SFPGA Junior Tour to Hosts First Championship Tour Event of the Summer

The first Championship Tour event of the summer did not disappoint with a sold-out field of 58 boys and 20 girls competing for the top spots in their respective divisions, as well as the overall title spots for the two-day, 36-hole event at Lost City Golf Club. This was the first Championship Tour event since play came to a halt three months ago due to concerns over COVID-19.

In the boys 13-15 division, Nicholas Prieto (Miami, FL) captured the first-place spot after shooting rounds of 72, 70. Tied for second place in the division, James Hassell (Vero Beach, FL)and Frank Kennedy (Tequesta, FL)both carded rounds of 72, 73.

Kayla Bryant (Boca Raton, FL)placed first in the girls 13-15 division after putting up two impressive rounds of 75, 76 during the two-day event. Lily Celentano (Weston, FL) came in second place with score of 78, 76.

After a scorecard playoff, the top title in the boys 16-18 division was won by Cameron Owens (Wellington, FL) who carded rounds of 76, 67. Anthony Amoroso (Homestead, FL) took the second-place spot with rounds of 69, 74.

Placing first in the girls 16-18 division, Amelie Alcantara (Boca Raton) put up rounds of 71, 77. Brianna Castaldi (Port St. Lucie, FL) ended the event in second place with scores of 73, 79.

The overall boys title of the Championship Tour event was won by Tyler Stachkunas (Lake Worth, FL) after he carded the low rounds of 66, 71 during the event for a two-day total of 137.

Winning the overall girls title, Jordan Fischer (North Ft. Myers, FL) was the low female golfer shooting 73 both days of the Championship Tour event for a two-day total of 146.

In addition to being a Championship Tour event, the event also served as the first of five qualifiers for the South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship set to be held July 29-30.

Out of the field of 78 junior golfers, there were 20 boy's and four girl's spots up for contention for the South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship to be played at Banyan Golf Club on July 29-30. The following junior golfers qualified for the South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship:

Brianna Castaldi (Port St. Lucie, FL), Jordan Fischer (North Ft. Myers, FL), Kayla Bryant (Boca Raton, FL), Kelly Shanahan (Coral Springs, FL), Tyler Stachkunas (Lake Worth, FL), Anthony Amoroso (Homestead, FL), Chase Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL), James Hassell (Vero Beach, FL), Frank Kennedy (Tequesta, FL), Tyler Mistretta (North Palm Beach, FL), Nicholas Prieto (Miami, FL), Cade Coffey (Vero Beach, FL), Tomy Jaunet (Port Saint Lucie, FL), Hans Risvaer (Miami, FL), Jack Hasson (Palm Beach Gardens, FL), Alex Heard (Boca Raton, FL), Gabriel Hegerstrom (Parkland, FL), Jackson Kustin (Plantation, FL), Jake Manelas (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Jonathan Mourin (Plantation, FL), Chris Calvani (Palm Beach Gardens, FL), Stephen Weisman (Jupiter, FL), Harrison Hutchings (Singer Island, FL) and Kristian Urbaitis (Lake Worth, FL).

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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
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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
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