Off the Green With Orla: A Shining Example of Passion and Determination

Leah Gram is a 14-year-old South Florida PGA Callaway Medalist Tour junior golfer who radiates joy both on and off the golf course. With her bright smile and infectious enthusiasm, she has quickly become a standout, not just for her golf accomplishments but also for the energy she brings to everyone around her.


Leah’s passion for golf began when she was just six years old, when her father, a former collegiate golfer at the College of Charleston, introduced her to the game. Born in New York to parents originally from Sweden, Leah and her family later moved to Florida. It all started with junior clinics at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, where she fell in love with the game. By the time she was nine, Leah had joined the SFPGA Junior Tour, and her family has been by her side, supporting her every step of the way.


"Golf became a special bond for me and my dad," Leah reflects. "He’s always there cheering me on."


Her steady dedication to the sport soon paid off. Between 2020 and 2022, Leah earned three consecutive top-10 finishes at the U.S. Kids World Championship, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable junior golf career.


In 2023, Leah was a Drive, Chip and Putt finalist, a feat that took her to Augusta National during Masters week—a dream come true for any young golfer. To make the experience even more memorable, she was able to bring her extended family from Sweden, connecting her love for golf with her deep-rooted heritage. Fluent in Swedish, Leah proudly carries her family’s background.


This year, Leah has shined brightly on the SFPGA Junior Tour, winning two Callaway Medalist Tour events and capturing the prestigious Nicklaus Junior Championship, an SFPGA Junior Tour Major. As one of the youngest in the field, she shot an impressive 76-73—149 to seal her victory. She also showcased her skills on the SFPGA Section side, finishing in the top five with her partner, Derek Niszczak, PGA, at the annual Pro-Junior event.


Leah has also competed in several other high-profile events, including the 2024 Florida Women's Amateur, where she was the youngest contestant, and the Florida Girls Championship, where she placed in the top-10 for her age group.


As a freshman at William T. Dwyer High School, Leah balances her academic and athletic commitments with ease. She plays on the varsity golf and volleyball teams while maintaining her straight-A status.


While Leah is incredibly focused on her golf career, she’s still very much a teenage girl who loves to shop and enjoys good food.


"I love shopping," she shares with a smile. "But when I'm on the course, I'm determined and focused. I want to keep pushing myself, and my dream is to play collegiate golf and eventually make it onto the LPGA."


Beyond her love for the game, Leah is also passionate about giving back. She’s involved in Fore All Junior Golf Foundation, which directly supports programs like First Tee and Youth on Course, which help make golf more accessible for young players who might not have had the same opportunities she has. 


“Golf is such a great sport, but unfortunately, some people don’t have the same accessibility to equipment and courses,” she says. “I want to help change that.”


Leah’s message to younger golfers is simple but heartfelt:


“Never give up, even if you feel burnt out. Just remember that this game is a skill you could have for the rest of your life while building lifelong friendships and connections.”


With a bright future ahead of her, she exemplifies the commitment, discipline and drive that define South Florida PGA Junior Tour athletes. There’s no doubt Leah will continue to inspire her peers, both on and off the golf course. 



