July 28, 2026
Orinda's Samantha Chiou managed to be the only player to break par, leading her to a big win at the annual JTNC Tour Championship at par-71 Poppy Hills.
Chiou, a junior at Bentley High in Lafayette, carded a second-round 2-under 69 to come in with a two-day score of 141, defeating runner-up Jenny Johnson by three strokes. During her round, Chiou carded four birdies to go against two bogeys.
"My putting was a lot better, and I gave myself some birdie opportunities," Chiou said. "The course is one of the best I have played."
Among the things keeping Chiou on track was the presence of her father, who was a spectator. Her game has also grown between the ears.
"My mental game is better now. I trust myself more, especially when I have a bad hole," Chiou said.
Johnson posted a second round 71 to finish at 144. Jayleen Sito was third at 145.
Earlier in the year, Pleasant Hill resident Tavin McKinley got to celebrate a CIF/NCGA NorCal title at Poppy Ridge with his De La Salle High teammates.
This time around, McKinley went solo at Poppy Hills. McKinley, a junior at De La Salle, carded a final-round even-par 73, good for a two-day total of 143 and a one-shot win over runner-up Nathaniel Lee.
"It felt like a fight out there this week," McKinley said. "At times I didn't have my best game out there. I just tried to make par, and make birdies when I could."
For McKinley, a key birdie came on the par-5 9th after reaching the green in two. At the time, he was even-par through eight holes. Two holes later on the par-3 11th, McKinley carded another crucial birdie.
"I was kind of struggling through the first eight holes. Getting on the green on No. 9 in two was a big boost," said McKinley, who gave a fist pump after his ball stopped on the green.
Lee, who hails from Davis, was stung by a bogey on No.15. He'd birdie the par-5 18th, but by then it was too late.
Third place went to Matthew Ubick at 145 after a final round 69.
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July 27, 2026
Jayleen Sito of Dublin took the early lead Monday at par-71 Poppy Hills, carding a 1-under 70.
Sito's round included four birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey on the par-5 9th.
Samantha Chiou is alone in second place at 72. Jenny Johnson is alone in third place at 73.
Tavin McKinley of Pleasant Hill is the player everyone is trying to catch after the first round at par-71 Poppy Hills.
McKinley, a junior in high school, was steady in at times blustery conditions, carding 15 pars, two bogeys and a birdie.
Four players are just a stroke back at 73: Jaxen Castillo, Nathan Eshwar, Daniel Doan and Nathaniel Lee.