Event: 19th Carolinas Junior Girls' 15 & Under Championship / 29th North Carolina Junior Boys' 14 & Under Championship

Host Site: Holly Ridge Golf Links

Playing Dates: July 20-21, 2026

Social Media: @CGAgolf1909

Related: Junior Boys' Scoring | Junior Girls' Scoring | Photos

By Mae O'Neill

HOLLY RIDGE, N.C. (July 24, 2026) – First-time champions emerged at Holly Ridge Golf Links this week as Gayatri Arora captured the 19th Carolinas Junior Girls' 15 & Under Championship and Luke Valkovics won the 29th North Carolina Junior Boys' 14 & Under Championship. The victories marked the first Carolinas Golf Association championship title for both players.

Arora took control of the girls' championship from the opening round, carding a 5-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Natalie Hennessy and Adelyn Rosado, who each opened with rounds of 68 (-4). Arora closed with a 2-under 70 to finish at 7-under-par 137, matching Hennessy's final-round 70 while maintaining her lead to secure the championship.

"I feel really great," said Arora following her victory. "I'm just super thankful to all my friends and family for supporting me and to my fellow competitors. This was a really fun tournament to play."

In the Junior Division, Brooklyn Austyn defeated Keira Edwards in a two-hole playoff after the pair finished regulation tied at 13-over-par 157. Both players made par on the first playoff hole before Austyn secured the title with a victory on the second extra hole.

Ryleigh Rickman claimed the Sub-Junior Division title after posting a two-day total of 92 (+20) in the 9-hole competition.

On the boys' side, Valkovics carried a one-shot lead into the final round after opening with a 7-under-par 65, one stroke ahead of Simon Hall's 66 (-6). Both players matched each other with final-round 69s (-3), allowing Valkovics to hold on for the championship. Hall had an opportunity to force a playoff on the 18th hole, but his birdie attempt slid past the hole.

The victory continues an impressive run for Valkovics, who recently finished runner-up in the NCISAA High School State Championship following a five-hole playoff while competing as an eighth grader for The O'Neal School.

The Carolinas Golf Association extends its appreciation to the staff and membership of Holly Ridge Golf Links for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the championships. Special thanks to General Manager Nick Cromer, Head Golf Professional Robert Faub, Superintendent James Claybrook and the entire Holly Ridge Golf Links staff for helping host the 19th Carolinas Junior Girls' 15 & Under Championship and the 29th North Carolina Junior Boys' 14 & Under Championship.