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NAPLES, FL - The 2026 Brendan Cunningham Junior Open concluded today with standout performances and a heartfelt tribute to a cherished figure in South Florida golf. Held at The Rookery at Marco in Naples, Florida, the event welcomed 70 players.
Kaden Latreille of Naples captured the Boys 13–18 Division title with an impressive performance over 56 holes. Latreille opened the championship with a 4-under-par 68, highlighted by five birdies. He caught fire in the final round, carding the tournament's low round of 6-under-par 66 to finish at 12-under for the championship and claim the overall title by five strokes. The victory marks Latreille's first on South Florida PGA Junior Tour since joining the Medalist Tour in 2023.
Henry Liebwein of Fort Myers finished runner-up in the Boys 13–18 Division at 7-under par for the championship. He climbed three spots on the leaderboard in the final round after firing a 5-under-par 67, then secured second place in a scorecard playoff decided by the scores on holes 10–18.
In the Girls 13–18 Division, Reese McMillan of Jupiter delivered a dominant performance from start to finish. McMillan took the first-round lead after opening with a 3-under-par 69 and never looked back. Her championship was highlighted by a bogey-free final round of 3-under par to secure the title. The victory marks McMillan's second South Florida PGA Junior Major title, with her first coming at the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship in 2025 at The Bear's Club.
Rain Jiang of Sarasota earned runner-up honors after finishing the championship at 4-over par.
Formerly known as the South Florida Junior Open, the event was renamed in 2020 to honor Brendan Cunningham, a longtime supporter, dedicated volunteer, and true ambassador for junior golf in South Florida, who passed away in September of that year. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, Cunningham received the 2016 South Florida PGA Distinguished Service Award and was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame in 2018. Known for his charismatic personality, colorful socks, and welcoming smile, Brendan left a lasting impact on players, families, and staff. In his memory, participants and spectators wore green and their favorite socks throughout the week, a tradition that continues to celebrate his legacy and love for the game.
With his victory, Latreille secured a spot in the inaugural Cameron Young–Justin Thomas South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Cup, to be contested December 12–14, 2026, at Emerald Dunes Club. The event will feature a 24-player Ryder Cup-style competition with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas serving as team captains.
The South Florida PGA extends its sincere thanks to The Rookery at Marco and its staff for their outstanding hospitality and continued support of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour.
The Brendan Cunningham Junior Open marked the fifth of nine Junior Majors on the 2026 South Florida PGA Junior Tour schedule. Up next is the SFPGA Junior Cup, scheduled for July 27–29 at BallenIsles Country Club (East Course).
Naples, FL - Mike Berger of Hammock Creek Golf Club and Chris Stanko of Banyan Golf Club of Palm Beach claimed the championship title with an 18-under performance at Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club and The Rookery at Marco on July 7-8, 2026.
This year’s Championship returned to The Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay, serving as the host facilities for the fifth time in the last six years. A full field of 240 South Florida PGA Professionals and Associates competed in a team four-ball format over the 36-hole event.
After an 8-under opening round, Berger and Stanko were tied for sixth, only one shot behind the five teams tied for first. During the second round, Berger and Stanko fired off four birdies and an eagle on just the back nine, leading them to a 10-under score for the day. With an 18-under total for the championship, the two professionals took home the title by one stroke, finishing ahead of the teams of Andrew Filbert from West Bay Golf Club & Justin Smith of Bonita Bay, and defending champions Matt Cahill and Dakun Chang of Seminole Golf Club, who were tied for second at 17-under.
In fourth place came Nick Latimer of Medalist Golf Club and Justin Hicks of Stonebridge Country Club, who wrapped the event at 16-under. The five teams, Michael Kartrude and Paul Scaletta, Zachary Wood and Patrick Ross, Maximilian Coulls and Jason Martin, Ryan Fountain and John Somers, and Daniel Lee and John Lento, finished tied at fifth place with a score of 15-under for the two days.
The South Florida PGA Section has long been renowned for its high-caliber professionals, not just for their dedication to growing the game, but also for their ability to play. The 2026 season has been a testament to this, with South Florida PGA Members representing the Section across the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, LPGA Tour, and major championships.
Balancing full-time responsibilities at their respective clubs with the demands of competitive golf is no small feat. Yet, these five professionals have demonstrated that the playing ability of South Florida PGA Members still remains at a high level.
Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional, Stonebridge Country Club - Hicks has put together several starts in his 2026 campaign, highlighted by his performance at the Senior PGA Championship. In his debut, Hicks earned Low PGA of America Golf Professional honors with a T-17 finish. Continuing on the senior circuit, Hicks also earned his way into the U.S. Senior Open and the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. Additionally, Hicks made a start at the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic near the start of 2026.
Tyler Collet, PGA Assistant Golf Professional, John's Island Club - In 2026, Collet continues a streak of high-level competition. Following his victory at the PGA Professional Championship in 2025, Collet came back in 2026 and finished T-4 in the PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes. This earned him a spot once again on the Corebridge Financial Team for the 2026 PGA Championship, marking his fifth career start in the major. Beyond the PGA Championship, Collet also secured starts on the PGA TOUR’s ISCO Championship and the Corales Puntacana Championship.
Michael Kartrude, PGA Assistant Golf Professional, The Bear's Club - Kartrude secured his second consecutive trip to the PGA Championship, delivering the best finish of his career in the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes, placing 3rd overall to earn his spot at Aronimink. Kartrude’s ability to play under the pressure of a national championship and compete against some of the best PGA Professionals across the country is a proud representation of The Bear's Club and the entire South Florida Section.
Evan Bowser, PGA Head Golf Professional, Wilderness Country Club - Bowser has a history of competitive golf, having played on the PGA TOUR Canada circuit from 2017 to 2019, making 34 starts and 15 cuts. In 2026, Bowser proudly represented the South Florida PGA Section by stepping back onto the stage, earning a spot in the PGA TOUR’s Corales Puntacana Championship.
Loretta Giovannettone, PGA Teaching Professional, Loblolly - Representing the South Florida PGA Section on one of the biggest stages in women's golf, Giovannettone competed in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. This marked the second appearance she has made in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, previously making her debut in 2023 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey.
Whether they are giving a lesson on the driving range, managing club operations, or standing on the first tee of a major championship, these professionals set a tone of excellence for their clubs and fellow PGA Members. Their 2026 achievements serve as a reminder that the South Florida Section is home to some of the finest players across the country.
