Event: 30th North Carolina Junior Girls' Championship

Host Site: The Club at Irish Creek, Kannapolis, N.C.

Playing Dates: June 23-25, 2026

Social Media: @CGAGolf1909

Related: Championship Website | Final Leaderboard | Photos

By Katie Rose Rankin

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (June 25, 2026) – History was made this week at The Club at Irish Creek during the 30th North Carolina Junior Girls' Championship. Over three days of championship golf, one of the Carolinas' young stars completed a feat no player had accomplished before, becoming the first to win all four of the Carolinas Golf Association's women's exemption championships.

Jenna Kim of Raleigh, N.C., entered the week with momentum after capturing the 77th Carolinas Women's Amateur Championship title at Statesville Country Club, earning an exemption into the U.S. Women's Amateur at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tenn., this August. She carried that confidence into Kannapolis, opening with a 6-under-par 66 before following with rounds of 70 and 67 to finish at 13-under-par 200. Kim carded just two bogeys over 54 holes on her way to a commanding victory.

"Considering how long I have been playing CGA tournaments, it just means a lot to have this complete here," Kim said. "I feel like I have learned so much from this tour, and I am honored to have this title, especially before I leave for college."

Kim's victory completed what could be considered the CGA's version of a Grand Slam. She became the first player to capture all four women's exemption championships: the Carolinas Women's Amateur, Carolinas Junior Girls' Championship, North Carolina Women's Amateur, and North Carolina Junior Girls' Championship. After winning her first exemption championship in 2023 and successfully defending her Carolinas Junior Girls' title the following year, Kim finally added the final piece to an already remarkable resume. As one of the USGA's Allied Golf Associations, the CGA conducts eight exemption championships each year, with each champion earning an automatic berth into the corresponding USGA national championship.

Although Kim separated herself from the field, the championship featured impressive performances throughout. Ella June Hannant of Pikeville, N.C., finished runner-up at 1-over-par 214 after three consistent rounds, while Ira Joshi of Pinehurst, N.C., claimed third place with a 2-over-par 215.

With challenging course conditions throughout the week, every competitor was tested from the opening tee shot to the final putt. The championship showcased the next generation of talent in the Carolinas while adding another memorable chapter to the event's 30-year history.

The Carolinas Golf Association is thankful to the staff at The Club at Irish Creek for hosting this year's championship, especially Head Golf Professional Jeremy Hurst and Course Superintendent Artie Helton. Their dedication and hard work helped provide an outstanding championship experience for every player.

Congratulations to all of the competitors who participated in this year's championship. Through determination, sportsmanship, and exceptional play, each player represented the future of golf in the Carolinas.