Team California wins PGA Junior League Golf Championship for second time in three seasons

DULUTH, Ga. -- Team California captured the 2014 PGA Junior League Golf Championship title Sunday, with a 7 to 5 victory over Team Georgia at TPC Sugarloaf. Team California also won the title in 2012.

Team Indiana won the third-place match, 8 to 4, over Team Tennessee. Team Connecticut claimed fifth place with an 8 to 4 victory over Team Texas, while Team Iowa and Team New Jersey tied for seventh place after a 6-6 tie in their match.

WHO'S PLAYING?: See the rosters for all the teams at the Junior League Championship

Representing San Ramon (California) Golf Club, Team California was the only undefeated squad in the three-day Championship. Team California and Team Georgia met in the Championship for the third consecutive year, as both teams went 3-0 in their conference matches on Friday and Saturday.

PGA Professional Jim Colliins, the Captain of Team California, was thrilled by his team’s performance.

“I am overjoyed right now and it’s been an incredible ride,” said Collins. “I am so proud of my team and to win a national championship really puts an exclamation point on my career.”

Aaron Chen, a member of Team California who was playing in his first and final PGA Junior League Golf Championship, loved the experience.

“The match was neck-and-neck all day, and it feels so good to win,” said Chen, 13. “This is my best experience in a team sport. It’s actually the highlight of my golf career so far.”

Team Georgia, which captured the title in 2013, finished 3-1 overall and has competed in the Championship match every year since the inception of PGA Junior League Golf.

MORE: Sunday's photo gallery | PGA Junior League leaderboard

“Team California played extremely well and deserved to win this Championship,” said PGA Professional Chuck Scoggins, the Captain of Team Georgia. “Our team battled incredibly hard, and I’m proud to be their coach.”

Each of the eight teams played three matches between Friday and Saturday to determine the winner from the East (Team Georgia) and West (Team California) Conference. The eight teams competing in the 2014 PGA Junior League Golf Championship qualified by winning their respective regional competition.

The team format of PGA Junior League Golf features matches with points awarded based on number of holes won. Coaches are able to alternate players every three holes, ensuring all team members play in each match.

Much like other recreational league sports, PGA Junior League Golf participants play in team uniforms with jersey numbers. Young golfers learn the game and play under the direction of PGA/LPGA Professionals, who serve as team captains.

PGA Junior League Golf Championship – Final Standings

• Champion – Team California (San Ramon)
• 2nd – Team Georgia (Atlanta)
• 3rd – Team Indiana (Avon)
• 4th – Team Tennessee (Knoxville)
• 5th – Team Connecticut (Hartford)
• 6th – Team Texas (Houston)
• Tied for 7th – Team New Jersey (Trenton)
• Tied for 7th – Team Iowa (Spencer)