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Murata Captures Title at IJGA × NXXT College Pathway Series Championship

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Murata Captures Title at IJGA × NXXT College Pathway Series Championship


Japan’s Ryo Murata Takes Top Honors in International Mixed-Gender Field

Howey-in-the-Hills, FL – July 12, 2025

Japan’s Ryo Murata produced a final-round 69 to claim victory at the second event of the IJGA × NXXT College Pathway Series, a premier 54-hole World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR)-recognized tournament held at the challenging Bishops Gate Golf Club. Murata’s three-day total of –3 (71–76–69—216) secured him a two-stroke victory over Mexico’s standout female competitor, Paloma Ibarra Ambia, who finished runner-up at –1 (73–72–73—218).

Adding to the significance of the moment, Murata’s parents had just arrived from Tokyo the night before—witnessing his first-ever IJGA tournament victory in person after three years at the academy.

This innovative series—co-hosted by NXXT Golf and the internationally acclaimed International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA)—uniquely brings together elite male and female junior golfers in a highly competitive, co-ed format. Inspired by NXXT Golf’s professional Battle of the Sexes Tour, the IJGA × NXXT series emphasizes performance-driven excellence and college exposure, regardless of gender.

A total of 22 competitors, representing nine countries, began the tournament—further highlighting the international prestige and depth of the field.

“The level of competition this week clearly demonstrates why our co-ed format resonates with players and college recruiters alike,” said Stuart McKinnon, Founder and CEO of NXXT Golf. “To see athletes like Ryo and Paloma compete head-to-head under pressure truly showcases the strength and depth of junior golf worldwide.”

IJGA CEO Andrew Summers also commented on the significance of the event, stating:

“Hosting this championship at Bishops Gate—one of the nation’s premier junior golf academies—reinforces our commitment to developing athletes who excel both on and off the course. The players this week demonstrated exceptional character, focus, and resilience in true championship conditions.”

NCAA college coaches were in attendance throughout the event, providing players with meaningful exposure to collegiate programs. Coaches included:


Nathalie Silva – Head Coach, University of La Verne


Phu Khine – Assistant Coach, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Event 2 Final Leaderboard (Top 5):

  1. Ryo Murata (M), Japan – –3 (216)

  2. Paloma Ibarra Ambia (F), Mexico – –1 (218)

  3. Alejandro Uribe Talamas (M), Mexico – +1 (220)

  4. Rikuto Goto (M), Japan – +4 (223)

  5. Yukino Kudo (F), Japan – +5 (224)

Series Snapshot: Event 1 Recap

The series opened on July 3–4 with a 36-hole Junior Golf Scoreboard-ranked event, where Yukino Kudo (Japan) captured Overall Champion honors at –3, and Yuki Yamauchi (Japan) earned Top Male Finisher at +1. The event set the tone for what has already become one of the most dynamic and progressive junior golf series in the country.

Looking Ahead

The series continues with its third event on July 17–18, once again at Bishops Gate Golf Club. The tournament will be JGS-ranked, with a growing field, college recruitment visibility, and pro exemption opportunities on the line.


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