Louisiana Golf Association Press Releases

Neves and He Take Medalist Honors at U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifiers at OakWing Golf Club

Written by Maili Bartz | Jun 24, 2025 11:38:51 PM

June 24, 2025 Maili Bartz

Final results of the 2025 U.S. Junior and Girl’s Junior Amateur Qualifier results. Both qualifiers were conducted by the Louisiana Golf Association at OakWing Golf Club in Alexandria, Louisiana on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Qualifier Links: Boys Results | Girls Results Photo Gallery 

Alexandria, LA - Jade Neves of New Orleans, Louisiana, earned medalist honors and secured the lone qualifying spot at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur Qualifier held today at OakWing Golf Club in Alexandria. Neves posted an impressive 3-under-par 69, punching her ticket to the 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.

The qualifier featured a strong field of talented junior golfers from around the world, with only one qualifying spot and two alternate positions available.

Neves started strong with an even-par 36 on the front nine, then surged ahead on the back nine with three birdies and no bogeys for a closing 33. Her consistent play and composure under pressure set her apart as she navigated the challenging layout from the USGA Blue – Girls Junior Qualifying tees (6,048 yards, Course Rating 74.7, Slope 130).  Her round was capped by a highlight-reel moment on the 18th hole: with her ball resting on the right fringe of the green, Neves drained a dramatic 40-foot birdie putt, sinking it straight into the hole to secure her 3-under score and the top spot on the leaderboard.

Several players were in the mix for the two alternate spots, but after a six-hole playoff, Evelynn Artieta of Denham Springs earned first alternate, and Maci Williams of Brusly claimed second alternate.

The 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship will be held July 14–19 at the Atlanta Athletic Club’s Riverside Course in Johns Creek, Georgia. The championship is among the most prestigious events in junior golf, showcasing the top female junior golfers from around the world.

In the Boys’ Junior Amateur Qualifier, three spots were up for grabs, and Daniel He of Irvine, California, came out on top with a spectacular round of 7-under-par 65. He recorded eight birdies and one lone bogey, shooting 33 on the front and 32 on the back.

Close behind was Tripp Depoy of The Woodlands, Texas, who fired a solid 5-under-par 67 to comfortably claim the second qualifying spot. Depoy made five birdies on the day and played a steady, consistent round to secure his place in the championship field.

The final spot came down to a playoff between three players tied at 4-under. Ben Blanco of Broussard, Louisiana, emerged victorious after making par on the first playoff hole (No. 10) to secure the third and final qualifying position with a round of 68.

Following the playoff, Patrick Babb of Mansfield, Texas, earned first alternate honors, and Blake Brown of Cypress, Texas, was named second alternate.

All three qualifiers will advance to the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, which will be held July 21–26 at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas.

About the LGA

The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.

The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.

As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.

For Media Inquiries:

Maili Bartz

Director of Marketing and Communications

maili@lgagolf.org