2 USNDP Members Post Top-10 Finishes in Argentina

Emerie Schartz, of Wichita, Kan., and Jude Lee, of Walnut, Calif., posted top-10 finishes at the 2026 South American Amateur Open that concluded on Sunday in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Four U.S. National Development Program members were sent by the USGA to the 72-hole, stroke-play competition at Nordelta Golf Club.

Schartz, a 2026 Texas A&M signee, finished tied for fifth at 3-over-par 291. Her second –round, 4-under 68 matched the second-lowest round of the tournament.

Lee, signed to play at Stanford University this fall, finished tied for ninth at 5-over 293.

Angela Zhang (T-35) and Avery Schartz (T-41), Emerie’s younger sister and a USNDP grant recipient, also competed in Argentina.

The four players were accompanied by USNDP coaches Chris Zambri and Tiffany Joh.

Back in the U.S., another U.S. National Junior Team member, Amelie Zalsman, of St. Petersburg, Fla., won the South Atlantic Women's Amateur, also known as The SALLY, in record fashion. The 17-year-old, who has verbally committed to play for Wake Forest University in 2027, posted a 15-under-par total of 273 to surpass the previous 72-hole scoring record held by Jessica Korda (2010). 

Zalsman’s third-round 64 tied fellow U.S. National Junior Team member Mia Hammond for low round of the tournament.

The event was held at Oceanside Country Club, in Ormond Beach, Fla.