Lleyton Matthews Shoots 68 to Qualify for 2026 SoCal Junior Amateur
Lleyton Matthews delivered a personal best round in competition on Sunday, September 27, firing a 4-under-par 68 at the 12th Southern California Junior Amateur Golf Championship Qualifier. Competing at Olivas Links in Ventura, California, Lleyton tied for second place in a high-caliber field to officially punch his ticket to the 2026 SoCal Junior Amateur Championship.
Five Birdies and One Bogey
Stretching over 6,800 yards with a demanding 72.7 course rating, Olivas Links proved a test for Southern California’s elite junior golfers. Lleyton managed the coastal wind and firm layout, carding 5 birdies against just a single bogey across 18 holes.
The 4-under-par 68 marks Lleyton’s lowest score in official tournament play to date — a significant milestone reflecting months of targeted short-game practice and endurance conditioning.
Stacked California Junior Golf Field
Southern California boasts one of the most competitive junior golf landscapes in the country, drawing top-ranked talent to every regional qualifier. Standing out in a crowded field requires consistency off the tee, targeted approach shots, and sinking critical putts.
Lleyton hit every green in regulation, and by finishing tied for second overall (T2), he secured one of the qualifying spots for the championship, reinforcing his trajectory as a rising leader in California's junior golf ranks.
Tukwet Canyon: 2026 Southern California Junior Amateur Championship
With his qualifying spot locked in, Lleyton now turns his attention to the 2026 Southern California Junior Amateur Golf Championship, scheduled for October 16–18 at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon (Legends Course) in Beaumont, California.
The Legends Course at Tukwet Canyon is know for its undulating fairways, multi-tiered greens, and championship length — setting the stage for a difficult 54-hole test. Over the coming weeks, Lleyton will focus on fitness and multi-day tournament preparation as he prepares to square off against California’s best junior golfers.
