Young, poised Gonzales logs Aussie victory
Cailey Gonzales showed why she is one of the fastest rising stars in Philippine junior golf recently after playing with composure far beyond her years to pocket the 11-12 crown in the US Girls’ Golf Australian Challenge 2025 at Heritage Golf and Country Club in Chirnside Park, Victoria, Australia.
The 12-year-old student from Brent International closed out with an eagle 3 on the ninth—the last hole of the tournament—in the final round of the championship that was shortened to 27 holes because of extreme weather conditions.
Counting an opening three-under-par 69, Gonzales tallied a 104 and turned back local bet Grace Mackay, who finished with 108 after rounds of 72 and 36. Olivia Espina of the United States placed third with a 111 following a closing 37.
In winning her first international event, Gonzales not only highlighted her growing stature in junior golf but also strengthened her bid for a slot in the 2026 US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Her success in Australia is expected to significantly boost her priority status for that prestigious global event.
Gonzales’ victory follows a string of impressive performances on the local junior circuit. She made waves earlier this year with a stellar outing in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Visayas Series in Iloilo last June, where her consistency, shotmaking and competitive temperament were on full display.
As she continues to hone her craft and gain experience in top-level junior events, Gonzales is steadily carving her path as one of the Philippines’ brightest hopes in golf’s next generation–a young athlete with both the talent and the skills to shine on the world stage.
