SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLA – Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club made history this past week as it successfully hosted its first-ever American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament from May 27-30, 2025. The event brought some of the top junior golfers from across the nation, and even the globe, to the Emerald Coast, marking a significant milestone for the club and the Santa Rosa Beach community.
Over three days of competition, rising stars in junior golf showcased their skills on the pristine fairways and greens of Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. Among the standout performers was South Walton’s very own Neely Kight, a rising high school sophomore who tied for second place, proudly representing the local talent pool. Krishny Elwin, a rising junior from Puerto Rico now residing in Orlando, claimed the top spot in the girls division, praising the course layout for perfectly suiting her style of play.
“Playing on this course felt like it was built for me,” Elwin said. “It’s definitely challenging, if you don’t hit it straight, you’re in trouble. But it was in perfect condition, and I played really well.”
As this was Santa Rosa’s debut hosting an AJGA event, the grounds crew worked tirelessly to ensure the course was tournament-ready, an effort that didn’t go unnoticed by players and families. Their attention to detail, paired with the club’s warm hospitality, helped make the event a successful experience for all involved.
In addition to the 54-hole stroke play championship, the event included a practice round, community volunteer involvement, and strong local business participation, solidifying the club’s commitment to both golf and regional engagement.
“The level of talent we witnessed was inspiring,” said Zach Phillips, Director of Golf at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. “We’re incredibly proud to have hosted these young athletes and to
have shared the beauty of our course and community with families and fans from around the world.”
With the tournament viewed as a major success by AJGA officials, participants, and spectators alike, the future looks bright for Santa Rosa Beach’s position as a destination for premier junior golf competition. For more information about Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, please visit santarosaclub.com, call (850) 267-2229, and follow the club on Instagram and Facebook. For more media inquiries, please contact Zach Phillips at zach@santarosaclub.com.
About Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club: Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is an award-winning, member-owned golf course and private beach club on the coast – located on Scenic Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Hugging the sugar-white sandy beaches of South Walton, the club spans across more than 85 acres providing members and their guests access to golf, dining, and more. The club boasts an 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course, a beautiful beach club with private pool and beach access, plus dining – including the club’s signature restaurant located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, Vue on 30a. Learn more at www.santarosaclub.com.
