Day 1 Recap | 19th Annual FCG National Championship
The 19th Annual Future Champions Golf (FCG) National Championship opened with an outstanding first round as elite junior golfers from across the United States and around the world showcased skill, composure, and championship-level performance. As one of the most prestigious events in junior golf, the FCG National Championship once again delivered competitive depth across every age division, from the game’s rising young stars to nationally ranked teenage contenders.
Round 1 featured impressive scoring, international representation, and tightly packed leaderboards that promise an exciting battle as the championship continues.
“This championship was created to give young players a true national stage — one that rewards preparation, resilience, and competitive maturity,” said Chris Smeal, Founder of Future Champions Golf. “Day one showed exactly why this event has stood the test of time. From our youngest divisions to our elite high school players, the level of golf and composure on display was outstanding.”
Tournament Website and Leaderboard
Division Highlights – Round 1
Boys 15–18
The championship division set the tone early as Elijah Yang (2028, Irvine, CA) fired a brilliant 6-under-par 65 to take the outright lead. Yang’s round featured consistency and precision from tee to green.
Just one shot back is Elliot Ro (2026, Sammamish, WA) at -5 (66), while Brendan O’Keefe (2027), Theodore Snyder (2026), and Connor Mundy (2027) sit tied for third at -4 (67). With several players within striking distance, the Boys 15–18 division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields of the championship.
Boys 13–14
In the Boys 13–14 division, Allen Lin (2030, La Habra Heights, CA) posted a strong 5-under-par 67 to grab the early lead. Aaron Hahn (2030) and Jack Robin (2030) are close behind after carding 4-under 68s, while a tightly packed group at 2-under (70) keeps the leaderboard volatile heading into Round 2.
Boys 11–12
International talent was on full display as Hayden Soohyun Lee (2032, Port Moody, BC, CAN) leads the Boys 11–12 division after a steady 2-under-par 70. Elijah Shi (2032, San Ramon, CA) sits just one shot back at -1 (71), with several players positioned to make a move as the tournament progresses.
Girls 9–10
The Girls 9–10 division produced some of the lowest scores of the day. Thea Platt (2034, Carlsbad, CA) opened with an outstanding 2-under-par 56, establishing a two-shot advantage. Michelle Tech (2033, West Hills, CA) followed with an even-par 58, while Siobhan Niu (2034, Chino Hills, CA) remains firmly in contention at +1 (59).
Boys 7–8
The Boys 7–8 division showcased impressive focus from the youngest competitors. Noah Bloomfield (2035, Diamond Bar, CA) leads after posting an even-par 58, while Bode Berry (2035, Palm Desert, CA) sits in second at +3 (61). Henry Chen (Hong Kong) rounds out the top three after a +6 (64).
Girls 7–8
In the Girls 7–8 division, Canada’s Yoyo Zhang (2035, Richmond, BC) delivered a standout performance, opening with an even-par 54 to take the Round 1 lead. Joey Kang (2035, Irvine, CA) followed closely with a +2 (56), while Ellie Ladawon (2035) and Macy Xie (2035) are tied for third at +6 (60). Strong international representation continues to highlight the global reach of the FCG National Championship.
Looking Ahead
With Round 1 complete, leaderboard separation has begun, but all divisions remain wide open. As pressure builds and championship positions take shape, Round 2 will be critical for players looking to solidify their standing and contend for national titles.
The FCG National Championship continues to serve as a premier proving ground for the next generation of elite junior golfers, and Day 1 reaffirmed why this event remains a cornerstone of junior golf worldwide.