Jake Norr and Hunter Ladt lead the way with under-par victories as junior golfers compete for World Championship exemptions and valuable FCG North South Cup qualifying points.
SAN MARCOS, CA — October 4, 2026 — Future Champions Golf (FCG) welcomed junior golfers to The Links at Lakehouse in San Marcos, California, for the FCG So Cal World Series Championship, held October 3–4, 2026.
The 36-hole championship featured players from throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Canada competing across four divisions in another exciting weekend of FCG World Series competition.
With the top two finishing positions in each division earning exemptions into the prestigious 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship, players had plenty to compete for beyond the championship trophies.
The tournament also served as an important counting-points event toward qualification for the FCG Team competing in the January North South Cup, adding another exciting opportunity for players pursuing team competition.
By the conclusion of the championship, four division champions had been crowned, nine players had earned World Championship exemptions, and numerous outstanding performances highlighted the weekend.
Boys College Prep: Jake Norr Dominates with Four-Under-Par 138
Jake Norr of Los Angeles, California (Class of 2027) delivered the lowest winning score of the championship, capturing the Boys College Prep title with rounds of 68 and 70 for an impressive 4-under-par 138.
Norr opened with a brilliant 68 to establish himself at the top of the leaderboard and followed with a steady final-round 70 to secure a commanding six-stroke victory.
Jim Zhu of Irvine, California (Class of 2028) finished runner-up with consistent rounds of 72 and 72 for a 144 (+2) total. Zhu’s performance earned him a coveted exemption into the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship alongside Norr.
The battle for third place was exceptionally competitive, with four players finishing tied at 145 (+3).
Reid Monterosso of Paradise Valley, Arizona, delivered an impressive final-round 69 after opening with a 76, making one of the biggest moves among the leading contenders.
Zachary Luo of Walnut, California, finished with rounds of 74 and 71, while Steve Yoo of Irvine, California, posted 73 and 72. Landon Chan of Arcadia, California, also shared third place after rounds of 70 and 75.
Top Finishers:
- Jake Norr — 68–70 — 138 (-4)
- Jim Zhu — 72–72 — 144 (+2)
- T3: Reid Monterosso, Zachary Luo, Steve Yoo, Landon Chan — 145 (+3)
Girls College Prep: Taylin Morel Wins Thrilling One-Stroke Championship
The Girls College Prep division featured one of the closest finishes of the weekend, with three players separated by just one stroke.
Taylin Morel of Upland, California (Class of 2030) captured the championship with rounds of 75 and 71 for a 146 (+4) total.
Morel’s final-round 71 helped her secure a narrow one-stroke victory and earn her place in the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship.
Two players shared runner-up honors at 147 (+5).
Jessica Yue of Chino Hills, California (Class of 2029) posted rounds of 76 and 71, matching the champion’s final-round score.
Sarah Lee of Rolling Hills, California (Class of 2029) was equally impressive, recording rounds of 75 and 72 to finish alongside Yue.
With both players tied for second place, Yue and Lee each earned an exemption into the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship, joining champion Morel.
Ella Rawson of Reno, Nevada, finished fourth at 149 (+7), while Leila Rawson, Rachel Hsieh, and Madelyn Sammon shared fifth place at 150 (+8).
Top Finishers:
- Taylin Morel — 75–71 — 146 (+4)
- T2: Jessica Yue — 76–71 — 147 (+5)
- T2: Sarah Lee — 75–72 — 147 (+5)
Boys 13–14: Hunter Ladt Captures Title with Two-Under-Par Performance
Hunter Ladt of Carlsbad, California (Class of 2032) produced another standout performance, capturing the Boys 13–14 Championship with rounds of 69 and 71 for a 2-under-par 140.
Ladt opened with an excellent 69 and followed with a 71 to complete a six-stroke victory and earn his exemption into the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship.
Lucas Wang of Aliso Viejo, California (Class of 2034) finished runner-up with rounds of 71 and 75 for a 146 (+4) total. Wang’s strong performance also secured his World Championship exemption.
Joe Lu of San Diego, California (Class of 2032) rounded out the top three, finishing at 152 (+10) after rounds of 75 and 77.
The division featured a strong group of developing junior golfers gaining valuable championship experience and competing for important FCG North South Cup qualifying points.
Top Finishers:
- Hunter Ladt — 69–71 — 140 (-2)
- Lucas Wang — 71–75 — 146 (+4)
- Joe Lu — 75–77 — 152 (+10)
Girls 13–14: Siobhan Niu Earns Five-Stroke Championship Victory
Siobhan Niu of Chino Hills, California (Class of 2034) captured the Girls 13–14 Championship with rounds of 73 and 81 for a 154 (+12) total.
Niu’s opening-round 73 was the lowest round recorded in the division and helped establish the foundation for her five-stroke championship victory.
Chloe Chan of Rowland Heights, California (Class of 2034) finished runner-up with rounds of 78 and 81 for a 159 (+17) total.
Both Niu and Chan earned exemptions into the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship.
