LPGA*USGA Girls Golf member Riley Grimm (Pinehurst, NC) came to the inaugural LPGA*USGA Girls Golf National Championship as the No. 1 ranked player in the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour (PKBGT) Performance Index. Despite the pressure that comes with being the best player in the field, Grimm maintained a steady mindset throughout the tournament and ultimately left as champion in the Bell National Division.
A local favorite, Grimm took advantage of her knowledge of the course to post consecutive even-par rounds to grab the 36-hole lead by one stroke. In the final round, Grimm went low, finishing with a 69 (-3) to hold off a charging Maria Isabella Errichetto by just one shot. As steady as Grimm played throughout the week, it still came down to the final hole, where she found herself in the bunker to the left of the 18th green.
With Errichetto behind by one shot, Grimm needed to hit it close for a makeable putt to avoid a playoff, and that is exactly what she did. Grimm demonstrated that there are no weaknesses to her game. No matter what club she is using or where her ball ends up, she is able to impress anyone watching.
Errichetto (Southern Pines, NC) is a Girls Golf member from the PKBGT site. She had very impressive second and third rounds after struggling on the first day. Errichetto’s first round began with two bogeys, ending with six on the day, also recording two birdies.
In her second and third round, Errichetto carded ten birdies and four bogeys, having a huge turnaround after her first round. Errichetto and Grimm were battling till the end, as she was within a shot going into the final hole.
Kandice Chuang (Los Angeles, CA), Alexis Faieta (Tujunga, CA) from Girls Golf SCGA Junior site, and Madison Koshko (State College, PA) finished T3 and combined for 32 birdies throughout their combined nine rounds.
Wu Comes Out on Top in Futures National Division
Anna Wu (Victoria, Canada) got off to an amazing start to the tournament, recording seven birdies and three bogeys for a first-round 68 (-4). Wu’s second round was not as strong as her first, as she recorded seven bogeys and two birdies.
Going into the final round Wu knew she needed to finish strong and did exactly that. Wu had five birdies and just three bogeys, to card a final score of 215 (-1). She was the only girl in her division to finish under par in the Futures National Division.
Natalia Henderson (Southern Pines, NC) is a Girls Golf member from the PKBGT. She had a brilliant start to the tournament after shooting a 72 (E) and a 69 (-3) in her first round, putting her in a contending position going into the final round. Across the entire tournament and every division, there were very few eagles, and her second round included a remarkable one on number six. In the end, Henderson struggled during her final round shooting a 76 (+4).
Koiki Miyagi (Johns Creek, GA) is a Girls Golf member from the PKBGT. Miyagi was very consistent in her play throughout the tournament. She carded a 73 (+1) in each of her first two rounds. Her final round was her best, recording five birdies and four bogeys, finishing with a 71 (-1).
Dickerson Wins in Playoff to Secure Discovery Division Victory
Girls Golf Central Florida member, Madelyn Dickerson (Debary, FL) was a National Finalist in the 2024 Drive, Chip & Putt competition and was a top-three finisher in the 2024 Winter Nationals Junior Tour. She carded two amazing rounds to put herself in position to complete the comeback finish with a tap-in birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.
Dickerson’s final round 35 (-1) featured two birdies and only one bogey. Despite starting both rounds with a bogey, she finished strongly. Dickerson’s ability to maintain focus and recover from early setbacks was evident throughout the tournament. Her consistent play, especially under pressure in the playoff, underscore her talent and determination in competitive golf. This victory highlights capitalizing on opportunities, ultimately securing a well-deserved win.
Angelina Chang (Aurora, Canada) carded rounds of 37-35, coming up just short losing in a playoff hole. In her first round, Chang recorded two bogeys and a birdie. Her second round featured two birdies and one bogey, showcasing her ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Chang’s competitive spirit and skill was evident throughout the tournament, as she navigated the course with a strategic approach and executed shots effectively. Although she fell short in the playoff, her performance was truly amazing.
Girls Golf member from the PKBGT, Kayla Jackson (Charlotte, NC) finished in 3rd place. She carded rounds of 39-36, coming in at +3. Jackson’s first round included five bogeys and two birdies, and a strong second round with two bogeys and two birdies.
After a rough start in her third round, Jackson fought back to finish within the top three.
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