Loading article...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading article...
see also: Miles Russell, View results for Junior Invitational, Sage Valley Golf Club
Miles Russell surged with a closing 67 to reclaim the boys title while Asterisk Talley dominated the girls division at Sage Valley
Track every round of the 2026 Junior Invitational
See the latest boys and girls leaderboards, round-by-round scores, and player positions throughout the week at Sage Valley.
View FINAL ScoresThe 2026 Junior Invitational concluded Saturday at Sage Valley Golf Club with two of the biggest names in junior golf delivering championship performances.
Miles Russell rallied with a closing 5-under 67 to win the boys division at 15-under 273, while Asterisk Talley capped off a dominant week with a final-round 67 to claim the girls title at 8-under 280.
Now in its 15th year, the Junior Invitational remains the most prestigious event in junior golf, annually bringing together the world’s elite young players for four days of competition at one of the game’s most visually striking and demanding venues just outside Augusta, Georgia.
Russell, the defending champion entering the week, delivered when it mattered most. After opening with a brilliant 64 and briefly slipping behind during the middle rounds, the American star surged back on Saturday with a composed final-round 67.
Russell played the front nine in 3-under 33 and continued applying pressure on the back nine with birdies on Nos. 10 and 15 to pull clear of the field.
The victory marks another remarkable performance at Sage Valley for Russell, who has proven himself one of the most dominant players in recent Junior Invitational history.
Tyler Watts, who led entering the final round, finished runner-up at 12-under 276 after a final-round 73. Mason Howell placed third at 7-under 281.
Several international standouts filled out the leaderboard, including Lev Grinberg and Oscar Couilleau, who tied for fourth at 5-under.
| Pos | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miles Russell | -15 (273) |
| 2 | Tyler Watts | -12 (276) |
| 3 | Mason Howell | -7 (281) |
| T4 | Lev Grinberg | -5 (283) |
| T4 | Oscar Couilleau | -5 (283) |
On the girls side, Asterisk Talley produced one of the strongest performances of the championship.
The 2024 Junior Invitational champion returned to the top of the leaderboard after a steady week that included rounds of 69, 75, 69, and a closing 67 to finish at 8-under 280.
Talley’s final round featured a clean card highlighted by key birdies on holes 8, 14, and 16 that allowed her to separate from the field down the stretch.
Anna Iwanaga finished second at 5-under 283 after also firing a closing 67, while China’s Yujie Liu claimed third at 2-under 286.
Amelie Zalsman and defending champion Aphrodite Deng tied for fourth at 1-over.
| Pos | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asterisk Talley | -8 (280) |
| 2 | Anna Iwanaga | -5 (283) |
| 3 | Yujie Liu | -2 (286) |
| T4 | Amelie Zalsman | +1 (289) |
| T4 | Aphrodite Deng | +1 (289) |
The leaderboard once again reflected the incredible depth and international talent that defines the Junior Invitational.
Players from across the United States and around the world competed for the coveted Gold Jackets at Sage Valley, a course known for testing every aspect of a player’s game.
Year after year, the championship has proven to be a preview of golf’s future stars. Past champions and participants have gone on to become top collegiate players and major champions on professional tours.
With victories this week, Miles Russell and Asterisk Talley add their names once again to one of the most prestigious honor rolls in junior golf.
The Junior Invitational's mission is to operate the most prestigious junior golf championship in the world—an invitation-only 72-hole annual event (increased from 54 holes prior to 2025) for the top 36 boys and 24 girls from around the globe, hosted ...
Masters: Memorable performances by amateurs in the last 40 years
Apr 2, 2026A Mid-Amateur legend and a 14 year old have won low-amateur honors at Augusta National over the years
Meet the Amateurs in the 2026 Masters: Six Different Paths to Augusta National
Mar 22, 2026From teenage phenoms to seasoned dreamers, the amateur class at the 2026 Masters brings six compelling stories to Augusta
San Francisco City Championship: Champions Crowned
Mar 22, 2026Joey Hayden, Gianna Singh, Bob Niger, and Jeff Thomas capped championship week with title-winning performances at Harding Park.
Gary Woodland Wins Houston Open in Emotional Comeback After Brain Surgery
Mar 30, 2026Gary Woodland’s Houston Open win is a reminder of why perseverance matters in golf
2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur: Full Field Preview, Favorites & How to Watch
Mar 30, 202648 of the top 50 players in the world. Two past champions. One teenager who lost by a single stroke last year.