Aphrodite Deng has become the first Canadian to win the U.S. Girls’ Junior Golf Championship since the tournament began 76 years ago. The 15-year-old defeated Singapore’s Chen Xingtong in the final match held Saturday at the Atlanta Athletic Club.
Deng won the 36-hole final with a score of 2 and 1. It marks her third major junior golf title of the year. Earlier in 2025, she won the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in April and the Mizuho Americas Open in May.
With this victory, Deng secures a place in two top-tier events: the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club and both the 2025 and 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur tournaments.
Speaking after the match, Deng shared her joy and surprise. “It really means a lot. I just can’t believe that I won,” she said. “I didn’t really think about the end result because I knew there were a lot of good players here. I just tried to win each match.”
Deng was born in Calgary, Alberta. Her family later moved to Montreal and then to New Jersey for her father’s job. She currently lives mostly in Orlando, Florida, but still holds Canadian citizenship. She represents Golf Canada as part of its junior program.
The final was intense. After the first 18 holes, Deng had a strong 4-up lead over 16-year-old Chen. However, Chen fought back in the second round, cutting Deng’s lead to two holes twice. Her final push came on the 34th hole when she won with a par. But Deng held her ground on the next hole, matching Chen’s par and securing the title.
“I think I stayed in the moment throughout the whole match,” Deng said. “I did get a little tired at the end. I learned that I’m pretty consistent and I’m pretty good, and I think that I stay pretty calm in front of a crowd and cameras.”
Chen, who made history herself by becoming the first player from Singapore to reach the final, showed great skill throughout the tournament. But Deng’s early lead and steady play under pressure gave her the edge.
This win is a major step in Deng’s young career. It adds to her growing reputation as one of the top junior golfers in the world. At only 15, she has already claimed three junior major titles in a single season. Her recent success also gives her access to some of the highest-level competitions in women’s golf.
Golf experts praise Deng not just for her performance but also for her calm and mature approach to the game. Her steady nerves and smart strategies helped her succeed under the pressure of national attention.
As she continues her rise in the world of golf, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. With her latest win, Deng has proven that she is not just a rising star—but one who may soon shine on golf’s biggest stages.
