Grand Oaks, Fowlkes Repeat as Girls Golf District 13-6A Champions

2 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

Back-to-back district titles for Grand Oaks; Fowlkes repeats as individual district champion as Pistono and Shields-Rodipe lead The Woodlands to second

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 9:00p.m.

ATHLETICS — Girls Golf

MAGNOLIA, Texas — Grand Oaks captured its second consecutive UIL District 13-6A Girls Golf Championship, while senior London Fowlkes repeated as individual district champion, during the March 30-31, 2026 tournament at Lake Windcrest Golf Club.

Grand Oaks finished with a 603 (+27) team total to secure the district title for the second year in a row. The Woodlands placed second at 608 (+32), followed by Grand Oaks 2, The Woodlands Team 2, Conroe, College Park and Caney Creek.

The two-day event determined team champions, individual medalists and qualifiers advancing to the UIL Regional Tournament scheduled April 15-16 at Eagles Bluff Golf Club in Tyler, Texas.

A strong gallery followed players throughout the final round. Conroe ISD Director of Athletics Chris Feris attended the championship tournament, joining coaches, parents, administrators and supporters from across South Montgomery County. Spectators gathered along fairways and near finishing holes as the individual medalist race and team standings unfolded.

Weather conditions during the final round were warm and typical for late March in the Houston area. Temperatures reached the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies and south winds around 10-15 mph. The conditions created playable but challenging circumstances on the Lake Windcrest layout, where tree-lined fairways and fast greens rewarded precision and consistency.

Aleah Shields-Rodipe 3rd | London Fowlkes 1st | Payson Pistono 2nd — *Aleah Shields-Rodipe 3rd |* *London Fowlkes 1st | Payson Pistono 2nd*

Fowlkes Repeats as Champion

Grand Oaks senior London Fowlkes posted 69-69 for 138 (-6) to win the district championship for the second consecutive year, matching her individual victory from the previous season.

Her two rounds reflected consistent scoring and key stretches of momentum across both days.

During Round 1, Fowlkes opened with steady play before gaining momentum on the front nine. She recorded birdies on holes 5 and 8, positioning herself under par heading into the back nine. Her closing stretch proved equally strong, with birdies on holes 16 and 18, helping her post a 34 on the back nine and 69 overall.

Her first round included four birdies and only one bogey, highlighting her ability to avoid mistakes while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

In Round 2, Fowlkes again demonstrated control and patience. After navigating the front nine near even par, she produced key birdies on holes 14 and 17. Her late-round performance secured another 34 on the back nine and a second consecutive 69, clinching the district championship.

One of the defining moments of the tournament came late in the final round.

Fowlkes drove the green on hole 17 and converted a six-foot eagle putt, extending her lead and securing the repeat victory.

Her performance reflected a combination of power and accuracy. Fowlkes’ distance off the tee frequently left short-iron approaches, but her control with that length proved to be the most impressive element of her game throughout the tournament.

Fowlkes said. “In the beginning, it was a struggle… I had to take deep breaths… and just kept myself steady.”

Fowlkes also credited her father’s presence and guidance as a key factor.

“I had to take deep breaths… look at my dad, who makes me calm,” Fowlkes said, noting his support as an important part of her success.

Her steady performance helped Grand Oaks maintain its team lead across both rounds.

Grand Oaks Head Coach Brandon Poncho credited the team’s approach entering the tournament.

“We can’t control what anybody else does… we’ve got to take care of our own golf ball… one shot at a time,” Poncho said.

Poncho also emphasized the team’s motivation and focus.

“The kids are so motivated… they respect the game… they just want to put themselves in position,” Poncho said. “London did that… she put herself in position all day and just took care of it.”

Pistono’s Final-Round Charge

Payson Pistono, a junior from Conroe The Woodlands, finished second overall with 143 (-1), highlighted by a strong final-round 70.

Pistono opened with 73 in Round 1, staying within striking distance of the leaders. Her second round featured multiple scoring opportunities and a steady closing stretch.

During Round 2, Pistono recorded birdies on holes 2, 5, 10 and 15. She maintained composure throughout the final stretch, recording pars on four of the final five holes to finish at 70 (-2).

Her ability to maintain consistency across both rounds helped The Woodlands secure second place.

Woodlands Head Coach Chad Handley noted Pistono’s leadership.

“Payson has been playing well… she’s a really good leader… this year’s group is way closer than we’ve had in the past,” Handley said.

Pistono’s performance also reflected improved scoring on the back nine, where she managed the course effectively and limited mistakes.

Her steady play helped The Woodlands improve from 307 in Round 1 to 301 in Round 2, closing the gap in team standings.

Freshman Shields-Rodipe Impresses

Aleah Shields-Rodipe, a freshman from The Woodlands, finished third overall with 146 (+2) in one of the tournament’s standout performances.

Shields-Rodipe opened with 72 in Round 1, recording birdies on holes 5 and 9. She followed with steady play on the back nine, posting pars on six of nine holes to remain near the top of the leaderboard.

In Round 2, she again produced key scoring moments, recording birdies on holes 14 and 16. Despite late-round pressure, she maintained composure to finish with 74, securing third place overall.

Shields-Rodipe displayed advanced skills at an early stage in her career. Her ability to control ball flight, shape shots and manage course strategy stood out across both rounds.

She demonstrated shot-making ability typically seen in upperclassmen, positioning herself among the district’s top competitors.

Her performance also highlighted the future strength of The Woodlands program.