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12/31: Final Recap of Week 2 of the 19th Annual FCG National Championship

     

Final Day Recap | Boys 15–18

19th Annual FCG National Championship

The final round of the Boys 15–18 division at the 19th Annual Future Champions Golf (FCG) National Championship delivered a dramatic championship finish, with elite junior golfers battling through pressure-packed conditions and major exemptions on the line.

After three rounds of competition and a 36-hole cut, the championship came down to execution in the final round—and the leaders rose to the occasion.

Championship Finish

Aston Lim (2028, Union City, CA) captured the Boys 15–18 National Championship title after finishing 7-under-par (206), closing with a composed final-round 67 to secure the victory. Lim’s steady play throughout the week and ability to perform under pressure earned him the top spot in one of the deepest fields in junior golf.

Connor Holden (2028, Canby, OR) delivered the round of the tournament, firing a sensational final-round 64 to finish 7-under (206) and force a tie at the top before finishing runner-up. Holden’s closing performance was one of the highlights of the entire championship.

Finishing third at 6-under-par (207) was Brady Neal (2027, Rancho Santa Fe, CA), who closed with a strong 67 to secure a podium finish in a tightly contested final round.


Exemptions Earned

With their top finishes, the winner and top three finishers in the Boys 15–18 division earned elite championship exemptions, including:

  • Swiss PGA Tour Exemption to the Champion
  • USwing Junior World Championship exemption to the Champion
  • FCG Callaway World Championship exemptions to Top 3 Finishers
  • Priority access to premier national and international events
  • Elite résumé credentials for college recruiting

These exemptions reward players who demonstrate the ability to compete and close under championship pressure on a national stage.

“This is exactly what the Boys 15–18 division is designed to test,” said Chris Smeal, Founder of Future Champions Golf“A cut, a final round, and exemptions to the winner and top three separate players who can manage pressure and finish. Aston, Connor, and Brady earned those opportunities by competing at the highest level all week.”


Depth of Field

Just outside the top three, a three-way tie for fourth at 4-under-par (209) included Aidan PetersBrendan O’Keefe, and Theodore Snyder, while multiple players posted under-par finishes across three demanding rounds—underscoring the strength and depth of the championship field.


Thank You to Our Host Venues

FCG would like to extend a special thank you to Arrowood Golf Course and Links at Lakehouse for their outstanding support in hosting the Boys 15–18 division. Both venues provided championship-level course conditions, professional staff, and an exceptional environment that allowed players to compete at their best.

Their partnership played a key role in delivering a first-class national championship experience for players, families, and college coaches.


The Boys 15–18 division once again showcased why the FCG National Championship remains a premier proving ground in junior golf—where elite performance is rewarded with opportunity, and championships are earned through consistency, composure, and execution.

Day 2 Recap | Week 2

Tournament Website and Leaderboard

19th Annual FCG National Championship

Day 2 of Week 2 at the 19th Annual Future Champions Golf (FCG) National Championship delivered championship-level pressure, leaderboard movement, and defining performances across multiple age divisions. As players completed their second round, the stakes intensified with major national and international exemptions on the line, while the Boys 15–18 division officially set its cut and final-round field.

With momentum swings, bounce-back rounds, and composed finishes under pressure, Day 2 once again reinforced why the FCG National Championship remains one of the most meaningful proving grounds in junior golf.

“Day two is where you really see competitive maturity,” said Chris Smeal, Founder of Future Champions Golf. “Players are no longer reacting — they’re managing pressure, protecting positions, and competing for exemptions that can shape their schedules and recruiting opportunities for years to come.”


Boys 15–18 | Day 2 Recap & Final Round Field

The championship division tightened significantly after 36 holes, with Elliot Ro (2026, Sammamish, WA) holding the outright lead at -4 (138) following rounds of 66–72.

A tightly packed group sits just one shot back at -3 (139):

  • Connor Mundy (2027, Chula Vista, CA)

  • Theodore Snyder (2026, Gig Harbor, WA)

  • Aston Lim (2028, Union City, CA)

  • Aidan Peters (2027, Ventura, CA)

Just behind at -2 (140) are Brady Neal (2027) and Brendan O’Keefe (2027), setting the stage for a wide-open final round.

The Cut

The cut came at +6 (148), with players T38 and better advancing to today’s Final Round. Several players produced standout second-round performances to secure spots, including:

  • Christian Lee (2029) – Round 2 68

  • Maximus Choi (2027) – Round 2 70

  • Kaha‘i Helm (2027) – impressive 67 after an opening-round 81

Former Round 1 leader Elijah Yang (2028) remains inside the cut at +1 (143) and will compete in the final round.

Exemptions on the Line

The Boys 15–18 final round carries some of the most valuable exemptions in junior golf, including:

  • USwing Junior World Championship exemptions

  • Future FCG Major & World Championship exemptions

  • Swiss PGA Tour Exemption

  • Premier résumé credentials for college recruiting


Boys 13–14 | Day 2 Recap

The Boys 13–14 division saw major leaderboard movement as Abraham Choi (2031, Stevenson Ranch, CA) surged into the lead with a strong 4-under 68, moving to -5 (139) overall.

Just one shot back at -4 (140) are Nolan Wilson (2029, Litchfield Park, AZ) and Kaden Smiley (2030, Los Angeles, CA), while a trio at -3 (141) keeps pressure firmly on the leaders. One of the standout rounds of the day belonged to Lucas Chen (2030, San Diego, CA), who fired a brilliant 5-under 67 to climb into contention.


Boys 11–12 | Day 2 Recap

Consistency continued to define the Boys 11–12 division as Hayden Soohyun Lee (2032, Port Moody, BC, Canada) maintained his lead at -2 (142) following rounds of 70–72.

