August 7, 2025 •Southern Texas PGA
The STPGA Junior Championship closes out the largest week in Junior Golf!
THE WOODLANDS, TX (AUGUST 4-6, 2025) - 15 Champions were named at the 2025 STPGA Junior Championship at The Woodlands Country Club (Palmer Course), which featured our largest field in history with 299 players! This year’s championship celebrated our great nation with a theme of red, white, and blue, with our juniors creating a flag hill and signing a “thank you” board for our PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) veterans that will be featured at our PGA HOPE Cup in September.
Hoisting the crystal at the end of the day were our victors from the Little Linksters, Junior Links, and Junior Tour Programs. 2025 was an exciting rendition of the STPGA Junior Championship, as this is the first year that players of the Junior Links Tour joined the fold and were able to showcase their skills! In addition to crowning our Summer Points List Champions on Monday, an incredible opportunity to qualify for the 14th Annual Texas Junior Cup team was also on the line this week for the Little Linksters and Junior Tour players.
Henry Nieto kicked off the day by capturing the first trophy as the Little Linksters 6–8 Co-Ed Division Champion. After opening with a round of +2, he battled back with three birdies in his final round to finish at even par and take home the win.
“I’m really happy my dad was my caddie,” said Nieto. “We were really thinking it out on the course, and I’m thankful that I won for my family.”
Kelsie Ybarra emerged as the Girls 9–10 Division Champion after a thrilling playoff finish at the Little Linksters Championship. Tied after regulation, Ybarra and Holly Simpson returned to the first hole for a sudden-death match, where Ybarra sealed the victory with an impressive second shot that set her up for the win.
“I was just focusing on every shot, hitting my spots with putting, and worrying only about the shot I was on before moving on to the next one,” said Ybarra.
Domenic Larenzo continued his winning streak by taking the Little Linksters Boys 9–10 Division title, his third consecutive Junior Championship victory, and first in the 9–10 age group.
“It was really challenging but still really fun,” said Larenzo. “I want to thank my coach because I wouldn't have won without him. I just love playing in these events and all of the friends I have made. I want to thank my friends, my coach, and everyone I love!”
Connor Liang delivered an impressive performance to win the Little Linksters Boys 11–12 Division, firing rounds of 34–35 for a tournament total of 69 (-3) to secure the Championship title. He secured his spot on the Texas Junior Cup Matches Team STPGA as they face off against Team NTPGA in the Fall.
“I want to thank the STPGA and my parents for supporting me; I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Liang. “I also want to thank The Woodlands Country Club for hosting us. I am so excited to win, and I was looking forward to the final hole and getting this trophy.”
Julietta Gasca secured the Girls 11–12 Division title with a strong showing and plenty of family support along the way. She secured one of our four spots for Team STPGA at the Texas Junior Cup Matches.
“It was really fun, and being able to have my dad along with me made it so much better because every choice he makes is right, and I just want to come back and do it again next year,” said Gasca.
Carson Tippy captured the Junior Links Boys 13–14 Division title with a standout performance, highlighted by a memorable birdie putt that helped propel him to the top of the leaderboard.
“My favorite moment was when I made a long putt for birdie. I was so excited when it went in,” said Tippy. “I was just hoping to get third, honestly, and play well, but thanks to my dad for helping me get this win. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
Abby Praytor continued her impressive summer run by winning the Junior Links Girls 13–14 Division, closing out the season on a high note. With eyes now set on the Fall, Praytor hopes her performance will earn her an exemption into the 2025 STPGA Fall Championship.
“I have had such a good summer season, and it means a lot to keep the momentum going and win this event,” said Praytor. “Hopefully, I can keep carrying this momentum into next season.”
Raudy Rangel made the long drive from Rio Grande City worth it by capturing the Junior Links Boys 15–18 Division title in what marked his final Junior Golf appearance before heading off to college. With a big smile and plenty of heart, Rangel embraced the moment and made the most of his last championship.
“Where I’m from, we don’t have a lot of access to golf courses, so to come up to The Woodlands was incredible,” said Rangel. “However, I did have to get used to the trees, because we don’t have this many down south.”
Pari Patel claimed the Junior Links Girls 15–18 Division title with a confident and composed performance, proudly walking the course as her own caddie. Her win marked a memorable moment in her junior golf journey, fueled by determination and family support.
“It felt awesome to get the win,” said Patel, smiling. “I am just so happy. I was so proud of myself and my golf game. I caddied for myself, but I am so thankful for my parents and their support.”
Phoenix Aguilar captured the Junior Tour Girls 11–12 Division title, securing her spot on the 2025 Texas Junior Cup Team. This will mark her second appearance representing Team STPGA, and she’s ready to help bring the Cup back to Southern Texas.
“I played on Team STPGA last year, and I am excited to be back on it,” said Aguilar. “I am so happy I get a chance to win the Cup back. I had such a good tournament, and my game is at such a good spot right now. I want to thank my coach and parents, even though I don’t let them watch me,” she added with a smirk.
Keion Ting fired a 2-under final round to edge out friend and fellow competitor Andrew Jin and claim the Junior Tour Boys 11–12 Division title. While the win brought excitement, Ting’s immediate reaction showed the strength of his friendship and sportsmanship.
“I am happy to win, but I just feel bad for Andrew,” said Ting. “I did enjoy being able to come out and play with my friends. I just want to thank all my friends who play in these events with me and my family.”
Pippa Fikes rebounded from a tough opening round to secure the Junior Tour Girls 13–14 Championship, finishing strong against a competitive field.
“The first round, I didn’t play as well as I wanted to, so I just wanted to play my game,” said Fikes. “It feels great getting the win because this event is full of the best golfers in our Section, so it means a lot being able to cap off the summer with this win.”
Pablo Mora captured the Junior Tour Boys 13–14 Division title with a hometown win at The Woodlands Country Club, where his course familiarity and steady play proved to be the difference.
“My game was really steady, and I just had a lot of patience throughout my round,” said Mora. “I felt really good about my short game and long game, but my dad always keeps my confidence up, and I have complete trust in him and always want him on the bag.”
Audrey Kuntz delivered a clutch performance to win the Junior Tour Girls 15–18 Division, highlighted by a dramatic putt on her final hole.
“It was a pretty up-and-down round on the back nine, but I made a 40-footer on my eighteenth hole to win the event,” said Kuntz. “I was surprised when I saw it fall. It felt especially great because I wasn’t even sure I was going to be in the running for champion.”
Thomas Ochoa delivered a commanding performance to win the Junior Tour Boys 15–18 Division, posting the tournament low score at 4-under par to secure a three-shot victory.
“I didn’t look at the leaderboard throughout the entire round,” said Ochoa. “I was just trying to make pars and stay steady—if I got a birdie, that was just a bonus. I enjoyed the first tee shot, and both of my drives from each day started me off in a good position.”
The Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf Program would like to thank PGA TOUR Superstore, Veritex Community Bank, First Community, and Lexus for their continued support of our Junior Golf Program. Also, thank you to the entire staff at The Woodlands Country Club for their hospitality and for allowing us to host this event at their facility for over 10 years!
Congratulations to all of our winners and our four juniors who qualified for the Texas Junior Cup Matches! Team STPGA is officially finalized and ready to #WintheCup in September!
Click here to view the photo gallery!
Click here to view the final results of Little Linksters!
Click here to view the final results of Junior Links!
Click here to view the final results of Junior Tour!
