News Summary
Briana Chacon, a young golfer from California, secured victory at the Casella Golf Championship with a remarkable score of 9-under par. Chacon’s consistent performance over three rounds earned her the championship title and a prize of $30,000. Brooke Rivers from Canada finished in second place, while Laetitia Beck took third. The tournament showcased a blend of young talent and experienced golfers, emphasizing the competitive nature of the Epson Tour. Despite challenges, the event highlighted community support and the growing popularity of women’s golf.
Guilderland — Briana Chacon, a 23-year-old golfer from California, clinched victory at the prestigious Casella Golf Championship held at Pinehaven Country Club on July 20, 2025. Chacon emerged at the top with an impressive score of 9-under par, finishing the tournament with a three-day total of 204, achieved through rounds of 69, 68, and 67.
In her final round, Chacon showcased her skills by recording just one bogey and five birdies, leading her to a successful finish. This victory marks Chacon’s second win of the current Epson Tour season and her third overall, solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s golf. As the champion, she earned a prize of $30,000.
Finishing in second place was Brooke Rivers from Ontario, Canada, who ended the tournament at 7-under par (206) after rounds of 72, 66, and 68. Rivers held the lead for much of the final round but faltered with a double-bogey on the 18th hole, which cost her the championship title. Laetitia Beck from Israel took third place with a total score of 8-under par (205), demonstrating consistent play with three rounds of 69, 69, and 67.
Notably, LPGA veteran Maria Fassi from Mexico finished tied for fifth place at 4-under par (209), earning $8,000. Fassi’s rounds consisted of scores of 69, 71, and 69, leaving her five strokes behind Chacon’s winning total. Additionally, Yani Tseng, a notable two-time LPGA Player of the Year from Taiwan, placed 45th in the competition with a score of 2-over par (218), earning $1,003.
The Casella Golf Championship attracted a blend of young talent alongside experienced professionals, emphasizing the competitive nature of the Epson Tour. Many LPGA players participated to keep their skills sharp, contributing to the overall high level of play in the tournament.
This year’s championship featured a total purse of $200,000, a substantial increase from the prize pool of $60,000 during the inaugural season. The increase highlights the growing popularity of the event and the support from sponsors and the local community. Local tournament director Jim Miller expressed strong support for the continuation of the Casella event at Pinehaven, following 21 years of dedication to the tournament.
Despite its success, the tournament faced challenges, including the cancellation of a scheduled concert that was intended to be part of the festivities. Additionally, local favorite Kennedy Swedick was disqualified due to a rules violation, which posed difficulties for the organizers and the participants alike. Nevertheless, the championship closed on a bright, sunny day, and participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the course and conditions.
Community contribution played a crucial role in the tournament’s execution. Cindy LaFleur from CISC Ashley Seminary expressed her appreciation for the ongoing support from sponsors and the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration in making such events successful.
Over the past Epson Tour season, only two events have seen purses as low as $200,000, underscoring the significance of the Casella Golf Championship within the tour. The tournament not only serves as a competitive arena but also as a platform that supports the growth and visibility of female golfers.
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Additional Resources
- Times Union: Briana Chacon Wins Epson Tour’s Casella Golf Championship
- Google Search: Briana Chacon
- Times Union: Kennedy Swedick Disqualified from Epson Tour Event
- Wikipedia: Epson Tour
- Epson Tour: Li Holds Lead Through Second Round
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Times Union: Epson Tour Golf Event Returning to Pinehaven
- Google News: Epson Tour 2025
