The WardlaLAartridge girls’ golf team didn’t stop making headlines after completing its second consecutive undefeated state championship season last spring. Several Rams continued their outstanding play during the summer, gaining more competitive experience while capturing tournament titles.
LA stars of the past joined the current Rams on the summer highlight reel. LA alumna Sydney Kuo ’20 finished second in the NJ Women’s Amateur Golf Tournament at Glen Ridge Country Club in August. Sydney shot a scintillating round of 69 but lost a tight match against top-ranked Katherine Lu. In the semifinal, Sydney defeated former LA teammate Jenelle Valera ’22, one of the leaders and standouts for the Rams the past two years. Sydney plays on the golf team at Washington University in St. Louis and Jenelle is a member of Bryant University’s first women’s golf team.
Grace Lu ’22, another leader and co-captain for the Rams in their championship run, shot a superb 4-under-par to win the NJPGA Challenge at Architects Club in Lopatcong in August. Grace is now playing for The College of William & Mary women’s golf team.
Younger sister Claire Lu ’24 prevailed in the NJPGA Junior Masters Tournament at Newton Country Club in August, defeating teammate Tanya Chowdary ’24. Claire also played Rolex Girls Junior Championship, a tournament featuring some of the best junior golfers from ages 12-19 in an invitational Junior Amateur 72-hole stroke play tournament. Claire competed in a Notah Begay III qualifier tournament for the Girls National Championship (72-72) and qualified. She will play the event in November. The event will be airing on the Golf Channel.
Tanya posted six top-five finishes to rank fourth in a field of 64 girls in the 16-18 division for Player of the Year. She won the NJPGA Junior title in the 13-15 division at Ramsey Golf and Country Club and captured the NJPGA Mountain Classic crown in the 16-18 division.
Sarah Shao ’24 captured the American Junior Golf Association tournament title, firing rounds of 75-77-72 to win by one stroke. The competitive field included golfers from all over the United States and Canada.
Ava Choi ’25 finished second in the Junior PGA event at Stanton Ridge Country Club in July, shooting 82. She also competed in August tournaments at The Peddie School and Shackamaxon Golf and Country Club.