The 2025 Sacramento Junior Championship presented by Morton Golf Foundation teed off this week at the historic Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento, California. This prestigious event, part of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) circuit, features 96 of the nation’s top junior golfers.
Three-Way Tie at the Top After Round One of Girls Division
The 2025 Sacramento Junior Championship Presented by Morton Golf Foundation is underway, and the Girls Division wasted no time delivering a competitive talent showcase during Monday’s first round at the Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks. This revered course, designed in 1932 by the legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie—architect of Augusta National—set a scenic yet challenging stage as the junior golfers kicked off the 54-hole event under ideal spring conditions.
At the top of the Girls Division leaderboard, it’s a three-way tie for first place with a trio of rising stars firing impressive rounds of 3-under-par 69. Local standout Anita Lumpongpoung of Sacramento, California (Class of 2028), Emma Wang of Palo Alto, California (2027), and Niuniu Zhao of Woodinville, Washington (2028) each carded red numbers to share the overnight lead. Their performances were marked by steady ball striking and clutch putting, leaving them in strong position heading into Tuesday’s second round.
Just one stroke back and tied for fourth at 2-under-par 70 are four competitors in hot pursuit: Nicole Tang (Bellevue, WA, 2027), Victoria Cui (Atherton, CA, 2028), Rina Kawasaki (Palos Verdes Estates, CA, 2028, originally from Japan), and Hayley Fong (Hayward, CA, 2028). Their solid starts keep them within striking distance of the lead as the championship continues.
Lily McGowan of Folsom, California (2025) posted a 1-under 71 to claim solo 8th after day one, while four players sit tied for ninth at even-par 72: Vivi Yen (Pomona, CA, 2027), Amy Seung Hyun Lee (Langley, British Columbia, Canada, 2026), Charlene Woo (Fullerton, CA, 2026), and Katherine Keith (Alamo, CA, 2026).
With a tightly packed leaderboard and plenty of low scores posted, the Girls Division is shaping up to be a thrilling battle as the field heads into the critical second round and contends for the coveted AJGA title at one of California’s most historic public golf courses on Easter Sunday.
Woolworth and Liu Share Lead After First Round in Boys Division at 2025 Sacramento Junior Championship Presented by Morton Golf Foundation
Round one of the 2025 Sacramento Junior Championship Presented by Morton Golf Foundation delivered a strong showcase of elite junior golf talent in the Boys Division, as 18-hole scores rolled in from the famed Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento, California. The 54-hole stroke-play event, sanctioned by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), brought together a deep field of competitors aiming to take advantage of firm fairways, receptive greens, and perfect spring weather on the course where legends like Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson once competed.
Leading the charge after day one are University of Georgia commit and big lefty Drew Woolworth of Lake Oswego, Oregon (Class of 2026), and Evan Liu of Rancho Santa Fe, California (2027), both firing sizzling rounds of 6-under-par 66. Woolworth and Liu matched each other birdie for birdie, carding flawless stretches of golf that placed them atop the leaderboard heading into Tuesday’s second round.
Just one shot back is Giacomo Gaggero of Meadow Vista, California (2025), who posted a sharp 5-under 67 to sit solo third. A quartet of players are locked in a tie for fourth at 4-under 68: Matthew Hull (Corona Del Mar, CA, 2026), Richard Ding (Pleasanton, CA, 2029), Jordan Giles (Talent, OR, 2027), and Joshua Kim (Danville, CA, 2025), each delivering a strong opening round to stay within reach of the leaders.
Three players are tied for eighth after shooting 3-under 69s: William Chang (Danville, CA, 2026), Connor Herrera (San Diego, CA, 2026), and Ethan Butters (Chandler, AZ, 2027), all keeping themselves well-positioned going into moving day.
A logjam of eight players sits tied for 11th at 2-under-par 70, including Ayden Fynaut (Fresno, CA, 2026), Joshua Wang (Palo Alto, CA, 2025), Ethan Hoffmann (San Diego, CA, 2025), Carson Krauss (Grants Pass, OR, 2026), Frank (Weiqiao) Zhang of China (based in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 2027), Jayden Lizama (Elk Grove, CA, 2025), Myles Pena (Lincoln, CA, 2028), and Eli Weidmann (Murphys, CA, 2025).
With 18 players already at 2-under or better, the Boys Division is shaping up to be a dramatic contest over the next two days as the field jockeys for position ahead of Sunday’s final round.
About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA hosts numerous tournaments annually, providing a platform for junior golfers to showcase their skills on a national stage.
The Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks
Designed in 1932 by the legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie—renowned for his work on Augusta National and Cypress Point—the Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks is a classic parkland-style course. Characterized by its mature oak-lined fairways and the meandering Arcade Creek, the course offers a challenging yet picturesque setting for competitive play.
