When the stakes were highest, Team Southern California delivered in historic fashion—carding a scorching hot 16-under-par 200 in the final round to secure the 2025 Girls Junior America’s Cup championship. Their three-day total of 42-under-par (606) earned them a massive nine-shot victory over host Arizona.
Leading the charge was Rina Kawasaki, who emerged as the individual champion after a thrilling head-to-head battle with Arizona’s Julia Herzberg. Kawasaki posted rounds of 66-67-66 to finish at 17-under-par (199), edging Herzberg by just one stroke thanks to a clutch eagle on the final hole. The two were tied entering the 18th, trading birdies throughout the round in a duel that kept spectators on edge.
Backing Kawasaki’s standout performance were Hailey Kim, who finished solo third at 14-under (67-67-68—202), and Isabella Wu, who claimed fourth place at 11-under (70-67-68—205). The victory marks Southern California’s 21st team title in Girls Junior America’s Cup history and their first since 2022.
Arizona, the defending champions, fought hard in their bid for back-to-back titles but ultimately settled for second place at 33-under-par (639), firing a strong 14-under in the final round. Herzberg led the team with her runner-up finish at 16-under (68-66-66—200), while Kailyn Helm tied for sixth at 10-under (71-66-69—206). Aubrey Hilgers contributed with a T9 finish at 5-under (74-70-67—211), and Kaitlyn Moreland rounded out the lineup at 4-over (72-75-73—220), placing T29.
A heartfelt thank you to Westin Kierland Golf Club, our generous sponsors, and the many volunteers and supporters who helped make this event a memorable success. Congratulations to all competitors on a spectacular showcase of junior golf talent.
This year marks a major milestone for the event—it’s the first time the Girls Junior America’s Cup has ever been held in Scottsdale, and the first time it’s returned to Arizona since 2006, when Oro Valley Country Club hosted in Tucson. Fittingly, Arizona made history just last year by capturing its first-ever team title.
Modeled after the collegiate golf format, the Girls Junior America’s Cup features 18 teams of four girls, each representing a U.S. state, Canadian province, or Mexican region. Over the course of three rounds (54 holes), each team counts its best three scores per day, with the lowest cumulative total determining the champions.
But the GJAC is more than just a premier golf competition. Rooted in tradition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie, the event includes opening ceremonies, banquets, team socials, and gift exchanges—all celebrating the tournament’s founding values of excellence, friendship, and personal growth.
With alumni like Lorena Ochoa, Lizette Salas, Pat Hurst, Amy Fruhwirth, and Brandie Burton, the Girls Junior America’s Cup continues to be a powerful launching pad for the next generation of stars in women’s golf.
