2010 Beth Daniel Junior Azalea

Blake Kennedy started the day 5 shots off of the lead in the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea in trying to successfully defend his 2009 title. A blistering SCJGA record of 63 put him back into the event. The Moore native had an eagle and four birdies on his front nine to turn in 30. Four birdies on the back and a lone double on the last gave him a fantastic 8 under par round. A missed eight foot birdie try on 17 and a bunkered tee shot on 18 dashed the hopes of a 59, but the young man generated quite a buzz for the field and spectators.

The 2008 ladies Champion, McKenzie Talbert, also took advantage of great scoring conditions as she passed the field. The 2009 Beth Daniel Player of the Year fired a final round 65 and she ended up with a three shot margin of victory. Six birdies, an eagle, and a hiccup double on the treacherous par 3 11^th made up the impressive scorecard for the final day. Her record in this event is an impressive two championships and a tie for 2^nd last year.

Four time LPGA Major Champion, Meg Mallon, joined Beth in watching the action unfold at the Country Club of Charleston. The spectators and players were treated to some great tour stories and advice from the two LPGA greats. Pictures and autographs were the order of the day for all of their young (and not so young) fans.

The Country Club of Charleston is the home track of the event and has a tremendous history of talented membership that includes Masters Champion Henry Picard, storied amateur Frank Ford, Beth Daniel, and many others that have gone on to success in the game. Their support of amateur and junior golf is second to none in South Carolina.

Players were selected based on their national ranking with the National Junior Golf Scoreboard and the SCJGA Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings. Over 150 players applied for the event that will be sure to grow with Beth’s influence.

Beth has been a long time friend of the SCJGA and junior golf. The Beth Daniel Player of the Year award goes annually to the top female golfer in SC based on the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings. She has also been involved with the LPGA – USGA Link Girls to Golf Program and several other junior golf specific programs. She has won 33 times on tour, been on the Solheim Cup Team nine times, elected to the LPGA Hall of Fame in 1999, and elected to the World Golf Hall Of Fame in 2000. The Charleston native was also the 2009 USA Solheim Cup Captain.