This past week, we have had several past and present GPA athletes perform exceptionally well in their respective events and fire some super low tournament rounds!
We’re kicking things off with GPA alum Jonathan Oakes, who continues to impress us with his achievements. This past week at the 2024 NYS Boys’ 18U Junior Amateur Championship, Oakes blew away the field with his final score of 14-under over three rounds, 8 shots better than the second place finisher. The rising Kenyon College sophomore shot a 64 in the first round, 70 in the second, and a 68 on the final round, for a 14-under 202 final score. To top it off, Oakes only had two bogies over the course of 54 holes. “64(-8)was a personal best, 14-under was a personal best,” the Tarrytown, NY native remarked. “I’m just glad I was able to bring my A-Game this week” (via The Hudson Independent). Oakes’ performance earned him an exemption into the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club on July 22nd to the 27th.
Meanwhile, current GPA athlete William Giaquinto tied for second at the AJGA’s FM Global Championship presented by the John D. Mineck Foundation, which wrapped up on July 5th. Giaquinto came out locked in on the first day and shot an incredible 63(-8) on the first day, following it up with a solid 73, and closing out on the final day with a 68, making a serious run at the title. He finished with a 9-under 204, just 2 strokes behind the leader. Due to his success at the FM Global Championship, Giaquinto received full exempt status on the AJGA for the remainder of his junior career. Currently, the Hamden, CT native is playing in the 83rd Connecticut Junior Amateur and is tied ninth after shooting a 1-over 72 on Thursday. The CT Junior Amateur will be contested until the 11th, so be sure to keep up to date with Will Giaquinto’s progress as the field heads into match play!
To keep up with William Giaquinto’s progress at the Connecticut Junior Amateur, click here.
Also competing in tournaments this week are Olivia Zamarripa in the IMG Academy Junior World Championships, and Tyler Vitolo in the 105th Westchester Amateur. Olivia will start her first round of play on the 9th at 2:00 pm, while Tyler made it to the Championship Quarterfinals where he played against Tommy Mangan.
Last but certainly not least, GPA Summer Program Member, Maximiliano Santander fired an opening round 63(-6) in the HJGT Hartford Junior Open. He followed that up with a final round 70 to finish in second place.
Needless to say the birdies are flying all around GPA this summer and we couldn’t be happier for our athletes! Congratulations to all GPA athletes for their accomplishments! Their talent and hard work is obvious in their outstanding efforts.