Lee wins 16th Texas Girls’ Invitational

Sulphur Springs — Michelle Lee of San Antonio captured the 16th Texas Girls’ Invitational title with a final-round 70, winning by three strokes. The victory marks her first Legends Junior Tour win.

“I feel great,” said the 2028 graduate with a smile. “I played really well over these last three days and had another solid round today.”

Lee’s final round was indeed solid. The San Antonio native bogeyed the first hole — a start that might rattle other players — but not Lee. She responded with a birdie on No. 3 and followed it with seven consecutive pars. On the back nine, Lee birdied the long, uphill par-5 11th hole. After a bogey on No. 13, she quickly regained momentum with a birdie on No. 14, maintaining her lead down the stretch. A clutch 15-foot birdie putt on No. 17 gave her the confidence to par the 18th and secure the Nez Muhleman Trophy.

The tournament was a battle of endurance, with long weather delays on Saturday and cold, windy conditions on Sunday and Monday. Through it all, Lee remained composed.

“I just tried to stay calm and not think about the rain or the conditions at all,” she said.

With the win, Lee earned exemptions into the 99th Texas Junior Amateur, the 2025 Bluebonnet Championship, the 2025 TJGA Invitational, the 2025 George Hannon Junior Invitational, and the 2026 Texas Girls’ Invitational.

Finishing second was Makenzie Minshew of The Woodlands. The 2027 graduate posted a 3-under 213, highlighted by a standout second round played in challenging conditions.

Avery Zweig of McKinney and Alicia Bellendir of Coppell tied for third. Zweig, a Texas A&M commit, shot a final-round 73 to crack the top five. Bellendir, a 2026 graduate, closed with a 72 to continue her strong run of performances into 2025.

Rounding out the top five were Elizabeth Bellendir and Riya Bapna of Coppell, and Addison Surber of Montgomery all finishing at 2-over 218 for the tournament.

The Legends Junior Tour extends its gratitude to the staff and membership of Sulphur Springs Country Club for hosting the 16th Texas Girls’ Invitational and providing an exceptional experience for all involved.

The Texas Girls’ Invitational has a track record of showcasing future stars. Past champions include Texas Longhorns golfer Farrah O’Keefe (2022), currently ranked No. 12 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and professional golfer Hailey Jones, a two-time winner in 2016 and 2019. Other notable alumni include Tillie Claggett, the 2021 champion, who now holds the No. 122 spot in the world rankings.

Next on the Legends Junior Tour schedule is the Spring Preview, set for March 1-2 at Cleburne Golf Links in Cleburne, Texas.

To learn more about the Texas Girls’ Invitational, click here. To visit Sulphur Springs Country Club homepage, click here. To view Final Round results, click here.