On August 4, 2026, at the historic Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, two young athletes, Alexandra Phung and Rayhao Feng, emerged as champions in the prestigious Carter Cup. The 36-hole tournament brought out the best of both players. Phung of Forest Hills, N.Y., and Feng of Short Hills, N.J., claimed the girls’ and boys’ titles, respectively. Their accomplishments added new names to an esteemed list of past winners. This marked another milestone in junior golf history.
Phung’s impressive performance
Phung, 15, demonstrated her talent throughout the day, finishing with a total score of 5-under par. Her morning round on the Upper Course began with four birdies and only one bogey, a clear indication of her focus and skill. In the afternoon, she moved to the Lower Course and delivered a standout performance by birdying holes 15 and 18. She concluded the round at 2-under for the day, showcasing her ability to stay composed and execute under pressure.
Her words during the event highlighted her determination. It was a great putt, I’m really proud of that.' Phung’s resilience paid off in a key moment, adding to her growing confidence as a competitor.
The afternoon session was a test of both skill and mental strength. Phung birdied the first hole after the turn, but things didn’t get easier. On the fourth hole, her tee shot landed in the water, a challenge that could have rattled a younger player. However, she bounced back with birdies on holes 7 and 8, securing her position on the leaderboard and demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive under difficult circumstances.
Phung also shared her thoughts on the atmosphere during the match. 'I was able to play with a really nice girl, Eve,' she said. 'I think we were really able to just go out there and have a lot of fun. I think that kind of made the whole day go by in a breeze.' Her experience playing alongside a strong competitor proved to be a key part of her success. She enjoyed the process and made some great shots.
Feng’s late surge seals victory
Feng, 16, who had finished as the runner-up in the 2025 Carter Cup, turned in a powerful performance to claim this year’s title. He opened with a morning round on the Upper Course, where he finished at 1-over with a score of 73. But the real magic came in the afternoon when he played the Lower Course. Feng began his round with a birdie on the first hole and built momentum as the day progressed.
The breakthrough moment came on the 17th hole. His aggressive plan paid off as he hit a strong drive. The drive covered a significant distance. 'I ended up hitting that really good,' he said. 'And I had 250 yards left.' With his second shot, he used a 3-wood to hit the green. The shot left him just a foot from the hole. That eagle was crucial in securing the lead. It ultimately helped him win the title.
Feng closed out the day with another birdie on the 18th hole. He finished with an afternoon 66 and a total score of 1-under for the tournament. His final round left him just one shot ahead of the runner-up. Josh Yan of Newburgh, N.Y., finished at 3-under with rounds of 72-68. His afternoon round included three birdies on the final three holes.
Feng described his strategy for the day: 'Throughout the day I was just trying to play my own game. I didn’t play too well this morning on the Upper, I shot 1-over, so I was thinking for the Lower, don’t try to chase birdies and just play the best that I can.' His balanced approach and focus on execution over pressure proved to be the winning formula.
The story of the Carter Cup
Carter, a dedicated junior golfer from New Jersey who had a remarkable career at Baltusrol Golf Club and at Delbarton School. He was a standout player in the junior club championships at both Baltusrol and Winged Foot. After his untimely death in a car accident in 2002, the tournament was created to carry on his legacy and honor his contributions to the sport.
Phung’s victory in the girls’ division is only the second ever. Her older sister, Amelie, won the inaugural title in 2025. For Phung, this achievement adds to her impressive record, which includes being a two-time winner of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition and competing in four National Finals at Augusta National in 2025, 2023, 2021, and 2019. She also recently claimed the AJGA Alice Dye Junior Invitational.
Feng, on the other hand, has also built a strong foundation in the junior golf scene. His sister, Rayee, is currently competing in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, further demonstrating the family’s deep involvement in the sport.
Together, Phung and Feng represent the future of junior golf and the enduring spirit of the Carter Cup. Their victories not only highlight their individual talents but also serve as a tribute to the legacy of Michael Carter and the traditions of the sport.