Newsmakers: December 5, 2005

Junior Round-up

Tadd Fujikawa of Honolulu, Hawaii, went undefeated last week at the John A. Burns Challenge Cup. The team format pitted amateurs versus professionals at the Mid-Pacific Country Club in Lanikai, Hawaii. After his second place finish at the 2005 Polo Golf Junior Classic, Fujikawa was ready to make his mark on the tournament. Although the professionals came out victorious for the tournament, the 14-year-old was able to keep his winning ways alive by topping 41-year-old Philip Chun. Fujikawa was the youngest golfer to ever play in the event’s 33-year history. Next, he will try to become the youngest player to qualify for a PGA Tour event when he will play for an exempt spot for the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Professional Round-up

LPGA Qualifying School wrapped up Sunday with AJGA alumni making a strong showing at the top. Of the 24 players receiving fully exempt status for the 2006 season, 16 are former AJGA members. Libby Smith was the highest finisher, coming in tied for second. 2004 Rolex Junior Player of the Year Julieta Granada tied for sixth with the 2005 Rolex Junior Player of the Year Morgan Pressel. Brooke Tull, Katie Futcher, Kate Golden, Diana Ramage, Louise Stahle, Meredith Duncan, Allison Hanna, Alena Sharp, Angie Rizzo, Jessica Reese-Qualye, Karin Sjodin, Christi Cano and Brittany Lang rounded out the rest of the fully exempt AJGA alumni.

The PGA TOUR Qualifying School Tournament finished Monday with 20 AJGA alumni earning their 2006 PGA TOUR card. John Holmesearned medalist honors finishing the week at 24-under-par. He is joined by 1999 Rolex Junior Player of the Year Hunter Mahan. Others finishing in the top ten are Nicholas Thompson, D.A. Points, Nick Watney, Michael Allen, Will MacKenzie and Robert Garrigus. John Engler, Jeff Overton, Bubba Dickerson, Ron Whittaker, Ryan Hietala, Brian Bateman, Alex Aragon, Mike Sposa, Danny Ellis, Michael Connell, B.J. Staten and Bill Haas complete the list of AJGA alumni earning their card for next season. The top 30 players and ties (32 total) received their 2006 PGA TOUR card.