The first round of the 54th Annual Junior America’s Cup, hosted by the San Diego Junior Golf Association (SDJGA) is in the books, with Arizona storming out to a 9-under for a four stroke lead over Southern California, at the Omni La Costa Resort, South Course, in Carlsbad.

Leading Arizona is Evan Tyree who is tied for 3rd, with a 4-under par 68. Additional Arizona players include Ethan Butters with a 69 (t-5th), Asher Nelson with a 70 (t-7th) and Hank Miller with a 71 (11th). Drew Wilson of Utah and Brayden Forte of Colorado are leading the individual race with 6-under par 66’s. Pacing 2nd place Southern California is Shawn Nawata with a 3-under par 69.
Host team San Diego is in fifth at 2-under par. Pacing San Diego is Kenyon Kahler and Kaden Chang, both from Carlsbad, with 1-under par 71’s (tied for 11th).
Like a collegiate event, the Junior America’s Cup features 18 teams of four boys representing their state, province, or country. The competition takes place over three days, with 18 holes played each day for a total of 54 holes to determine the winning team. Each team counts its best three scores each round, with the low-scoring team after 54 holes being crowned the 2026 champions and presented with the champions’ medals and trophy.

The 2026 competition marks the 54th anniversary of the Junior America’s Cup Championship and the fourth time it has been hosted by the Oregon Golf Association (OGA). The previous time the event was hosted by the SDJGA was in 2007, at Morgan Run Resort & GC in Rancho Santa Fe (now called La Valle Coastal Club). Oregon and Washington were co-champions that year. JAC alumni from the 2007 championship include Max Homa.

Past Junior America’s Cup participants who have gone on to successful professional careers include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay, Rickie Fowler, Ryan Moore, Max Homa, Kyle Stanley, and Tony Finau.