Mark Lowry, Founder and President of the National Golf Players Development Fund (NGPDF), is proud to share the accomplishments of NGPDF players during a busy and successful second quarter of 2025. Young golfers from across the country have made impressive strides in national tournaments, state championships, and elite junior events.
Cameron Guyton of Georgia was named Camper of the Week at the Florida State University Golf Camp and competed in the Future Masters, finishing 54th out of 80—one of only five 11-year-olds to make the cut. Tyler Lambert of Washington, D.C. earned top finishes at the NC State Invitational (T7), Lakeside Park Classic (Top 2), and placed 2nd at Ford’s Colony in the US Kids Tour.
Ariel Collins of Georgia had a strong season with 2nd place finishes at the Mack Champ Invitational, the 3A Georgia High School State Championship, and the Annika Award Invitational. Kaylee Gatlin of Mississippi finished T-55 out of 207 at the PGA High School National Invitational, won the Whisper Lake Junior Club Championship, and was named to the Congaree GGI Class of 2025.
Staci Pla from Florida posted an outstanding quarter with multiple top finishes: 1st at the US Women’s Amateur Qualifier, 3rd at a PGA Qualifier, 4th at the John Shippen, 6th in the Underrated Tour Palm Springs, and strong performances in FSGA events including 9th, 18th, and 25th place finishes.
Ashley Shaw of Arizona had a standout season, highlighted by her selection as a US Ambassador by Steph Curry and to play in the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. She also won the Underrated Tour Palm Springs Regional, and is currently ranked 3rd on the Underrated Tour and 1st in Arizona. She competed in the Rolex Girls Junior Championship, the Southwestern Amateur, and placed 10th in the US Girls Junior Qualifier.
Zafir Winn of California won two US Kids SF events and placed 4th at the Mack Champ Invitational. He was invited to the Stanford Junior Squad Academy, an honor shared with his brother, Obasi Winn, who also competed in the Underrated Denver Qualifier.
Ken Elam Jr. of Arizona qualified for the 2026 Drive, Chip, and Putt Regional and participated in local US Kids events. Vivian Lott of Georgia won the Club Championship at White Oak Country Club and tied for 10th at the Shoals Junior All-Star.
Aiko Benford, also from Georgia, earned 2nd Place for GCAPP Rising Leaders Student Ambassador of the Year. Terrence Blevins III of Illinois competed in the Northern Indiana Junior Golf Association and finished 5th in the City of Chicago Junior Amateur.
Kylani Gathers of Florida secured 1st place finishes in two US Kids events—Eagles Golf Club and Plantation Palms—showcasing her rising talent.
These achievements reflect the dedication, growth, and talent of the young athletes supported by NGPDF, as they continue to shine both on and off the course.
For more information or to be involved contact Mark N. Lowry, Founder and President, National Golf Player Development Foundation at email mnl@ngpdf.org or visit www.ngpdf.org or call (480) 294-3532.