Ryan Kim (Porter Ranch, CA) delivered one of the stronger rounds of the day with a 2-under 70, moving into second place at +4 (148). Elijah Shi (2032, San Ramon, CA) sits third at +6 (150) as players prepare for a decisive final round with championship honors and exemptions at stake.


Girls 9–10 | Day 2 Recap

The Girls 9–10 division continued to showcase impressive scoring as Thea Platt (2034, Carlsbad, CA) extended her lead, following her opening 56 with a 63 to sit at +3 (119) through two rounds.

Tied for second at +5 (121) are Jessie Myung (2034, Irvine, CA) and Michelle Tech (2033, West Hills, CA), while Chloe Chan (2035, Rowland Heights, CA) made a significant move with a strong 59 in Round 2. The final round is set up for a competitive finish with several players within striking distance.


Boys 7–8 | Day 2 Recap

The Boys 7–8 division featured steady play and impressive focus from the youngest competitors. Bode Berry (2035, Palm Desert, CA) moved into the lead at +5 (121) after rounds of 61–60, narrowly ahead of Noah Bloomfield (2035, Diamond Bar, CA) at +6 (122).

Henry Chen (Hong Kong) remains firmly in contention at +10 (126), while several players produced improved second rounds, highlighting growth and competitive resilience across the division.


Girls 7–8 | Day 2 Recap

The Girls 7–8 division delivered one of the tightest races of the championship as Joey Kang (2035, Irvine, CA) wins the playoff and Yoyo Zhang (2035, Richmond, BC, Canada) finished Day 2 with second place at +6 (114).

Ellie Ladawon (2035, San Dimas, CA) sits close behind at +8 (116) after posting an excellent 56 in Round 2, one of the lowest scores of the day across all divisions. With minimal separation at the top, the final round promises an exciting conclusion.


Looking Ahead – Final Round

With Day 2 complete, championship positioning is set across all divisions. The final round will demand composure, discipline, and the ability to handle pressure as players compete for national titles, elite exemptions, and career-defining opportunities.

The 19th Annual FCG National Championship continues to uphold its reputation as a premier stage for junior golf excellence, and the final round is poised to deliver memorable finishes across every age group.

Day 1 Recap | 19th Annual FCG National Championship

The 19th Annual Future Champions Golf (FCG) National Championship opened with an outstanding first round as elite junior golfers from across the United States and around the world showcased skill, composure, and championship-level performance. As one of the most prestigious events in junior golf, the FCG National Championship once again delivered competitive depth across every age division, from the game’s rising young stars to nationally ranked teenage contenders.

Round 1 featured impressive scoring, international representation, and tightly packed leaderboards that promise an exciting battle as the championship continues.

“This championship was created to give young players a true national stage — one that rewards preparation, resilience, and competitive maturity,” said Chris Smeal, Founder of Future Champions Golf“Day one showed exactly why this event has stood the test of time. From our youngest divisions to our elite high school players, the level of golf and composure on display was outstanding.”

Tournament Website and Leaderboard


Division Highlights – Round 1

Boys 15–18

The championship division set the tone early as Elijah Yang (2028, Irvine, CA) fired a brilliant 6-under-par 65 to take the outright lead. Yang’s round featured consistency and precision from tee to green.

Just one shot back is Elliot Ro (2026, Sammamish, WA) at -5 (66), while Brendan O’Keefe (2027)Theodore Snyder (2026), and Connor Mundy (2027) sit tied for third at -4 (67). With several players within striking distance, the Boys 15–18 division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields of the championship.


Boys 13–14

In the Boys 13–14 division, Allen Lin (2030, La Habra Heights, CA) posted a strong 5-under-par 67 to grab the early lead. Aaron Hahn (2030) and Jack Robin (2030) are close behind after carding 4-under 68s, while a tightly packed group at 2-under (70) keeps the leaderboard volatile heading into Round 2.


Boys 11–12

International talent was on full display as Hayden Soohyun Lee (2032, Port Moody, BC, CAN) leads the Boys 11–12 division after a steady 2-under-par 70Elijah Shi (2032, San Ramon, CA) sits just one shot back at -1 (71), with several players positioned to make a move as the tournament progresses.


Girls 9–10

The Girls 9–10 division produced some of the lowest scores of the day. Thea Platt (2034, Carlsbad, CA) opened with an outstanding 2-under-par 56, establishing a two-shot advantage. Michelle Tech (2033, West Hills, CA) followed with an even-par 58, while Siobhan Niu (2034, Chino Hills, CA) remains firmly in contention at +1 (59).


Boys 7–8

The Boys 7–8 division showcased impressive focus from the youngest competitors. Noah Bloomfield (2035, Diamond Bar, CA) leads after posting an even-par 58, while Bode Berry (2035, Palm Desert, CA) sits in second at +3 (61)Henry Chen (Hong Kong) rounds out the top three after a +6 (64).


Girls 7–8

In the Girls 7–8 division, Canada’s Yoyo Zhang (2035, Richmond, BC) delivered a standout performance, opening with an even-par 54 to take the Round 1 lead. Joey Kang (2035, Irvine, CA) followed closely with a +2 (56), while Ellie Ladawon (2035) and Macy Xie (2035) are tied for third at +6 (60). Strong international representation continues to highlight the global reach of the FCG National Championship.


Looking Ahead

With Round 1 complete, leaderboard separation has begun, but all divisions remain wide open. As pressure builds and championship positions take shape, Round 2 will be critical for players looking to solidify their standing and contend for national titles.

The FCG National Championship continues to serve as a premier proving ground for the next generation of elite junior golfers, and Day 1 reaffirmed why this event remains a cornerstone of junior golf worldwide.

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