St. Francis Student Jaden Soong Makes History with CIF State Golf Championship Victory

Jaden Soong with Golf Coach Kyle Ostrom. Photo provided by SFHS

St. Francis High School freshman Jaden Soong etched his name into California golf history by winning the CIF State Championship at the Poppy Hills Golf Course in Monterey, California with a jaw-dropping 9-under-par 62. 

At just 15 years old, Soong not only topped the leaderboard but became the youngest golfer ever to hoist the coveted state title trophy – joining a legendary list of champions that includes Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay and Rickie Fowler. 

Soong outpaced a competitive field of the state’s finest, edging out Evan Liu of Torrey Pines High School by two strokes. His round included pinpoint precision, ice-cold putting and a level of poise far beyond his years. Coaches, spectators and fellow competitors looked on in awe as Soong carved up Poppy Hills like a seasoned pro. 

“Jaden’s performance was nothing short of remarkable,” said St. Francis Head Coach Kyle Ostrom. “He’s got a maturity to his game that’s rare—and this is just the beginning.” 

With this win, Soong doesn’t just take home the title of state championship – he steps into elite company and writes a thrilling first chapter in what promises to be a historic high school and beyond golf career.