The Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club is hosting its 18th AJGA event as the AJGA conducted the inaugural Thunderbird International Junior in 2000. With the support of The Thunderbirds, Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation, Grayhawk Golf Club and Under Armour®, the event has become one of the world’s most competitive and fun junior golf tournaments.
The vision was to create a player-focused event featuring world-class competition, unparalleled hospitality and an enhanced international experience. Players can room with someone from a different country and have access to a hospitality area, game room and unique social activities like the Glo-Birds Putting Competition and Dry Heave.
Seven former Thunderbird International Junior champions currently play on the PGA and LPGA TOURs. Ryan Moore, the 2011 champion and a two-time Rolex Junior All-American has five PGA TOUR victories and supports an AJGA Open event. Ariya Jutanugarn, the 2012 champion, was the 2011 and 2012 Rolex Junior Player of the Year and was named the 2015 LPGA Rookie of the Year. Yueer Cindy Feng is the only player to win back-to-back at the Thunderbird International Junior but Agustina Zeballos of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is back to defend her title this year.
Boys Past Champions: Norman Xiong (2016), Sam Burns (2015), Andy Zhang (2014), Jorge Garcia (2013), Max Orrin (2012), Brad Dalke (2011), Anthony Paolucci (2010), Daniel Lee (2009), Hyun Seok Lim (2008), Arnond Vongvanij (2007), Philip Francis (2006), Bronson Burgoon (2005), Rob Grube (2004), Brian Harman (2003), Casey Wittenberg (2002), Ryan Moore(2001) and Chan Song (2000).
Girls Past Champions: Agustina Zeballos (2016), Mika Liu (2015), Maddie Szeryk (2014), Nicole Morales (2013), Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Karen Chung (2011), Yueer Cindy Feng (2010 & 2009), Jessica Wallace (2008), Kimberly Kim (2007), Isabelle Lendl (2006), Morgan Pressel (2005), Belen Mozo (2004), Ashely Knoll (2003), Brittany Lang (2002), Lani Elston (2001) and Virada Nirapathpongporn (2000).