Latrielle and McMillan Claim Junior Major Titles at Brendan Cunningham Junior Open
NAPLES, FL - The 2026 Brendan Cunningham Junior Open concluded today with standout performances and a heartfelt tribute to a cherished figure in South Florida golf. Held at The Rookery at Marco in Naples, Florida, the event welcomed 70 players.
Kaden Latrielle of Naples captured the Boys 13–18 Division title with an impressive performance over 56 holes. Latrielle opened the championship with a 4-under-par 68, highlighted by five birdies. He caught fire in the final round, carding the tournament's low round of 6-under-par 66 to finish at 12-under for the championship and claim the overall title by five strokes. The victory marks Latrielle's first on South Florida PGA Junior Tour since joining the Medalist Tour in 2023.
Henry Liebwein of Fort Myers finished runner-up in the Boys 13–18 Division at 7-under par for the championship. He climbed three spots on the leaderboard in the final round after firing a 5-under-par 67, then secured second place in a scorecard playoff decided by the scores on holes 10–18..
In the Girls 13–18 Division, Reese McMillan of Jupiter delivered a dominant performance from start to finish. McMillan took the first-round lead after opening with a 3-under-par 69 and never looked back. Her championship was highlighted by a bogey-free final round of 3-under par to secure the title. The victory marks McMillan's second South Florida PGA Junior Major title, with her first coming at the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship in 2025 at The Bear's Club.
Rain Jiang of Sarasota earned runner-up honors after finishing the championship at 4-over par.
Formerly known as the South Florida Junior Open, the event was renamed in 2020 to honor Brendan Cunningham, a longtime supporter, dedicated volunteer, and true ambassador for junior golf in South Florida, who passed away in September of that year. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, Cunningham received the 2016 South Florida PGA Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame in 2018. Known for his charismatic personality, colorful socks, and welcoming smile, Brendan left a lasting impact on players, families, and staff. In his memory, participants and spectators wore green and their favorite socks throughout the week, a tradition that continues to celebrate his legacy and love for the game.
Cameron Young–Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Cup
With his victory, Latrielle secured a spot in the inaugural Cameron Young–Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Cup, to be contested December 12–14, 2026, at Emerald Dunes Club. The event will feature a 24-player Ryder Cup-style competition with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas serving as team captains.
The South Florida PGA extends its sincere thanks to The Rookery at Marco and its staff for their outstanding hospitality and continued support of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour.
The Brendan Cunningham Junior Open marked the fifth of nine Junior Majors on the 2026 South Florida PGA Junior Tour schedule. Up next is the SFPGA Junior Cup, scheduled for July 27–29 at BallenIsles Country Club (East Course).


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