SOMIS, Calif. – During the second round of play at The PING Invitational, both division leaders had standout performances. Kelly Zhang of Hillsborough, California, continues to lead the Girls Division, extending her lead at 6-under-par 138. After a dominant round, Preston Hage of Raleigh, North Carolina, took control of the Boys Division, finishing at 13-under-par 131.
The Boys Division saw a record-breaking performance today by Preston Hage, who now holds a seven-shot lead. After a par on his first hole, Hage carded eight consecutive birdies to close out his first nine. This broke the previous tournament record of five consecutive birdies held by Jordan Spieth. His nine-hole total of 28 also set a new tournament record, surpassing the previous mark of 30. Hage finished his round with a 2-under-par back nine, highlighted by three additional birdies, for a 10-under-par 62, breaking The Saticoy Club course record.
Jaden Soong of Los Angeles, California, sits in second place. The 2028 graduate shot 4-under-par 70 in his second round, highlighted by six birdies and a bogey-free front nine. Ronin Banerjee of Irvine, California, sits in third, carding six birdies on the day to secure his spot. In fourth lies Ayden Fynaut at a total 3-under-par 141. Following a standout first round, Fynaut shot even par today, landing six birdies.
Kelly Zhang holds strong to her lead in the Girls Division following round two, shooting 3-under-par 69. On the front nine, Zhang shot even par, with a birdie on the par-4 No. 5. As she made the turn, she increased momentum, resulting in a bogey-free back nine. In total, she landed four birdies on the day.
"I'm just going to try to enjoy the course on the last day and hopefully try and play some good golf!"
Clairey Lin of Palos Verdes Estates, California, takes the runner-up spot in the Girls Division. Her dominant 3-under-par 69 second round was highlighted by five birdies, including one on No. 18 to finish her day. In third place is Lily Peng of San Ramon, California. Peng's round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 No. 14. Tied for fourth are three players: Honorine Nobuta Ferry of Flower Mound, Texas, Juliet Oh of Diamond Bar, California, and Asterisk Talley of Chowchilla, California. Talley, the 2024 defending champion, carded two eagles on the day on Nos. 6 and 14.
Tournament History
The inaugural PING Invitational took place in 2006 and in the tournament’s 19-year history, has crowned many notable past champions. Jordan Spieth is the only two-time Boys Division champion, winning in 2008 and 2010. Other notable champions include PGA TOUR player Emiliano Grillo and college standouts – Stanford senior Michael Thorbjornsen and 2023 Walker Cup team member Ben James, a sophomore at the University of Virginia.
Rose Zhang, two-time Rolex Junior Player of the Year and LPGA Tour star, joined Spieth as the first two-time champion in the Girls Division with victories in 2018 and 2020. In 2021, Gianna Clemente of Estero, Florida, became the youngest champion at 13 years, 6 months, and 18 days old. Clemente successfully defended her title in 2022, winning by seven shots to join Spieth and Zhang. Notable Girls Division champions also include: Nelly Korda, Alison Lee and Patty Tavatanakit.
Past Champions:
2024 - Jackson Byrd and Asterisk Talley
2023 - Wheaton Ennis and Jasmine Koo
2022 - Jay Leng Jr and Gianna Clemente
2021 - Benjamin James and Gianna Clemente
2020 - Kelly Chinn and Rose Zhang
2019 - Event was canceled due to weather
2018 - Michael Thorbjornsen and Rose Zhang
2017 - Canon Claycomb and Lucy Li
2016 - Noah Norton and Paphangkorn Tavatanakit
2015 - Spencer Soosman and Nelly Korda
2014 - Donnie Trosper and Kaitlyn Papp
2013 - Brad Dalke and Megan Khang
2012 - Gavin Hall and Alison Lee
2011 - A.J. McInerney and Jaye Marie Green
2010 - Jordan Spieth and Kristen Park
2009 - Emiliano Grillo and Rachel Morris
2008 - Jordan Spieth and Victoria Tanco
2007 - Gregor Main and Vicky Hurst
2006 - Andrew Yun and Esther Choe
About PING
PING, a golf club manufacturer with the goal to help golfers play their best, has been an AJGA supporter since 1990 and began supporting the PING Phoenix Junior in 1991. The PING Invitational, one of the AJGA's top Invitationals held over Columbus Day weekend, began in 2006 at Karsten Creek. The PING Junior Solheim Cup, the all-girls match play biennial event, has received worldwide recognition and many participants are able to say they played for their country as a junior and professional.
An Official Partner since 2002, the golf club manufacturer sponsors PING College Golf Signing Day and became "The Official Bag of the AJGA" in 2009. In 2010, PING debuted golf bags for all AJGA champions. PING also became the AJGA's first Legacy Partner in 2020.
About the Course
The Saticoy Club, a historic gem founded in 1921, is Ventura County’s first private golf club and one of Southern California’s most revered championship venues. Designed by acclaimed architect William F. Bell, the classic 18-hole layout winds through the serene hillsides of Somis, offering a pure golf experience defined by precision, strategy, and timeless beauty. Consistently recognized among the region’s elite courses, Saticoy has hosted numerous USGA Qualifiers and SCGA Amateur Championships, earning a reputation for immaculate conditioning and competitive integrity. The club has now hosted The PING Invitational twice, showcasing its ability to test and highlight the best junior golfers in the world. Its continued role in hosting major championships solidifies The Saticoy Club’s standing as one of California’s most respected and enduring venues.
Schedule
The final round will begin on Monday, October 13th, with tee times from 8:00 a.m. - 10:01 a.m. off of Nos. 1 and 10.
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