-place finish, Harper and Lucy will be advancing to the 47th Girls Junior PGA Championship at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, AR on Tuesday, August 1st – Friday, August 4th. Eliza Yelverton came in second in the Girls 13-15 with a score of 79-71–150. Vivian Volion came in second in the Girls 16-18 with a score of 76-72–148.
Jackson Cook took the Boys 16-18 and Overall Boys Division with a score of 70-69–139! Brady Lagendyk came in second with 72-70–142. Both Jackson and Brady will be representing the Gulf States PGA at the 47th Boys Junior PGA Championship at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, AR on Tuesday, August 1st – Friday, August 4th. Tucker Gutierrez came in first in the Boys 13-15 with a score of 71-73–144, followed by John Markow with 73-72–145.
Bryant Yelverton won the Boys 12 & Under Division with an eighteen-hole score of 29-32–61. Brantlee Bennett (33-33—66), Derby Everson (34-32—66), and Tendekai Nyandoro (31-35—66) had a 3-way tie for second place.
Blake Bayliss won the Girls 12 & Under Division with an eighteen-hole score of 39-38—77. Leah Wigginton came in second with 40-42–82.
Special thanks to all the junior golfers who participated in our Championship! The Gulf States Section would also like to thank the entire staff at The Club at Diamondhead, including General Manager, Greg Abadie, PGA, Director of Golf, Chris Altese, PGA, PGA Head Golf Professional, Wayne Fuselier, Food & Beverage Operations Manager, Jennifer Nunez, and Head Golf Course Superintendent, Dan Hamman.