AJGA at Rayburn Resort: City of Jasper Presents a Championship Weekend to Remember
- Rita Shipp
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated March 31, 2025 at 11:25 a.m. to include recognition of the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce and Sam Rayburn Resort as key event partners.
The inaugural American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament at Sam Rayburn Resort concluded Sunday with a thrilling display of talent, resilience, and community pride. After three intense rounds of golf, Wylie Inman of North Palm Beach, Florida, and Juliet Oh of Diamond Bar, California, emerged as champions in the Boys and Girls divisions, respectively—each demonstrating skill and composure beyond their years.
Inman finished at 9-under-par (207) with rounds of 69, 69, and 69, edging out Grayson Baucom of Hickory, North Carolina, by a single stroke. Baucom’s stellar 6-under total (210) was matched by the consistency of third-place finisher Henry O’Keefe of Little Rock, Arkansas, who carded 212. On the girls’ side, Juliet Oh delivered a masterclass performance with rounds of 72, 72, and a blazing 68 to close at 4-under (212), besting Canadian standout Eileen Park by four strokes.
Here you can view the final Boys Standings and Girls Standings.
More than just a golf tournament, the weekend became a celebration of community—thanks to the strong partnership between Sam Rayburn Resort, the City of Jasper, and the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Together, their collaboration and support made the experience unforgettable for players, families, and fans alike.
Jordan Bell, Director of Golf Operations at Sam Rayburn Resort, played a key role in executing the weekend’s success. With more than 300 guests on-site, Bell and his team managed everything from cart logistics to ensuring a smooth player and spectator experience. “You get to watch the best junior golfers in the area—and probably in the nation—come to your golf course to play,” Bell said. As a former AJGA player himself, Bell described it as a full-circle moment and a proud milestone for the resort.
The AJGA tournament brought 78 of the nation’s top junior golfers—and even a few international talents—to compete on East Texas soil, placing Jasper firmly on the national golf map.
Matthew McConnell, Tournament Director for the AJGA, shared just how much goes into bringing an event like this to life. “It’s been a couple years in the making to get the event here,” McConnell said, crediting the City of Jasper, the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Rayburn Resort staff for their vital support."
Despite a weather delay on Friday that included lightning and a tornado watch, tournament organizers and resort staff swiftly adjusted, resuming play Saturday with a shotgun start for over half the field. “We well exceeded my expectations,” McConnell said, applauding the adaptability and professionalism on display.
The hospitality from local residents also left a lasting impression. AJGA staff were even welcomed into homes for meals and rest—an uncommon kindness that reflects Jasper’s community spirit. “We really can’t express enough how welcome we’ve felt,” McConnell shared.
The event wrapped with an award ceremony celebrating not only the top-three finishers but also players who carded the lowest rounds on the final day, offering a fitting and heartfelt end to a memorable tournament.
As the AJGA looks ahead, the success of this inaugural event in Jasper may pave the way for future tournaments in the region. And with plans already in motion to expand Sam Rayburn Resort to 27 holes, the course is poised to become a go-to destination for competitive golf in East Texas and beyond.
In the words of Bell, “This wasn’t just a golf tournament—it was a win for the entire community.”
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