Due to unforeseen circumstances within the national tournament schedule, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is set to return to Southeast Texas for a second national event at Rayburn Resort — further solidifying the region as a premier destination for elite junior golf.
The announcement follows the success of the AJGA Junior at Rayburn Resort presented by the City of Jasper, held March 26–29, 2026. The 54-hole national event featured 78 of the top junior golfers from around the world, including 31 Texas players and 12 already committed to collegiate programs.
The tournament showcased high-level international competition:
- Japan’s Hiroto Ozawa won the boys division at 6-under par
- South Korea’s Amy Seung Hyun Lee, a University of Texas commit, captured the girls division at 6-under par
Reece Williams of Beaumont, a regular on the AJGA tour, was the only Southeast Texas player in the field with the ranking and status required to compete. Williams finished T45 with rounds of 79-78-75 (232, +19). He followed that performance by competing in the AJGA Lake Charles Junior Championship at Mallard Golf Club, posting rounds of 78-77 (155, +11) and narrowly missing the cut.
In addition to Williams, Andrew Bird (Nacogdoches) and Logan and Hunter Houl (Diboll) round out the Southeast Texas connection to the projected field, highlighting the growing presence of local talent competing at the national AJGA level.
Additional Southeast Texas players are currently in the applicant pool for the upcoming event, but with only 38 boys expected to be accepted into the field, earning a spot will require elite national ranking and AJGA Performance Based Entry (PBE) status.
Beyond the competition, the impact of the AJGA event extended well beyond the golf course — delivering measurable economic benefits to the Jasper and Lake Sam Rayburn community.
“This was more than just a golf tournament — it was a major win for our community,” said Austin Williams, Tournament Director in a news release. “The City of Jasper and Rayburn Country Club, led by Joe Penland Jr., along with Jordan Bell and Aron St Aubin, rolled out the red carpet and delivered a first-class experience. It was a fantastic week. From an economic standpoint, the impact speaks for itself — nearly $750,000 in total economic impact, more than 400 hotel room nights generated, and over $149,000 in direct visitor spending. That means more people shopping in our stores, dining in our restaurants, filling up at our gas stations, and supporting our small businesses across the board.
It’s also amazing to have this caliber of junior golf right here in Southeast Texas. Several of these players will go on to compete at the collegiate level and ultimately on the PGA TOUR — and to think the champion traveled all the way from Japan to win here at Rayburn speaks volumes about the global reach and prestige of this event. Events like this don’t just happen — they fuel our local economy, create opportunity, and showcase Southeast Texas on a national stage.”
The AJGA is widely regarded as the premier junior golf organization in the world, with alumni accounting for more than 1,000 victories across the PGA and LPGA Tours. Its events serve as a critical pathway for young athletes pursuing collegiate and professional golf careers.
With the AJGA returning for a second national event, Southeast Texas will once again welcome top junior golfers, college coaches, and national exposure — continuing to elevate the region’s presence in the golf world while driving meaningful economic impact locally.
Additional tournament details, including dates and final field selections, will be announced in the coming weeks.