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- Boys division
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- Girls division
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- Joseph Nelson
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- Evan Tyree
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- Alexis Vakasiuola
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- Beau Ellington
The 2025 Southwest PGA Junior Championship brought together the region’s top junior golfers this week at Talking Stick Golf Club’s O’odham Course, where players competed for a chance to advance to one of the premier events in junior golf—the 49th Junior PGA Championship. Hosted by the Southwest Section of the PGA of America, the two-day, 36-hole stroke play event took place June 10–11, attracting elite boys and girls from across Arizona and the Southwest.
At stake: two qualifying spots in both the Boys and Girls Overall Divisions for the national championship, scheduled for July 29–August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Joseph Nelson (Gilbert, AZ) delivered a commanding wire-to-wire victory in the Boys Division, firing bogey-free rounds of 64-65 to finish at 11-under par, four shots clear of the field. After birdieing three of his first five holes on the back nine, Nelson never looked back, showcasing a clinical level of control and composure throughout the tournament.
Joining him at the national championship will be Evan Tyree (Scottsdale, AZ), who followed up his recent U.S. Junior Amateur qualification with another strong showing. Tyree carded 7-under par over two days to claim the second qualifying spot.
In the Girls Division, Alexis Vakasiuola (San Tan Valley, AZ) put on a statement performance, opening with a noteworthy 4-under 66—the lowest round in the entire field—to take early control. She never relinquished the lead, finishing at 4-under par overall and capturing the Girls Championship by five shots. Beau Ellington (Paradise Valley, AZ) finished solo second at 1-over par (72–69) to lock in the final qualifying spot for Indiana.
This marks the first Junior PGA Championship appearance for all four qualifiers.
The Southwest PGA Junior Championship continues to serve as a marquee event on the junior golf calendar. Known for its competitive depth and professional-level execution, the tournament has long been a launchpad for collegiate and professional careers. Operated under USGA rules and PGA of America tournament standards, the event reflects the organization’s broader mission to foster youth development, competitive excellence, and sportsmanship.
The upcoming 49th Junior PGA Championship, split into separate boys and girls championships since 2017, remains a proving ground for the next generation of talent. Alumni of the national event include golf’s biggest names—many of whom got their start on this very stage.
Click here for full results, past champions, and more information on the Southwest PGA Junior Championship.
