Horseshoe Bay Resort will host the 99th Texas Junior Amateur presented by Edwin Watts Golf from July 28-30, marking the venue’s 11th time to take centerstage for the state’s oldest and most prestigious junior championship since 2009.
Set amidst more than 7,000 scenic acres in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort is recognized as one of the nation’s premier golf and lakeside destinations. Located just 45 minutes from Austin, Horseshoe Bay is renowned for its wide variety of first-class amenities, including four championship courses, and has been named one of the “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America” by Golf Magazine.
“We could not be more excited and honored to return to Horseshoe Bay Resort for this year’s Texas Junior Amateur,” said Scott Davidson, Tournament Director for the Legends Junior Tour. “Horseshoe Bay has for a long time been a supportive and engaged partner and we are certain it will once more provide an outstanding stage for our major championship.”
The 99th Texas Junior Amateur presented by Edwin Watts Golf will feature a 240-player starting field comprised of four age divisions: Boys 15-18 (120 players), Girls 15-18 (60), Boys 14 & Under (45), and Girls 14 & Under (15).
The Boys 15-18 Division will be contested over the formidable Ram Rock Course. Opened in 1981, the par-71 layout was designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is consistently ranked among the toughest golf courses in Texas. With its narrow fairways, dramatic elevation changes, numerous water hazards and difficult approach shots, Ram Rock is famously known as the “Challenger” and for good reason.
The Girls 15-18 Division and the Boys and Girls 14 & Under Divisions will compete on the recently renovated Apple Rock Course. Also designed by Trent Jones Sr., Apple Rock made its debut in 1985 and is highlighted by rolling terrain, a wonderful mix of long and short holes, and unforgettable views of Lake LBJ. In 2019, the par-72 layout underwent an extensive renovation overseen by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the legendary architect’s eldest son, that included building new greens, tees and bunkers, as well as the installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation and drainage system to enhance playing conditions.
“Ram Rock and Apple Rock have extensive championship traditions,” Davidson said. "They have proven time and again to be demanding but fair tests for every division and I know the players will enjoy competing on these two celebrated courses.”
The format for both the Boys 15-18 Division and Girls 15-18 Division is 54 holes of stroke play, with a cut following the second round. The Boys and Girls 14 & Under Divisions will each play 36 holes of stroke play.
There have been several exciting developments surrounding the Texas Junior Amateur over the past year and a half. It all started in January of 2024 when the championship was designated as an official USGA Exemption Event. What that groundbreaking news meant for the players is that the winners of the Texas Junior Amateur Boys 15-18 Division and Girls 15-18 Division will earn full exemptions into the following year’s U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior.
Early in 2025, the LJT was thrilled to announce that Edwin Watts Golf had committed to being the presenting sponsor of the 99th Texas Junior Amateur. The additional support from the trusted, nationwide golf retailer has further elevated the elite status of the championship. Then just last month, the LJT touted a new partnership with College Golf Network (CGN) to provide in-depth coverage of this year’s event. CGN will feature live final-day broadcasts of the lead groups for both the Boys 15-18 Division and Girls 15-18 Division on their respective back nine holes, along with player interviews and other behind-the-scenes content.
There was plenty of excitement at last year’s championship too, although it was of the kind everyone involved could have done without. The 98th Texas Junior Amateur was originally slated to be played July 29-31 at The Clubs of Kingwood but had to be called off due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Thanks to some heroic efforts and accommodating member clubs, LJT officials were able to reschedule the Boys and Girls 15-18 Divisions for later dates and at new sites but unfortunately had to cancel the Boys and Girls 14 & Under Divisions.
The Texas Junior Amateur Boys 15-18 Division was moved to the New Course at White Bluff Resort in Whitney and was held Sept. 21-23. Shiv Parmar of Selma claimed his first major when he posted a 6-under-par 210 total to win the title by two shots over 2024 George Hannon Invitational champion Adam Villanueva of Kenedy who ended at 4-under 212. The victory earned Parmar full exemption into this year’s U.S. Junior Amateur at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.
The Texas Junior Amateur Girls 15-18 Division was relocated to Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne and was played Dec. 14-16. Honorine Nobuta Ferry of Flower Mound shot a sizzling 7-under-par 65 on the last day to finish at 213 (-3), one stroke clear of runner-up Faith Tufono of San Antonio at 214 (-2). With the win, Nobuta Ferry punched her golden ticket to the 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga.
With another strong field expected in 2025, a highly regarded championship venue, terrific presenting sponsor, live final-day broadcasts and USGA exemptions on the line, this year’s Texas Junior Amateur is undoubtedly shaping up to be one of the best ever.
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