Louisville, KY (May 17th, 2025) - The 2025 Junior Falls Cities Championship, held May 17–18 at Seneca Golf Course, upheld its long-standing tradition of excellence by showcasing the region’s most promising junior golfers. The tournament, established in 1945, continued its legacy as a premier competitive platform for emerging talent, highlighting both skill and sportsmanship in a challenging and historic setting.

In a tight battle, Knox Betourne secured first place and overall champion in the Boys 16–18 division with a total score of 145. Betourne finished one stroke ahead of Thomas Evans (146). After the first round, Betourne enjoyed a two-stroke lead over Evans, but saw that lead cut to one on Sunday. Betourne prevailed with a birdie on #15 followed by three straight pars to hold on to the championship.

To claim the Boys 14–15 title, Andrew Perry carded an impressive five birdies in his final round and finished two strokes ahead of the competition with a total score of 146. Ashton Gordon and Luke Ousley tied for second with an overall score of 148. Gordon was awarded second place through a scorecard playoff.

Caroline Childers had a strong two-day performance with a score of 151, finishing four strokes ahead of the competition with a birdie on hole #15 on Sunday to claim victory in the Girls 14–18 division. Avery Suter and Emlie Miller tied for second with a score of 155. Suter was awarded second place through a scorecard playoff.

Parker Haddix carded five birdies on Sunday and posted a total score of 153, dominating the second day by nine strokes over the competition to claim the champion title in the Girls 13 & Under division. Molly Amos finished runner-up with a score of 169.

Charlton Zhuang took home the Boys 11–13 champion title after posting a total score of 156, narrowly defeating Max DeHaven (158) by two strokes. Zhuang’s final round was highlighted by birdies on holes #1, #2, and #15.

Hagan Newton (70) captivated the gallery with an impressive four birdies and a long putt for par on #18 on Sunday to claim the champion title in the Boys 10 & Under 9-hole division. Newton narrowly defeated Jamison Welch (71) by one stroke.

Kourtlyn Suchard was awarded the Girls 10 & Under (9-hole division) champion title after posting an impressive 79, finishing six shots ahead of the competition. Bella Wang finished runner-up with a score of 85.

The Junior Falls Cities Championship has been recognized as one of the most prestigious and tradition-rich junior golf tournaments in the United States. Established in 1945, the tournament has served as a foundational event in junior golf for Louisville and surrounding communities. It has been hosted annually by Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation, and in 2022, the Kentucky PGA Junior Tour joined as a co-administrator to enhance organizational support and visibility.

In alignment with tournament tradition, the overall girls’ champion earns an exemption into the Ladies Metro Championship (formerly the Jefferson County Ladies Golf Tournament). The event’s official renaming to the Ladies Metro Championship is scheduled to take effect with the tournament on June 23–24, 2025. The overall boys’ champion receives an exemption into the Men’s Metro Championship.

Over the decades, the Junior Falls Cities Championship produced an impressive roster of champions and participants, reflecting its historical significance in the junior golf landscape. Notable past winners included major champions Justin Thomas and Bobby Nichols, PGA TOUR winners Jodie Mudd and Frank Beard, along with numerous successful NCAA athletes and PGA professionals.

2025 Junior Fall Cities Champions and Runners-up:

Boys 16-18:

Knox Betourne, Floyd Knobs, IN -- Finished first place at (+1) 145.

Thomas Evans, Fisherville, KY -- Finished second place at (+2) 146.

Boys 14-15:

Andrew Perry, Winchester, KY -- Finished first place at (+2) 146.

Ashton Gordon, Lexington, KY -- Finished second place at (+4) 148.
 

Boys 11-13:

Charlton Zhuang, Lexington, KY -- Finished first place at (+12) 156.

Max DeHaven, Hardinsburg, KY  -- Finished second place at (+14) 158.

Boys 10 & Under (9-hole division):

Hagan Newton, Berea, KY -- Finished first place at (-2) 70.

Jamison Welch, Georgetown, KY  -- Finished second place at (-1) 71.

Girls 14-18:

Caroline Childers, Bowling Green, KY -- Finished first place at (+7) 151.

Avery Suter, Pewee Valley, KY -- Finished second place at (+11) 155.

Girls 13 & Under:

Parker Haddix, Nicholasville, KY -- Finished first place at (+9) 153.

Molly Amos, Beaver Dam, KY -- Finished second place at (+25) 169.
 

Girls 10 & Under (9-hole division):

Kourtlyn Suchard, Bowling Green, KY -- Finished first place at (+7) 79.

Bella Wang, Louisville, KY -- Finished second place at (+13) 85.

Click here to view the final results.

Click here to view the photo gallery.

The Junior Tour extends its sincere gratitude to Seneca Golf Course and its entire staff for their invaluable assistance in hosting this event.

The Junior Tour looks forward to the upcoming SEAY Motors One Day Series at Juniper Hills. Click here to view the full Junior Tour event schedule. 

About the Junior Tour:

The Kentucky Golf Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable affiliate of Kentucky's Family of Golf Organizations, was founded in 2002 through the vision of the Kentucky Golf Association and the Kentucky PGA. Our core purpose is to positively impact Kentucky youth through the sport of golf. The Kentucky Golf Foundation is solely funded by private individuals and corporate donations, memorials, special events, and contributions from Kentucky's Family of Golf Organizations.

The Kentucky Junior Golf website was established through the vision of the Kentucky Golf Foundation board, aiming to create a single, comprehensive online resource for all junior golf programs in the state.

Media Contact:

Skylar Thornton | Golf House Kentucky | sthornton@kygolf.org