First time for India: Neil Jolly wins rain-shortened Southern Junior

Neil Jolly of India became the first player from his country to put his name on the Southern Junior trophy when he claimed the 2026 championship at the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens, Georgia -- after the tournament was shortened to 36 holes when severe weather forced the cancellation of the final round.

The 16-year-old from the Class of 2028 opened with a spectacular 9-under 62 and followed it with a 2-under 69 to finish at 9-under-par 131, two shots clear of Charlie Haney of Manhattan, Kansas, and Sam Terry of Thomasville, North Carolina, who shared runner-up honors at 7-under 133.