Mittag, Dev, and Zhang Lead at the sixth Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational

Briefly: Coltrane Mittag carded a 2-under 70 to lead the Boys 15-18 Division at the 2024 Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational. Veer Dev leads the Boys 14 & Under division after a 3-under 69 while Lisa Zhang leads the Girls Division with a 2-over 74 at White Bluff Resort – New Course.  All players in the field were welcomed with ideal conditions and beautiful weather in the First Round.

2024 Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational Leaderboard

Boy’s Division: Coltrane Mittag of Ashland, Nebraska, carded four birdies en route to a 2-under-par 70, taking a two-shot lead over the field. The University of Oklahoma commit aims to continue his strong play in the second round to capture his first LJT title of 2024. In a five-way tie after an even-par 72 are Mackey Beckett of Lakeway, Jace Hulett of Boerne, Preston Mohon of Southlake, Alex Escamilla of Midland, and Gray Gale of Dallas. Rounding out the top 10 and still in contention are Blake Goodnight of Dallas, Matthew Lewis of Arlington, Cole Pregler of Fulshear, Evan Rohde of Houston, Collin Moody of Bridgeport, and Gable Roach of Keller, all after a 1-over 71 in the first round.

Girls Division: Frisco’s Lisa Zhang fired a 2-over 74 in the first round, giving herself a one-stroke lead over the field. Zhang showcased her toughness by battling throughout the round, including three birdies on the front nine to help maintain her lead. In second place is Pearland’s Krysta Loftin, who shot a 3-over 75. Loftin played a strong back nine to keep herself well within contention. Tied for fourth are San Antonio’s Addison Braden, Austin’s Kanak Yadav, and McKinney’s Anika Singh, all after a 6-over 78.

Boys 14 and Under Division: Veer Dev of Lucas holds the lead in the Boys 14-and-Under Division after a 3-under 69, carding the lowest round across all three divisions. Dev battled all day in a round that included five birdies and an eagle. Lincoln Rubis of Farmers Branch is in solo second after a 1-over 73 in a steady round that featured a bogey-free back nine. Tied for third are JP Lynch of Austin and Zachary Rubis of Farmers Branch, both after a 2-over 74. Rounding out the top five are Edward Lehner of Dallas and Austin Anderson of Gunter, each finishing with a 3-over 75.

The Course: White Bluff Resort – New Course is hosting the sixth Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational for the first time. The course played to just under 6934 yards for the Boys 15-18 division, 6548 yards for the Boys 14 & Under division, and 5995 for the girl’s division.  This is the third Legends Junior Tour Championship hosted at the New Course at White Bluff Resort.

Weather: The temperatures started in the mid 60’s on Saturday reaching a high of 85 in the afternoon under partly sunny skies. Wind was steady throughout the day, remaining at 8-12 mph and gusts reaching 15 mph.

About the Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational: The Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational is the final event in October on the Legends Junior Tour schedule and one of the last chance players have to earn points towards the Player of the Year Standings and earn spots on their respective Jackie Burke Cup teams. The Invitational is open to all players who have an active membership with the Texas Junior Golf Alliance. Players earn exemptions into the field through the Alliance Partners.

The Alliance is a joint venture between the Texas Golf Association, Northern Texas PGA, and Southern Texas PGA. The goal of the Alliance was to allow junior golfers a clear path to the best tournaments in Texas. The players transition from regional events like the NTPGA and STPGA into statewide events like the LJT. The elevation of tours allows junior golfers a chance to grow their game while preparing them for the next level.

Up Next: The Final Round of the Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational is scheduled for Sunday at 8:00 am. Tee times will go off the No. 1 & 10 tees in the morning and the champions will be crowned once play has finished that afternoon.

For more information on the Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, click here.