Team Arizona made history, winning its first-ever Girls Junior America’s Cup since the tournament began 45 years ago in 1978. Hosted July 29 – August 1, 2024, by the Utah Junior Golf Association in Midway Utah, team Arizona fired -14 on Soldier Hollow Golf Club’s Silver Course for the wire-to-wire, 12-stroke win over Southern California (-2).
“I knew on Thursday [final round] we had a chance,” said Team Arizona Co-Captain Anj Brown. “The girls knew what they had to do in each of their matches. The pin locations were at the level of tour difficulty. They made so many clutch par putts to keep their chances alive.”
Until now, the boys team held Arizona’s only Junior America’s Cup victory, which came in 1986, and they also tied for first place, co-champions, in 1992. For the girls, the win marks Arizona’s first-ever victory at the Girls Junior America’s Cup, with third place finishes in 2016 and 2022.
In the 54-hole competition, the three lowest (of four) scores determine the team score, and all players compete for individual medalist honors as well. In the first round, team Arizona – Kaitlyn Helm of Litchfield Park, Alexis Lamadrid of Phoenix, Alexis Vakasiuola of San Tan Valley and Lena Durette of Scottsdale – took the lead at -6, with Southern California trailing behind by six strokes. Arizona posted -5 in the second round, adding one stroke to their lead heading into the final round where they shot -3 to earn the team championship at -14. Until now, the team’s best finish at the championship in the past 10 years was third place in 2022 and 2016.
“These girls have been friends and played junior golf together since they were young,” added Arizona Co-Captain Peggy Briggs. “For them to have this incredible team experience together – and to win – it’s just that much more special.”
Leading the way, Kaitlyn Helm and Alexis Lamadrid both finished the individual competition tied for fourth place at -4, one stroke clear of three players tied for first place after regulation play. Helm fired rounds of 70, 69 and 73, and Lamadrid followed a first round 75 with a 3-under 69 and a 4-under 68 in the final two rounds. Alexis Vakasiuola (68-73-79) shot a first round 4-under-par 68 en route to a T13 individual finish at +4. Likewise, Lena Durette finished T13 after rounds of 72-76-72 (+4).
“This is one of those breakthrough moments we daydream about,” said JGAA Executive Director Scott McNevin. “The unbelievable dedication these girls have made to the team effort shown bright at Soldier Hollow this past week.”
The 2024 Girls Junior America’s Cup featured an elite international field representing Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Mexico, Montana, New Mexico, Northern California, Southern California, Northern Nevada, Southern Nevada, Oregon, San Diego, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Final Standings. Girls Junior America’s Cup website.
Arizona Boys Team
Team Arizona on the boy’s side came in 11th place at the 2024 Junior Americas Cup, carding +16 for the tournament. Landon Ashcraft (79-68-69) of Scottsdale finished T11 individually, thanks to rounds of -4 and -3, to lead team Arizona at even par for the tournament. Adam Croix (73-77-77) of Peoria and Ethan Butters of Chandler (76-75-76) both shot +11 for the tournament to place T44, and Brasen Briones (83-74-74) of Tucson came in T57 at +15. Final Standings. Junior America’s Cup website.
Team Arizona competed among an elite international field of 18 teams representing Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Mexico I, Mexico II, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Oregon, San Diego, Southern California, Sun Country, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Historically to this point, the boys team held Arizona’s only Junior America’s Cup victory, which happened in 1986 at La Hacienda CC, Mexico City, Mexico. They also tied for first place, co-champions, in 1992 at Oregon’s Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club.
