SOMIS, Calif. – The 19th playing of The PING Invitational kicked off today at The Saticoy Club. After an exciting round of play, Kelly Zhang of Hillsborough, California, leads the Girls Division at three-under-par 69. The Boys Division sees three leaders at the top. Ayden Fynaut of Fresno, California, Preston Hage of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Mason An of Houston, Texas are all tied at three-under-par 69.
Kelly Zhang holds a solo lead in the Girls Division following round one of play at three-under-par 69. The 2030 graduate fired six birdies throughout her round, including a clutch birdie on the par-3 No. 9 to secure her lead. She is currently ranked No. 23 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings.
"Just being able to play here was already the goal. I really had no expectations going in, but playing how I did today was great."
There are four players tied for second place in the Girls Division at two-under-par 70: Asterisk Talley of Chowchilla, California, Clairey Lin of Palos Verdes Estates, California, Clara Ding of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada, and Lily Peng of San Ramon, California. Talley, the 2024 champion of the event, fought strong to defend her title, landing five birdies on the day, including a bogey-free back nine.
In the Boys Division, three players share the lead at three-under-par 69. Ayden Fynaut of Fresno, California, landed five birdies on the day. The 2026 graduate is committed to play collegiate golf at Pepperdine University. Preston Hage of Raleigh, North Carolina, also sits at the top of the leaderboard. His first round was highlighted by a bogey-free back nine and six birdies. Lastly, Mason An of Houston, Texas, had a standout round, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 No. 6 and four birdies.
"I think the best part of my game was course management. I made a game plan last night, and I think it paid off a lot."
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 second round will begin on Sunday, October 12th, with tee times from 8:00 a.m. - 10:01 a.m. off of Nos. 1 and 10.
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