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September 1, 2025
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Margilano, Pla, and Bustos win the South Florida PGA Jim McLean Labor Day Classic, the second-to-last SFPGA Junior Major of the Year, played August 30 - September 1st at PGA National Resort - Champion and Fazio Courses. This year's title partner, Jim McLean Golf Schools, is no stranger to the South Florida PGA Junior Tour, bringing with him not only world-class instruction but also a passion for shaping young golfers. Staci Pla of West Palm Beach led the girls division at one-under-par and held a two stroke lead over Palm Beach Gardens native, Olivia Hartman after two rounds. Pla had 12 pars during her final round to successfully defend her 2024 title, going back to back to secure a two-shot victory over Hartman who finished at 5-over total. The boys 13-18 leaderboard was stacked up following the conclusion of round two. Jake Valentine of Palm Beach Gardens held the lead at four-under-par closely followed by 2024 Labor Day Classic Boys Division Champion Matthew Marigliano (Palm Beach Gardens) at three-under-par. Marigilano stayed consistent with three birdies and fifteen pars in his final round to secure the victory. Tristan Rhodenzier of Palm Beach Gardens holed out from the fairway on the 18th hole to take home second place. Joshua Fleming of Deerfield Beach held a strong lead in the boys 11-12 division at three-over-par after two rounds of play. Simon Bustos of Chattanooga, Tennessee sat at eight-over-par heading into the final day of play. Bustos emerged as the champion with a final round of one-over-par, including five birdies and finishing nine-over-par total on the weekend. This year’s Jim McLean Labor Day Classic welcomed 156 boys and girls aged 11-18, competing in three different age divisions. Among the field were 23 players outside of the South Florida territory, including two international players from Puerto Rico and Brazil. The South Florida PGA extends its appreciation to PGA National Resort, Paul Gallo (Director of Tournament Operations), Michael Williams (Tournament Coordinator), and their entire team for their outstanding hospitality and continued support of junior golf in South Florida. The junior major season will wrap up December 6-7 as the Junior Tour heads to The Park for the Tour Championship. Event Leaderboard Event Photos Jim McLean Story
By Chance Bressler August 24, 2025
Palm Beach Gardens & Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA administered two Drive, Chip and Putt sub-regional qualifiers for juniors aged 7-15, with the top-2 finishers from each division advancing to the regional Drive, Chip and Putt qualifier at TPC Sawgrass, September 6th. In total, 32 juniors advanced from the BallenIsles Country Club sub-regional qualifier that took place on August 16 and the sub-regional qualifier at Olde Florida Golf Club, August 23. The sub-regional qualifiers serve as the second stage in a juniors route to the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals that will take place at Augusta National Golf Club, the week prior to the Masters tournament. BallenIsles Sub-Regional Qualifier (119 Participants) The following players advanced to the Regional Qualifier at TPC Sawgrass: Girls 7-9 - Cheetah Baez of Palm City & Gracie Hoffman of Plantation Boys 7-9 - Henry Mallon of West Palm Beach & Austin Iggulden of Palm Beach Gardens Girls 10-11 - Arabell Tellez of Miami & Sylvia Perez of Kissimmee Boys 10-11 - Luciana Puebla of Royal Palm Beach & Silas Kirkbride of Delray Beach Girls 12-13 - Harper Kiss of Lighthouse Point & Alyssa Cleckley of Royal Palm Beach Boys 12-13 - Reed Abdelnour of West Palm Beach & Jake McMillan of Jupiter Girls 14-15 - Nirvika Koduru of Ashburn, VA & Olivia Hartman of Palm Beach Gardens Boys 14-15 - Gordon Nip of Port St. Lucie & Clint Lewis of Jupiter Olde Florida Golf Club Sub-Regional Qualifier (130 Participants) The following players have advanced to the Regional Qualifier at TPC Sawgrass: Girls 7-9 - Alicia Mosquera Rosado of Gurabo, PR & Claire Anderson of Bonita Springs Boys 7-9 - Landon Naya of Davie & Neil Oscar Caceres of Miami Girls 10-11 - Alina Lombeida of Longwood & Joey Wolf of Sarasota Boys 10-11 - Victor Monssoh of Miami & Cameron Middleton of Bonita Springs Girls 12-13 - Victoria Frias of Parkland & Priya Natarajan of Tampa Boys 12-13 - Luke Kummerer of Cape Coral & Luis Roman of Punta Gorda Girls 14-15 - Kinley Mills of Fort Myers & Laura Monsalve of Coral Spring Boys 14-15 - Axel Monssoh of Miami & Braden Chamberlain of Pompano Beach The above qualifiers would not be possible without the support of our host facilities, BallenIsles Country Club and Olde Florida Golf Club and their professional staff. BallenIsles is led by PGA General Manager Ryan Walls, PGA Director of Golf, Jeff Fitzherbert, and PGA Head Professional, Chris Hayes. Olde Florida is led by PGA Director of Golf and SFPGA Foundation President, Tom Wildenhaus, and PGA Head Professional, Andy Chambers. SFPGA Junior Tour / BallenIsles Sub-Regional Results / Olde Florida Club Sub-Regional Results / BallenIsles Photo Album
By Chance Bressler August 14, 2025
