WASHINGTON, Mo. (July 9, 2026) – Parker Andersen of Wentzville and Betsy Mitchell of Kansas City captured Missouri Golf’s premier junior championships Thursday, earning victories at the 42nd Annual Missouri Junior Amateur Championship at Franklin County Country Club.
The championship concluded under overcast skies before light afternoon showers moved through the area for roughly an hour. Temperatures remained in the low to mid-80s throughout the day, while calm winds and only a slight breeze provided favorable conditions for the championship round.
The boys championship featured a dramatic finish as Andersen rallied over the closing holes to claim his first Missouri Junior Amateur Championship.
After entering the final round one stroke behind overnight leader Cole Packingham, Andersen remained within striking distance throughout the day. The turning point came on the 16th hole when Andersen recorded a birdie while Packingham made bogey, creating a two-shot swing that moved Andersen into a share of the lead. Andersen then took sole possession of first place on the 17th hole with a par and held on over the closing hole to secure a one-shot victory.
Andersen finished the championship at 2-under-par 211 following rounds of 69, 70 and 72. Hudson Shy of Saint Charles finished one stroke behind at 1-under-par 212, while second-round leader Cole Packingham of Lake Saint Louis placed third at 1-over-par 214.
The girls championship produced an equally memorable finish as defending champion Betsy Mitchell stormed from fourth place entering the final round to capture her second Missouri Junior Amateur Championship.
After beginning the day seven strokes behind the lead, Mitchell fired the lowest round of the girls championship, a 4-under-par 67, to complete an impressive comeback. Her round was highlighted by three birdies on the back nine, including birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to close the tournament and secure the championship.
Mitchell finished at 3-over-par 216 after rounds of 76, 73 and 67. Alexi Omillian of Kansas City, who led after each of the first two rounds, finished runner-up at 6-over-par 219, while Addie Swan of Lee’s Summit placed third at 8-over-par 221.
Missouri Golf extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, membership and volunteers of Franklin County Country Club for their outstanding hospitality and support throughout the championship. Their efforts helped provide an exceptional experience for the state’s top junior golfers during all three days of competition.
Complete results from the 42nd Annual Missouri Junior Amateur Championship can be found at https://mga-2026junioramateurchampionship.golfgenius.com/pages/5735892. For additional championship coverage, visit mogolf.org and follow Missouri Golf on all social media platforms.
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About Missouri Golf
Missouri Golf is the official governing body for amateur golf in Missouri. Founded in 1905, Missouri Golf is dedicated to promoting and protecting the game of golf in Missouri through championship competitions, handicapping services, course rating, junior golf programs, and various educational initiatives. MO Golf serves thousands of golfers across the state and is committed to ensuring that golf remains accessible, enjoyable, and thriving for generations to come. For more information, visit mogolf.org.
