Edmond, Oklahoma native Ryder Cowan took the lead after round one in the Boys Division with a 1-under-par round of 70. Cowan was the lone player to finish in red figures on what was a blustery and steamy day in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The class of 2023 member caught fire on the back nine, carding a birdie on No. 13 followed by an eagle on the par 5, No. 14 to shoot 3-under-par 32 after making the turn. Cowan is a former AJGA champion, having won the 2020 Westrock Coffee Junior Championship.
In a tie for second place after the first round sit Matthew Comegys of Van Alstyne, Texas, and Andrew Ramos of Blaine, Minnesota. Both players finished the day with 2-over-par rounds of 73. Brett Sawaia of Henderson, Nevada, is in fourth following a round of 3-over-par 74. Rounding out the top five in the Boys Division is Benjamin Stoller of Owasso, Oklahoma at 4-over-par 75.
In the Girls Division, Lauren Pham of Las Vegas, Nevada, leads the way following an opening round score of 2-over-par 73. Pham began her day with birdies on Nos. 2 and 5, and battled to the finish line in the difficult conditions. The class of 2023 member is looking for her first AJGA victory this week.
Three players, Audrey Rischer of Columbia, Missouri, Olivia Coit of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Maelynn Kim of Katy, Texas, are tied for second after day one. The trio of golfers each finished the first round at 4-over-par 75.