Emily Smittipatana of Huntington Beach, California (Class of 2030) finished third with rounds of 90 and 84 for a 174 (+32) total. Smittipatana improved by six strokes in the final round to secure her podium finish.
Top Finishers:
- Siobhan Niu — 73–81 — 154 (+12)
- Chloe Chan — 78–81 — 159 (+17)
- Emily Smittipatana — 90–84 — 174 (+32)
Congratulations to Our Nine 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship Qualifiers!
Future Champions Golf proudly congratulates the following nine players who earned exemptions into the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championshipthrough their outstanding performances at the FCG So Cal World Series Championship.
Boys College Prep
- Jake Norr — Los Angeles, CA — Champion
- Jim Zhu — Irvine, CA — Runner-Up
Girls College Prep
- Taylin Morel — Upland, CA — Champion
- Jessica Yue — Chino Hills, CA — Tied Runner-Up
- Sarah Lee — Rolling Hills, CA — Tied Runner-Up
Boys 13–14
- Hunter Ladt — Carlsbad, CA — Champion
- Lucas Wang — Aliso Viejo, CA — Runner-Up
Girls 13–14
- Siobhan Niu — Chino Hills, CA — Champion
- Chloe Chan — Rowland Heights, CA — Runner-Up
These nine players have earned the opportunity to compete against outstanding junior golfers from around the world at one of FCG’s premier international championships.
The FCG Callaway World Championship continues to grow as a global gathering of junior golf talent, connecting players and families from around the world through championship competition.
Congratulations to all nine qualifiers! We look forward to seeing you compete on the world stage in 2027!
Important Points Earned Toward January FCG North South Cup Team Qualification
In addition to competing for individual championships and World Championship exemptions, players at the FCG So Cal World Series Championship were also competing for valuable points toward qualification for the FCG Team at the January North South Cup.
As a designated counting-points event, the championship provided another important opportunity for players to strengthen their positions in the qualification standings.
The FCG North South Cup creates an exciting additional pathway for junior golfers to experience team competition, represent FCG, and compete alongside fellow players in a unique championship environment.
Every qualifying event matters as players work toward earning their place on the team.
FCG encourages players and families to continue following the official qualifying points standings as the race for team selection progresses.
Celebrating the FCG Community and the Next Generation of Champions
The FCG So Cal World Series Championship was another example of the competitive opportunities available through the growing Future Champions Golf platform.
From Jake Norr’s impressive four-under-par victory to Taylin Morel’s exciting one-stroke win, the weekend showcased outstanding performances, determination, and the competitive spirit of junior golf.
Just as importantly, every player who competed gained valuable tournament experience, continued developing their game, and contributed to the growing FCG community.
Future Champions Golf is committed to providing more than tournament competition.
Through its expanding global championship schedule, international partnerships, college recruiting opportunities through Campus, educational initiatives, and team competitions, FCG continues to create pathways for junior golfers to develop both on and off the golf course.
Congratulations to all competitors, our four division champions, the top finishers in each age division, and the nine players who earned their exemptions into the 2027 FCG Callaway World Championship!
We look forward to seeing everyone at upcoming FCG Tour events.
CAMPUS COLLEGE GOLF RECRUITING CORNER
Your Tournament Results Are Building Your College Golf Story
Every tournament you compete in is another opportunity to gain experience, measure your progress, and build your competitive golf résumé.
Whether you are winning championships, improving your scoring average, or gaining experience in competitive events, your journey matters.
College golf recruiting is about much more than one tournament result. Coaches look at a player’s development, consistency, academics, work ethic, and long-term potential.
Campus is helping junior golfers take control of that journey.
Through Campus, players can create a free college golf recruiting profile, showcase their tournament accomplishments, upload swing videos, organize their academic and golf information, and explore college golf opportunities.
Players can begin building their profiles early, track their development, and prepare for future conversations with college coaches.
The earlier you begin organizing your golf journey, the better prepared you can be when recruiting opportunities arise.
Start your FREE Campus College Golf Recruiting Profile Today!
Visit https://gocampus.io
Compete with FCG. Build Your Future with Campus.
Campus College Golf Recruiting Corner is a recurring educational feature in FCG Tournament News & Player Highlights, helping junior golfers and families better understand the pathway to college golf.
About Future Champions Golf
Founded in 2004 by PGA Professional Chris Smeal, Future Champions Golf (FCG) has grown into a global junior golf tournament platform featuring more than 250 tournaments and qualifying events, with participation from players representing more than 50 countries.
FCG offers competitive opportunities for junior golfers of all ages and skill levels, from introductory junior golf competition to elite international championships.
Its premier events include the FCG Callaway World Championship, FCG International Championship, FCG National Championship, FCG Global Games, and international team competitions.
Through its expanding network of global partners, college recruiting pathways, and educational programs, Future Champions Golf is dedicated to developing the next generation of golfers and leaders.
More Than a Tour. A Global Community.
Website: https://futurechampionsgolf.com