Team Arizona isn’t just defending a title this week, it’s doing so with arguably the most decorated roster in program history. The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) brings its top four boys’ golfers to San Diego with their sights set on defending their Junior Americas Cup title, with the 54th annual event teeing off July 28-30 at Omni La Costa Resort’s South Course, hosted by the San Diego Junior Golf Association.
Representing Arizona are Asher Nelson of Scottsdale, Evan Tyree of Scottsdale, Hank Miller of Phoenix and Ethan Butters of Chandler, who take on a deep 18-team field looking to go back-to-back after last year’s breakthrough win in Oregon. Team Arizona enters as the team to beat, having captured the 53rd edition by a commanding 10 strokes over runner-up Southern California at Columbia Edgewater Country Club — Arizona’s first victory in the event since 1992. Landon Ashcraft capped off the historic win by claiming the Sally Pini Award as the tournament’s individual medalist.
This year’s squad has a legitimate shot at a repeat, and the roster’s collegiate pedigree explains why. Three of the four players are Brophy Prep golfers who have already committed to notable DI programs: Arizona State University (Ethan Butters), Texas A&M (Evan Tyree) and Oklahoma State University (Asher Nelson).
Modeled after the collegiate golf format, the Junior America’s Cup features 18 teams of four boys, each representing a U.S. state, Canadian province or Mexican region, across three rounds (54 holes) of stroke play. Each team counts its best three scores per round, with the low cumulative total determining the champion.
Beyond the tournament, the Junior America’s Cup — established in 1973 — has built its reputation on tradition and camaraderie as much as golf, with the week including opening ceremonies, team banquets and social events that reflect the tournament’s founding values — the same culture that’s helped turn it into a proving ground for future pros. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay, Rickie Fowler, Ryan Moore, Kyle Stanley and Tony Finau all played in the event before turning professional.
Follow Team Arizona’s title defense throughout the week at junioramericascup.com and on JGAA’s social channels.