West Palm Beach, FL - The South Florida PGA has hosted a premier three-day event on Labor Day weekend since 2020. This year, the tradition takes on new significance as it will be held in partnership with South Florida PGA Professional Jim McLean and his Golf School as we join forces to present the Jim McLean Labor Day Classic, set to take place at PGA National Resort from August 30 – September 1. Few names in the golf instruction carry the weight and legacy of Jim McLean. A 2013 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Inductee, 1994 PGA of America Teacher of the Year, and 2020 PGA of America PGA Professional Development award recipient, McLean’s career began in 1975 at Westchester Country Club in New York, where he led a junior program with over 1,800 members. Even early in his career, McLean was shaping the future of the game—coaching standout players such as George Zahringer III, who went on to play for the U.S. Walker Cup team in 2003. McLean is no stranger to the South Florida PGA Junior Tour. In its early years, he sponsored six tournaments, helping to grow the Tour into what it is today. “I wanted to give back to junior golf,” McLean said. “All of my boys were in junior golf.” This year marks a new chapter in the partnership between McLean and the South Florida PGA Junior Tour, culminating in the launch of the Jim McLean Labor Day Classic. The 2025 Jim McLean Labor Day Classic is more than just a competitive event—it’s a celebration of mentorship, development, and giving back to the game. As the South Florida PGA Junior Tour continues to create life-changing opportunities for young golfers, the support and vision of leaders like McLean help ensure that the next generation is well-prepared, both on and off the course. Throughout his career, McLean has taught and mentored many notable players including Lexi Thompson, Cristie Kerr, and Erik Compton. Compton, once the top-ranked junior golfer in the United States, overcame extraordinary health challenges—surviving two heart transplants—and reached the PGA Tour against all odds. After retiring from professional play, Compton joined the Jim McLean Golf School as an instructor. “Erik has been a very special person and has done many things in hospitals across the country for transplants,” McLean said. “He is a really unbelievable person.” Stories like Compton’s highlight McLean’s lasting impact—not just on competitive golf, but on the lives of his students. This year’s Jim McLean Labor Day Classic adds an even more meaningful chapter to that story, as Erik’s daughter, Petra, will be among the 168 junior golfers competing. For McLean, seeing the next generation of a former student take part in the event is a true full-circle moment—one that perfectly reflects his lifelong commitment to growing the game. McLean’s commitment to junior golf remains as strong as ever. “Golf teaches kids so many great things in their life,” he said. “I liked teaching the kids and I still do to this day!” His passion lies not just in refining swings, but in using the game to instill discipline, integrity, and perseverance. After nearly two decades as a club professional in New York, McLean moved to Miami in 1991 and opened the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral in 1993. Today, the school has expanded to seven locations worldwide—including Coral Gables, New York, Utah, Mexico, Spain, and South Korea. SFPGA Junior Tour / SFPGA Foundation / Jim McLean Golf School
By Chance Bressler August 9, 2025
Boca Raton, FL -  Abacoa All Stars 17-and-under and Palm Beach All Stars 13-and-under teams advanced to the PGA Jr. League Regional competition after winning their respective divisions during Saturday’s PGA Junior League Section Championship at Osprey Point Golf Course. The 17U Abacoa All Stars, coached by Dave Pesacov, PGA, won the 9-hole, two-person scramble stroke play on Osprey Point’s Falcon Course. TK Ritthisorn and Spencer Clay lead their team scoring at 5-under for the event. Joining the 17u team at will be the Palm Beach All Stars 13U team, also coached by Dave Pesacov, PGA. Liam Abbott and Lucas Mitchell paved the way to victory scoring 4-under. The teams will play in the Regional Qualifier, held next month on September 19-21 at Sunkist Country Club in Biloxi Mississippi. Saturday's Section PGA Jr. League Championship was the first of three phases en route to the national PGA Jr. League Championship stage. The 17u National Championship will be held at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, Oct. 23-26, and the 13u National Championship will be held at PGA Frisco’s Fields Ranch West, Nov. 16-20. Leading each team were David Flinn, PGA, David Pesacov, PGA, Zackary Shriver, Christopher Cupp, and Sean Kicker, PGA. Thank you to Osprey Point for holding another incredible Jr. League Section Championship event! Leaderboard
July 30, 2025
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - Carter Brooks and Alayna Friedt won the South Florida PGA Junior Cup, the sixth SFPGA Junior Major of the Year, played July 28-30 at BallenIsles Country Club - North Course.
By Chance Bressler July 17, 2025
ATLANTIS, FL - Yuanzhou Ye and Jayden Loyacona won the Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour event, played July 16-17 at Lost City Golf Club.
By Caitlin White July 12, 2025
The 2025 Brendan Cunningham Junior Open concluded today with standout performances and a heartfelt tribute to a cherished figure in South Florida golf. Held at Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida, the event welcomed 71 players. While taking a year off in 2024, the tournament returned this year.
July 3, 2025
Hampton Beebe, a West Palm Beach native and current junior at Score Academy, has quietly become one of the brightest rising stars in junior golf. With a strong résumé that includes a verbal commitment to Auburn University, multiple tournament wins, and national rankings of No. 140 on the Junior Golf Scoreboard and No. 63 by AJGA, Beebe is putting together a career built on consistency, passion, and the unrelenting desire to improve.
By Caitlin White June 25, 2025
Jupiter, FL — The Bear’s Club and Tequesta Country Club hosted the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship, held Monday and Tuesday, welcoming a field of 160 junior golfers.
June 18, 2025
Boca Raton, FL – June 18th – The South Florida PGA Junior Tour staged its third major of the season, welcoming 80 junior golfers for the Junior PGA Championship, held June 16-17 at Stonebridge Country Club. The major belonged to Gabriel Holtz of Boca Raton and Eva Lye of Naples, who each turned in championship performances to win titles in the Boys' and Girls' 13-18 divisions.