Aarav Shah outlasts strong field at the Dustin Johnson World Junior

02 Mar 2025
by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: View results for Dustin Johnson World Junior, TPC of Myrtle Beach
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Aarav Shah (Photo Courtesy of Golf Tourism Solutioins)

Arrow Aarav Shah (Australia) sealed his weekend with a victory on a windy but sunny weekend at TPC Myrtle Beach at the conclusion of the Dustin Johnson World Junior. After leading through 36, Shah was able to shoot a closing round 73 for a four shot victory.

This is his first victory on the junior circuit since the 2024 Babygrande D.C. Classic. Prior to that, he finished T11 at the Dustin Johnson World Junior in 2024. This year in Myrtle Beach, on his final 18 holes he managed to stay steady throughout the day recording 16 pars, one birdie, and one double bogey at the 7^th. Shah adds his name to an incredible list of past champions including Jackson Koivun, Akshay Bhatia, and Nick Dunlap.

“This course is very tight and penalizing around the greens. I was just trying to keep my discipline and attitude throughout the tournament,” said Aarav Shah. “I knew that it was going to be a high-scoring tournament, so I just told myself to stay calm even if I made a couple of mistakes here or there. It means a lot to me to win this tournament. I have been here (at TPC Myrtle Beach) practicing and preparing and my hard work has paid off.”

Sohan Patel (Weston, FL, 2027) and Tyler Mawhinney (Fleming Island, FL, 2026) increased their positions to T2 with rounds of 72 respectively. They both solidified return invitations to the tournament next year.

Kayla Bryant (Boca Raton, FL, 2026) was also able to get it done after holding a lead through 36, despite a closing round of +4, 76 that included four birdies and eight bogeys. Conditions were once again difficult with winds.

“It was an absolute rollercoaster today, but I just grinded it out to the very end,” said Bryant. “It feels surreal to win. I came into this week with low expectations for myself. To come out with a win is amazing. I’m speechless.”

Ann-Sophie Bourgault (Canada, 2026) maintained second place with a round of +3, 75. Past Champion Ryleigh Knaub (Debary, FL, 2025) fought her way up the board with the best round of the day on the girls side at E, 72. She finished solo third.

Last year, Ethan Paschal and Vanessa Borovilos claimed victory in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively. It was the first time in a few years that the current boys world #1 (JGS) did not win the trophy with past champions in Jackson Koivun (2023), Ben James (2022), and Nick Dunlap 2021. Both 2024 champions have since gone on to collegiate success—Paschal is now competing for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Borovilos has joined the Texas A&M golf team.

View results for Dustin Johnson World Junior

ABOUT THE Dustin Johnson World Junior

Started in 2016 by the Dustin Johnson Foundation, the Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship is a 54- hole invitational event for Boys and Girls ages 13- 18. Those who do not meet the invitation criteria will have an opportunity to earn a spot via an 18-hole qualifier prior to the event.