Verona, NY – Under blazing summer sun, 66 of the Central New York PGA Junior Tour’s top players took on the Shenendoah Golf Course at Turning Stone Resort Casino for the opening round of the 2025 Junior Tour Championship. With high stakes on the line, including spots in Sunday’s prestigious Tesori/Mulherin Cup at Bellevue Country Club for the winner and runner-up in each boys and girls division (excluding 9–11), the competition was fierce from the first tee shot to the final putt.
The round of the day belonged to Brayden Thomas of East Syracuse, who fired a flawless bogey-free 66 (-6) to lead the Boys 16–18 Division. His precision ball-striking and composure set him apart, giving him a five-shot lead heading into Thursday’s final round.
Boys 16–18 Division – Top Finishers
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Brayden Thomas – 66 (-6)
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Drew Kippen – 71 (-1)
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Luke Snyder – 72 (E)
In the Boys 14–15 Division, Cooper Cohenno of Cortland holds the overnight lead after posting an even-par 72, just one shot clear of both Ashton Ricci and Brayden Sheridan, who sit at +1.
The Boys 12–13 Division saw Collin Helmer of Manlius set the pace with an 80 (+8), while Alex Drogo and Peyton Chapman remain in striking distance.
In the youngest boys group, Boys 9–11, Bryson Strohl of Rome posted an impressive 35 (-1) for nine holes to lead the way.
On the girls’ side, Kamryn Yerman of Frankfort carded a steady 73 (+1) to lead the Girls 15–18 Division by two over Lindsey Chong of Manlius, who surged on the back nine with a 34.
Girls 15–18 Division – Top Finishers
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Kamryn Yerman – 73 (+1)
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Lindsey Chong – 75 (+3)
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Ellie Kent – 78 (+6)
In the Girls 12–14 Division, Charlotte Brown of Cicero leads after posting an 87 (+15), while Leslie Cupp of Rome sits atop the Girls 9–11 Division leaderboard with a nine-hole score of 53.
With warm conditions expected again on Thursday, the final round promises more low numbers and dramatic finishes as players vie not only for the Junior Tour Championship titles, but also coveted invitations to Sunday’s Tesori/Mulherin Cup. Follow us tomorrow as play resumes at 8am on Kaluhyat Golf Course.