Local Golfer Ellie Sticha Secures Spot in Optimist Championship!
Doral, Florida, USA - In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Ellie Sticha from Alexandria has emerged victorious at the Optimist International Junior Championship Qualifier, carding a solid round of 78 at the picturesque Les Bolstad Golf Course. This victory not only secures her a spot in the upcoming Optimist International Junior Championship but also places Alexandria firmly on the map in junior golf circles. The championship is set to take place at the illustrious Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, from July 25-30, where Sticha will face some of the best young golfers from around the world. The local community is buzzing with excitement to see their star compete at such a prestigious event, showcasing her talent on a grand stage Echo Press reports.
Alongside Sticha’s triumph, there’s good news for Braeden Sladek, also hailing from Alexandria, who finished solidly tied for third at the Minnesota Golf Association Men’s Amateur Championship qualifier. His impressive score of 3-under par (69) at Albion Ridges in Annandale signifies not just skill but also a bright future ahead as he advances to the 2025 MGA Men’s Amateur Championship slated for July 21-23 at The Classic at Madden’s in Brainerd. The competition promises to be fierce, especially with Patrick Herron taking medalist honors with a stunning round of 65.
Local Golfers Making Waves
It’s not just the juniors making headlines. The notable Sean Lehman, representing Alexandria Golf Club and a previous Resorters Men’s champion, finds himself in a favorable position as a second alternate for the prestigious MGA Men’s Amateur Championship. His recent qualifier score of 74 at The Vintage Golf Club in Staples is just a notch below the standard set for the competition.
In addition to these standout performances, Alexandria Golf Club’s Ryan Conn and Nick Jarrett showcased their skills at the 2025 MGA Mid-Players Championship, reaching the semifinals. Conn had a commendable run, defeating several competitors before ultimately falling to Jonathan Hanner. Jarrett, on the other hand, exhibited resilience, defeating both Justin Burleson and Jesse Larson before encountering Mitch Scrimgeour in the semifinals.
Turning our sights to the senior level, Jerry Rose also made headlines by landing in the top four at the 2025 MGA Senior Players Championship. His excellent matches against John Welton and Trent Wilcox elevated him through the ranks, even though he faced a tough loss against Mark Aldrich in the semifinals. Congratulations are in order for Bob Neuberger, who captured the MGA Seniors title with a notable 5-3 victory over Aldrich.
Tapping into Junior Golf Potential
The Minnesota Girls Junior PGA Championship at Rush Creek is also a highlight, taking place from July 7-8, 2025. Registration for this tournament operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reiterating the competitive enthusiasm among female golfers. This year, there’s a fresh twist for boys’ qualifiers: all participants will compete in a single division, eliminating age gaps and emphasizing the best scores as a primary criterion Minnesota Junior Golf reports.
The Minnesota PGA Junior Golf initiative highlights the inclusivity of the sport by allowing both members and non-members to compete in qualifying events. With eligibility requirements set to encourage budding golfers, expectations run high for this year’s national competitions, leading to the National Boys and Girls Junior PGA Championships in West Lafayette, Indiana, from July 29 – August 1, 2025.
As Alexandria and the wider Minnesota golf community continue to foster young talent, the excitement surrounding junior events and local tournaments promises to keep spirits high and ambitions flourishing in the years to come. There’s certainly something to be said for the thriving golf culture in our region!
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