By Caitlin White
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May 25, 2026
FORT MYERS, FL – The Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour administered its second major of 2026, the Patty Berg Junior Championship at Cypress Lake Golf Club, May 23-25, welcoming 77 junior golfers across three divisions. Of these players, Axel Monssoh, Ashley Balcom, and Victor Monssoh were crowned champions at the conclusion of the three rounds. Axel Monssoh of Miami opened the tournament with a first-round score of 2-over par, leaving him in a four-way tie for sixth place. In round two, Monssoh recorded the tournament’s low round with a score of 3-under par, highlighted by seven birdies. With a steady third round, Monssoh earned the championship title. This marks Monssoh’s second victory of 2026 and his second career major win. “It’s really an honor to win this tournament. I was excited to play in this event, so winning it feels really good, and I’m excited to have my name on the trophy and on the champions list.” Jack Leen of Port St. Lucie was the runner-up in the Boys 13-18 Division with a 54-hole total score of 3-over par. In the Girls 13-18 Division, Ashley Balcom of Lighthouse Point claimed the division title with rounds of 75, 76, and 74. With five birdies and 41 pars over 54-holes, Balcom secured victory over Nina Fischer of Key Biscayne by two shots. This event marks Balcom’s first victory on the South Florida PGA Junior Medalist Tour since joining in 2023. Balcom noted that “this win is extra special for me. I have had four runner-up finishes, and each time I lost by one shot. Going into today, I told myself to stay patient and stay confident, and in the end I was able to pull away for my first win.” Claiming victory in the Boys 11-12 Division, Victor Monssoh of Miami opened the tournament with a round of 12-over par. Monssoh trailed Deven Allen of Fort Pierce by four strokes after the first round. Monssoh shot the division’s low round on day two with a score of 5-over par, sitting in second place heading into the final round. Monssoh wrapped up the weekend with a final-round score of 1-over par, winning the tournament by 10 strokes. Kash Latreille of Naples finished runner-up with a total score of 28-over par. This event marks Monssoh’s first victory on the Medalist Tour since becoming a member in 2025. Monssoh reflected on the victory, his consistency throughout the weekend, and what it meant to capture his first Medalist Tour title, noting that “it feels great, and especially to win with my brother, it’s been a great experience.” Reflecting on the significance of the event, Monssoh added that “it means a lot. I know Patty (Berg) won more than 80 tournaments, and with this tournament being my first win, it makes it really special. I’ve loved this event since the first time I played it.” The Patty Berg Junior Championship is the second of eight junior majors to be played throughout the 2026 season, with the Nicklaus Junior Championship next on the schedule, set to be held June 15-16 at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida. South Florida Junior PGA Championship Qualifying Round 1 of this event served as qualifying for the South Florida PGA Junior PGA Championship, one of eight South Florida PGA Junior Major Championships. The following players earned a spot in the field for the tournament set to be held this June 22nd - 23rd at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton.