Alona Avery and Nixon Lauritzen Are Champions!
Virginia Country Club - December 17-18 2023
(LONG BEACH, CA) The Southern California PGA and the SCPGA Junior Tour’s partnership with the Patrick Cantlay Foundation for the “Patrick Cantlay Series” culminated today with the season finale event where Alona Avery of Riverside at seven-under par, 135, and Nixon Lauritzen of Canyon Lake at five-under par, 137, were crowned as the 2023 Patrick Cantlay Foundation Series Champions.
The Patrick Cantlay Series hosted four events within the Toyota Tour Cup schedule during the 2023 season, showcasing the top junior golfers within Southern California and the surrounding regions. These events were among the highest-ranked events on the schedule and provided elite competition and a unique and fun experience for the participants on some of the area’s best courses, with the finale hosted at Patrick’s home golf course, Virginia Country Club.
“The Southern California PGA does a great job with the Junior Tour program, and this event continues to get better each year. I’m proud of Patrick for all he does with the Patrick Cantlay Foundation to support junior golfers and this event showcases that amazing effort by both the SCPGA and Patrick to grow the game of golf,” said Virginia Country Club CEO & Patrick’s Coach, Jamie Mulligan, PGA, the 2021 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year.
Patrick Cantlay participated in the SCPGA Junior Tour from 2002-2010, and has become one of the most successful alumni of the program. He is an eight-time PGA TOUR Champion, including the 2021 FedEx Cup Champion and the PGA Tour Player of the Year. Cantlay is currently ranked 5th in the Official World Golf Rankings and is considered one of the top stars on Tour with his consistency and tenacity. Cantlay had a successful amateur career and was the number-one golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for 55 weeks.
“I am so glad that all the best junior golfers from Southern California came out and supported this event. That’s what this event is supposed to be about; it’s about all of the Juniors having a good time and learning something along the way,” said Patrick Cantlay.
Jamie and Patrick conducted a private clinic for the junior players on the 1st tee after the conclusion of play on day one. Patrick was also involved in setting the hole locations and yardages for this championship event. In addition, Patrick was on the first tee to meet and wish each player good luck as they teed off while also personally congratulating each winner during the awards ceremony.
“Recognizing the inherent value of contributing to both his community and the junior program that once shaped his journey, Patrick stands out for his commendable philanthropy. We are fortunate to boast a roster of alumni achieving remarkable success in their professional pursuits and community engagement, and their steadfast support is continually cherished. Patrick’s commitment sets a new benchmark, representing the most substantial contribution from any of our esteemed alumni or donors to date. We express our enthusiasm for his unwavering dedication, anticipating the positive impact it will have on sustaining the growth and prosperity of the SCPGA Junior Tour.”, said Nikki Gatch, SCPGA Executive Director.
Special thanks to Patrick Cantlay and event partners, Toyota, ADP, Titleist, Footjoy, Delta, DeWalt, Cisco, Goldman Sachs, plus host facilities Bear Creek Golf Club (Murietta, CA), Desert Willow Golf Club (Palm Desert, CA), Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, CA), and Virginia Country Club (Long Beach, CA).