Meriden, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Brielle Oquendo, an 11-year-old from Meriden, captured the women’s championship at the Meriden City Open, becoming the youngest winner in the event’s history. With a remarkable round of 93, she showcased immense talent and potential. Her journey began at just two years old, and with a strong support team and an impressive competitive background, Brielle is on a promising path in junior golf, dreaming of collegiate play and the LPGA Tour.
Meriden — 11-Year-Old Sensation Steals the Show at City Open
Young pro in the making: a hometown story that reads like a fairway fairy tale
In a scene that felt part hometown parade, part professional leaderboard shocker, 11-year-old Brielle Oquendo walked away from the 2025 Meriden City Open with the women’s championship hardware and a headline that’ll be on local golf cards for years. The seventh-grader from Thomas Edison Middle School turned up for her first-ever appearance in the event, played the course with poise, and carded a round of 93 to become Meriden’s youngest-ever Open champ. This pushed aside a record set back in 2002 by a 12-year-old winner.
How it began: toddler clubs to tournament champion
The arc here reads like a training montage. Brielle picked up her earliest swings with toy golf balls at age 2, graduated to real balls at 3, and hasn’t looked back. She now drives over 200 yards and spends several solid hours on the range and greens each week, even in winter months at indoor practice facilities. Coaches across her programs describe her as serious, driven, and deeply passionate about the game — traits that translated into calm play during her Open victory.
Development, coaching, and competitive polish
Brielle’s growth is backed by a tight support and coaching team. She works with three swing coaches: John Dipollina and Alex Cavaliere at Lyman Orchards and Dave Pianki at Farmington Country Club. Her routine mixes long-driving power with steady work on the short game — the area she’s rapidly improving. Practice spots include the municipal Hunter Golf Course and indoor winter venues, plus regular sessions at Lyman Orchards and TPC River Highlands youth programs.
Junior circuits and big-stage experience
Her competitive résumé is already robust. She was player of the year in her age group on the Under Armour New England Junior Fall Tour last year, competes in Connecticut Section PGA events and parent-child tournaments with her dad, and is active in the PGA Junior League where she made the all-star team at Lyman Orchards for the second straight year. That all-star unit will head to regional finals at Keney Park to face top teams from New England and New York, with a shot at the national championships in Frisco, Texas, if they prevail.
Brielle has also advanced in the Drive, Chip & Putt pathway, sitting just one step away from the finals at Augusta National. On the national visibility side, she ranks as one of the top vote-getters in a Youth Athlete of the Year online poll, which underlines how quickly she’s catching wider attention.
Family roots and a strong mental game
Golf is a family thread. Her father, Dan Oquendo, picked up the game at 30 and has repeatedly played the City Open himself, passing the passion to his daughter. The family balance is practical: Brielle focuses on academics and maintains grades that allow daily golf practice. Coaches praise more than just swing mechanics; they highlight her mature mental approach and ability to shake off mistakes — a rare trait for someone her age and a big reason she navigates pressure situations so well.
Big dreams and the road ahead
Brielle’s ambitions are clear and ambitious. She dreams of collegiate golf at Duke University and ultimately playing on the LPGA Tour. Her bucket list also includes national junior championships and a Drive, Chip & Putt finals appearance at Augusta National. Recent experiences include attending a top-level professional championship where she met one of her favorite players, soaking up pro-level atmosphere and interaction.
This Meriden City Open win isn’t a fluke; it’s the latest checkpoint in a steady climb. With daily practice, multi-coach support, and a family that values both schoolwork and sport, Brielle is crafting a path any golf fan can track and root for — whether you follow junior golf closely or just love an underdog-turned-champion narrative.
FAQ — Quick Answers for Fans
Who won the 2025 Meriden City Open women’s championship?
The title went to 11-year-old Brielle Oquendo, a seventh-grader from Thomas Edison Middle School.
How did she perform?
She shot a round of 93 and became the youngest champion in the event’s history.
Has she played this tournament before?
No, this was her first time competing in the Meriden City Open, which has no age restrictions.
What junior circuits and programs is she involved in?
She plays on the Under Armour New England Junior Fall Tour, the PGA Junior League, participates in Connecticut Section PGA events, and has been part of youth programs at TPC River Highlands and Lyman Orchards.
What’s next for her team?
Her PGA Junior League all-star team will play regional finals at Keney Park with a chance to advance to the national championships in Frisco, Texas.
What are her long-term goals?
She aims to play collegiate golf at Duke University and eventually compete on the LPGA Tour.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Brielle Oquendo | 11 years old, seventh grade |
| Winning Score | Round of 93 | First time competing in the event |
| Coaches | John Dipollina, Alex Cavaliere, Dave Pianki | Lyman Orchards & Farmington Country Club |
| Key Strengths | Long driving, improving short game, mental resilience | Drives over 200 yards |
| Competitions | Under Armour Jr Tour, PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip & Putt | All-star team at Lyman Orchards; regional finals at Keney Park |
| Next Big Dates | Regional finals at Keney Park; possible nationals in Frisco, Texas | Last year the team finished 2nd in regionals |
| Practice Venues | Hunter Golf Course, Lyman Orchards, indoor winter facilities | Also participates in First Tee programs |
For golf fans who love a scrappy young player climbing the ranks, Brielle’s story is one to watch. She’s not just a local curiosity — she’s a budding talent with the tools, team, and temperament to go far.
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Additional Resources
- CT Insider: Brielle Oquendo Steals the Show at City Open
- CT Post: Meriden Open Highlights
- CT Insider: Meriden Senior Open Results
- Patch: Big Lottery Prizes Sold in Meriden
- Middletown Press: Lost Links to Golf Courses
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Golf Championships
- Google Scholar: Junior Golf Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Golf News
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