PREVIEW AND LIVE SCORING: Dustin Johnson World Junior tees off Friday

February 28, 2025 | by Scott Tomasello of AmateurGolf.com

Madison Messimer, Amelie Zalsman, Charlie Woods, and Tyler Watts headline the DJ Field.

Will another top ranked junior win the championship or will newcomer Charlie Woods throw his hat in the ring?

The 2025 Dustin Johnson World Junior at TPC Myrtle Beach is set to take place February 28 to March 2, bringing together elite young golfers from across the globe. It’s known as one of the premier events in junior golf, with Golfweek once ranking it #2 in terms of field strength.

Last year, Ethan Paschal and Vanessa Borovilos claimed victory in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively. It was the first time in a few years that the current boys world #1 (JGS) did not win the trophy with past champions in Jackson Koivun (2023), Ben James (2022), and Nick Dunlap 2021. Both 2024 champions have since gone on to collegiate success—Paschal is now competing for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Borovilos has joined the Texas A&M golf team.

The 2025 field again features some of the top-ranked junior golfers who are poised to make their mark:

Tyler Watts (Class of 2026, Huntsville, AL): Watts got to stick around one day after the DJ in 2024 to compete in “The Q at Myrtle Beach” and finished 3^rd in both tournaments. With an AJGA ranking of 2, Watts is among the strongest contenders in the boys’ division. The Q is also expected to make another return to Myrtle Beach following the DJ. Perhaps another participant gets a crack at a PGA TOUR start.
Elizabeth Rudisill (Class of 2025, Charlotte, NC): Ranked 4th in the AJGA and 2^nd in the TYGA Junior Girls, Rudisill won the 2024 Rolex Girls Junior Championship.
Charlie Woods (Class of 2027, Jupiter, FL): The legend's son, Woods appears to be a sponsor exemption to continue developing his game. Aside from his high school team tournaments, Charlie has notably played in the PNC Championship, finishing second place with his father, and the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, where he missed the cut. He will be one of the younger boys in the field and an exciting player to watch.
Amelie Zalsman (Class of 2027, St. Petersburg, FL): Ranked 7th in the girls AJGA, Amelie notched two big wins in 2024 at the Rolex Tournament of Champions and AJGA Junior Championship. She came in 7th place at last years DJ and will look to keep up her winning ways.
Will Hartman (Class of 2025, Marvin, NC): Another Carolina resident and consistent performer. Hartman is ranked 10th in the AJGA and #1 in TYGA Junior Boys, which makes him a great contender for the boys’ title.
Kai Trump A recent addition to the field list, Trump is the grand daughter of President Trump. She has verbally committed to play for the University of Miami in the fall of 2006.
Madison Messimer (Class of 2025, Myrtle Beach, SC): Local talent is always a part of this homegrown event. Messimer placed 12^th last year after a tremendous first 36 holes. She is now ranked 12th in the AJGA and #1 in the SCJGA Junior Girls. Messimer will enjoy the home-field advantage as she competes on familiar turf.

Here are the opening round tee times

TPC Myrtle Beach is known to be set up like a PGA TOUR venue. The course, designed by Tom Fazio, provides a challenging but fair test for the competitors, with its combination of strategic bunkering, water hazards, and immaculate greens. The finishing stretch of holes 15-18 prove to be one of the toughest tests at any level.

About the Dustin Johnson World Junior

PREVIEW AND LIVE SCORING: Dustin Johnson World Junior tees off Friday

Started in 2016 by the Dustin Johnson Foundation, the Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship is a 54- hole invitational event for Boys and Girls ages 13- 18. Those who do not meet the invitation criteria will have an opportunity to earn a spot via ...

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