Taino Triumphs at 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’
Event: 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship
Host Site: Stonebridge Golf Club, Monroe, N.C.
Playing Dates: May 6–8, 2025
Social Media: @CGAgolf1909
Related: Championship Website | Results | Course Analytics | Player Analytics | Photos
MONROE, N.C. (May 8, 2025) – Calm, consistent, and clutch down the stretch, Juno Taino of Pinehurst, N.C., delivered a wire-to-wire victory at the 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship, finishing at 9-under-par total for the championship at Stonebridge Golf Club in Mornoe, N.C..
Taino, a member of the Class of 2029, opened with rounds of 4-under 68 and even-par 72 during Saturday’s 36-hole doubleheader. On Mother’s Day Sunday, with rain clouds looming and pressure mounting, she posted the low round of the tournament — a 5-under 67 — to secure the title by one shot over Emerson B. Dever of Durham, N.C.
“My ball striking was pretty good today,” said Taino. “I stayed calm and learned from my experience last week where I didn’t finish strong. That helped me stay focused and finish the round with just one bogey.”
Taino’s final score of 207 was one better than Dever’s 208. Dever, a 2025 graduate, also carded a 67 in the final round, making for a thrilling duel atop the leaderboard. Charlotte’s Elizabeth Guthrie (Class of 2028) finished third at 2-under 214 after an opening-round 69.
The field featured many of the Carolinas’ most promising junior girls, and weather played a major role as well. Players completed 36 holes on Saturday in warm, breezy conditions. On Sunday, intermittent rain settled into the Monroe area, but all groups completed play without interruption.
“I’m actually leaving Tuesday for another tournament, so I won’t have much time to celebrate,” Taino added. “But I’ll take tomorrow off, hang out with my brothers, and celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom.”
First held in 2005, the Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship is named in honor of longtime CGA volunteer and past president Vicki DiSantis, a champion of junior golf across the Carolinas. The event has grown into one of the CGA’s most prestigious junior championships for girls, offering a competitive and welcoming atmosphere for rising players to shine.
As players hugged their moms and posed for photos on the 18th green, this year’s tournament served as both a celebration of junior golf and a fitting tribute to the families behind the players — especially the moms who help make it all possible.
The Carolinas Golf Association would like to extend its sincere thanks to the staff at Stonebridge Golf Club for their hospitality and support throughout the championship. Special appreciation goes to Nick Jacobi, General Manager, and the entire golf operations, agronomy, and food & beverage teams for their efforts in delivering a top-tier experience for players, families, and spectators alike. Their commitment to junior golf helped make the 20th Vicki DiSantis Junior Girls’ Championship a memorable and meaningful event.