Event: 21st Dogwood State Junior Girls’ Match Play Championship

Host Site: Pilot Knob Park Golf Course, Pilot Mountain N.C

Playing Dates: July 29 – 31, 2025

Social Media: @CGAgolf1909

 

Related: Championship Website | Scoring | Photos

By Schella Sprowl, CGA Media Intern

PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. (July 31, 2025) – Kami Caraccia of Mooresville, N.C. emerged victorious at the 21st Dogwood State Junior Girls’ Championship closing out her first Carolinas Golf Association title with a 4&3 win over Mackenzie Cline of Cary, N.C. in Thursday’s championship match at Pilot Knob Park Golf Course in Pilot Mountain, N.C. 

Caraccia went undefeated throughout the entire Championship en route to the title, showing steady resolve throughout the event. In the Championship Match, she found herself trailing 2 down early, as Cline came out strong. However, Caraccia fought back to tie the match at the turn, capitalizing on momentum and a quick rain delay that gave both players a brief reset before heading to the back nine. 

After the restart, Caraccia surged ahead, winning four holes in a six hole stretch until finally clinching the match with a birdie on the par-4 15th hole. 

“I’m feeling tired, it was a lot of golf,” said Caraccia following her win. “It was lots of fun though.” 

The 16-year-old attributed her success to a well-rounded game and steady mindset throughout the week. 

“My strongest part of my game was a little bit of everything. I feel like my driver was pretty good. I had really good approach shots too,” she said. “I was just trying to stay calm and not worry about the heat too much and focused on having a good time.” 

Caraccia earned her spot in the final match with a decisive 4 & 3 victory over Mary McCarlie of Winterville, N.C. in the Semifinals and a 2 up victory over Maya Claffey of Charlotte, N.C. in the Quarterfinals. Caraccia won all three of her matches in the Group Play stage. 

Cline, who reached the final for the second year in a row, put together an impressive run of her own, highlighted by a dramatic semifinal victory over Janiya Brown of McLeansville, N.C., where she advanced on the second playoff hole. She also dominated pod play earlier in the week and looked poised for the title until Caraccia’s back-nine comeback in the final. 

The Carolinas Golf Association extends its sincere gratitude to Pilot Knob Park Country Club for their hospitality and for stepping in as host on short notice. The venue provided an exceptional championship setting, and the CGA is especially thankful for General Manager and Course Superintendent Chris Berrier and Head Golf Professional Sam Randazzo for making the event possible.