​The Heart of Ohio Junior Golf Association held a tournament on July 9, 2026, at Kings Mill Golf Course in Waldo. The event showcased a pair of Wynford standouts who are warming up for the 2026 high school season, with both players producing wins in their respective divisions. Clay Rogers captured the boys 16-to-18 age group with a 2-over-par 72, while Caroline Sheldon earned victory in the girls 13-to-18 division with an 85.
Sheldon explained that her approach this summer centers on improving her game and experiencing a variety of courses rather than sticking to her home track. “My home course is Bucyrus, so I’m adapting to a different style,” she noted. “Kings Mill is tighter than Bucyrus, and that’s pushing me to try new courses so I’m ready for the season when I’ll face different layouts.” This win marked Sheldon’s second HOJGA victory in as many events this year, following her previous success in the circuit.
Rogers, meanwhile, is enjoying his fourth victory in six HOJGA events for 2026. He credited his improved play to reliable wedges and a newly acquired putter, saying, “Everything has been working pretty well.” He added that the win boosts his confidence as he enters the season, recognizing the value of competing against peers who may be stronger than the standard high school match.
Looking ahead to the high school season, Sheldon reflected on her team’s prospects and her personal development. Last year, she helped the Royals reach the Division II girls state tournament, finishing 10th as a team and placing 18th individually. She expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming campaign, noting, “I’m excited for our team. I love playing with all my teammates. We’re pretty good. We only lost one senior last year, so we’ll be pretty solid.” She emphasized the ongoing effort to sharpen her game, highlighting improvements in driving accuracy and iron play, while acknowledging the need to continue refining her short game and putting to drive scores lower.
Rogers is focused on sealing the HOJGA age division championship in the near term, along with the associated scholarship opportunities, before turning his attention more fully to high school golf. “I always want to win. It’s my goal to play in college, and winning scholarship money helps for the future,” he said, underscoring the importance of early-season success for his broader ambitions.
The Kings Mill event produced notable results beyond the top finishers. Following Rogers, Bryant Berry of Colonel Crawford took runner-up honors with a 76, while Olentangy’s Blake Gibson claimed third with a 77. Galion’s Cullen Hart finished fourth with a 78, and Olentangy’s Eli Meranda placed fifth with a 79. In the girls’ field, Sheldon’s peers included Olentangy’s Olivia Ross, who shot a 90, and Olentangy’s Leah McDowell, who posted a 94. The competition highlighted the depth of talent across the region and set the stage for an exciting summer-to-fall transition as players prepare for league and state-level events.