California's Tao books return trip to U.S. Junior Girls' Championship
By Jennifer Todd, P.J. Boatwright Intern and Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • June 9, 2025
APOLLO — For Angelina Tao, one trip across the country earned her another. Again.
Tao, a 16-year-old from Coto De Caza, California earned her second trip to the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship Monday with a comfortable finish over the field at Willowbrook Country Club.
“Everything was just really consistent today,” said Tao, who shot a 4-under score of 68, claiming the lone qualifying spot by six strokes. “I just stayed focused on every shot.”
Two years ago, Tao was the top qualifier in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, carding a score of 72 at The 1912 Club to reach the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
“I guess this is my lucky state,” she said following Monday’s round.
Pittsburgh native Mya Morgan finished second in the qualifying round, earning an alternate spot for the national championship, set for Atlanta Athletic Club from July 14-19.
Kate Sowers and Cindy Manni Yang tied for third, but Yang emerged as the second alternate after defeating Sowers in a playoff.
Despite hailing from the Laguna Beach area of Southern Los Angeles, Tao wasn’t totally unfamiliar with playing golf far from home.
“I do travel up here to play tournaments,” she said. “I was just in Indiana playing, too.”
That said, Western Pennsylvania courses — and in this case, a demanding one in Willowbrook County Club — can provide unique challenges for golfers.
“It was a definitely tough course, especially around the greens and in the rough,” Tao said. “But I think there was a good mix of scoreable and difficult holes in there. I just stayed in the moment and hit each shot.”
Next, she’ll get a crack at the biggest crown in junior girls golf in Atlanta, as well as a shot at a better showing after missing the cut in 2023.
“I have never played there,” she said. “But I am excited to go, and I’m sure it’ll be challenging."
To view all results, please click here. (GGID: 25USGIRLSJRQ)
For any media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.