American juniors call experience one they will “always remember”

While the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club was captivating golf audiences far and wide, another team competition was taking place across the world at Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France.

The 18th Amundi Evian Juniors Cup welcomed 83 of the best junior golfers representing 21 countries to show off their incredible talent over three days of competition at a venue that also plays host to The Amundi Evian Championship, an LPGA Tour major. Each team featured four players with two boys and girls competing per team.

Entering this year’s tournament, all eyes were on the United States Team, which was in search of a fourth consecutive win at the event. This year’s squad was led by Iris Lee, who is No. 22 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and No. 41 in the Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings. She finished tenth at The Nelly Invitational presented by Chevron in May and then went on to win the 99th Women’s Western Junior Championship in June. Lee’s stellar play earned her a spot on the Junior Solheim Cup team led by Captain Morgan Pressel. Playing at the famed Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, Lee won two of her three matches as Team USA managed to hold off a singles charge by Europe to retain the cup by a margin of 13-11.

Lee traveled directly from the Netherlands to France for the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup, where she was joined by fellow junior golf star Hazel Hooper, who is No. 83 and No. 97 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings, respectively. Hooper has two top-five AJGA finishes already this year.

The team was rounded out by up-and-coming talent Cullen Beck and Wyatt Brindza. Beck, a South Carolina native, is No. 350 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings. He won the Moon Golf Junior All-Star presented by Auburn-Opelika Tourism in June. Brindza hails from Texas and is No. 343 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings. He finished fourth at the AJGA Junior at Cypress Bend presented by Sabine River Authority at the start of June.

To determine the ultimate team champion in this stroke-play competition, the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup utilizes the best three scores from each team per round to crown an eventual champion. In round one, it was Hooper who paved the way for Team USA with an exceptional 3-under 68. She was joined by Brindza and Lee who each carded a 1-over 72 for a day one total of 1-under, which placed the United States team in fourth to start the week.

“This was my first time playing in another country which was super memorable,” Hooper explained. “There were definitely some nerves because of that, and also playing for not just myself, but luckily I was able to settle in quickly and put together a great round of golf.”

Brindza and Lee continued their steady play into round two, once again posting scores of 1-over 72. This time they were joined by Beck, who finished at 5-over 76. Playing conditions were much tougher in the second round, with not a single country managing to produce an under-par total. Despite falling back on the leaderboard, Team USA spirits remained high.

“I made an eagle putt on 18 which was a really huge putt,” Beck explained. “Being able to pull through and perform well after a tough couple of days was really rewarding.”

Entering the final round, the United States trailed leader France by 14 shots. Even in the face of seemingly impossible odds, the four Americans didn’t give up. Instead, they pulled together and finished strong with a combined total of 3-over thanks to Beck, Hooper and Lee, who each posted a 1-over 72. That score was the fourth-best team score of the final round and enough to move Team USA two spots up into fourth for the week.

While this was not the result Team USA was hoping for, it did not take away from the experience these four players had in what was still an unforgettable week in France.

“I’m so proud of what we accomplished this week, and it was such an honor to be able to represent the USA,” said Lee. “We poured our hearts into the competition and made so many amazing memories. It’s an experience I will never forget.”

The American team was led by Coach Stephanie Peareth and Captain Kelly Schuler, both from the LPGA Foundation. Peareth is the Director of Foundation Operations and is the driving force behind the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program. Schuler started her career with the American Junior Golf Association and is now the Senior Coordinator, Events for the LPGA Amateur Golf Association.

“It was the most memorable and incredible experience of my career,” Peareth explained. “I couldn’t be prouder of the team! We bonded instantly with the players and their families. That’s what made the whole experience so special. Representing USA was unforgettable and the players did us proud. They played with heart and never gave up. I’m so grateful for everyone’s support for them and the USA!”

To anyone who got to see this team in person, it was evident just how great the camaraderie was. That positive environment was fostered by Peareth and Schuler, who made a concerted effort to balance competitive advice with a focus on the bigger picture.

“Being able to represent the USA was unforgettable and what made it so meaningful was seeing their confidence grow with every shot, every challenge, and every moment they shared as a team,” Schuler explained. “We kept reminding them to experience more than just what was on the leaderboard but feel the excitement of representing their country, supporting one another, and discovering what they were capable of on and off the course. The smiles, determination, and energy they brought to the course was unmatched and hopefully the memories we made will last for the rest of their golf careers!”

Beyond the competition, the United States team also benefited from the generous support of partners including Antigua, Acushnet, PING and Sunice. Antigua provided the team hats and uniforms while Acushnet delivered golf shoes. Sunice then came in with custom water-proof rain gear. PING rounded out the gifting with golf bags and umbrellas.

These players will look to build upon this experience as they continue to pursue their dreams of playing golf at the highest level, but in the meantime, they will return to the United States with memories that most teenagers can only dream of.

“It was really a lot of fun and such a special experience,” Brindza said. “Spending time together as a team and making core memories, just playing pool and making jokes with my teammates, is something I’ll always remember.”

United States finishes fourth at 18th Amundi Evian Juniors Cup

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