FLORENCE, SC (July 8, 2022) – Final round results of the 71st Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational hosted by Florence Country Club on Friday, July 8, 2022.
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Starting the day one-shot behind the second-round leader, Jay Smith of Florence fired a final round score of four-under par 66 to claim the overall champion title of the 71st Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational. He had an impressive five birdies today and finished with an overall score of seven-under par 203 for the tournament.
“It was back and forth all day today,” said Smith. “It was tight the whole way, so I’m really proud to come out on top. This was the first tournament I played in as a junior, when I was 13 I got last place in this event and now to win it four years later on my home course, it feels amazing. Hard work really does pay off and it feels really awesome.”
Spence Hagood of Greenwood finished with an overall tournament total of six-under par 204 to take second place in this division.
In the boys 13-14 division, Owen Atkinson of Columbia and Will Ruth of Moore were forced into a playoff, each finishing with an overall tournament total of 11-over par 221. Atkinson made par on the third hole of the playoff to be crowned champion of this division and Ruth took second.
“Today was a long day of golf,” Atkinson said. “I tried to stay strong, stay safe and just play good golf coming in. I missed three short putts in a row and then finally made one on the third hole of the playoff when it really counted. I’m really honored to win this tournament and I really wanted to win it, so this feels great.”
Connor Wolfe of Blythewood finished the tournament with an impressive score of 12-under par 130 to take home the title in the boys 12 and under division. He had five birdies and an eagle today, posting a final round score of six-under par 65.
“I started out pretty good today,” Wolfe said. “I really started heating up on the back nine. I birdied 13 and 15 and then lipped out for an albatross on 18, so it was just all in all a really good day. It feels amazing to be the champion. I’ve been practicing a lot for this event, so it is an honor to win it and I’m really proud.”
Jack Coleman of Aiken was awarded second in this division, finishing the tournament at nine-under par 133, overall.
About the Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational
The Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational is the longest running junior golf tournament in South Carolina. Formerly known as the Florence Junior, the tournament was renamed after the famed Grant Bennett back in 2013. Bennett started the Florence Junior in 1952 after his inaugural year as both Head Professional and Course Superintendent in 1951. Bennett coached his high school golf teams to 11 straight state titles, had one of his pupils win the US Junior Championship (Buddy Baker), helped host the 1963 US Junior Championship at Florence Country Club, was co-founder of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association and was a member of multiple Hall’s of Fame.
About the South Carolina Junior Golf Association
The purpose of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association is to continue the history and traditions of the ancient game of golf through its members and an active outreach to the youth of our state. Established in 1990 by community leaders with a love for the game and a commitment to passing on golf’s heritage to the youth of South Carolina, the SCJGA is committed to meeting the needs of all young people in the state and providing playing opportunities to boys and girls that might not otherwise have the chance to experience golf and its many benefits. Through affordable opportunities of play, instruction and competition, juniors of all ages, walks of life and skill levels will be touched by the character of the game. It helps to teach them honor, sportsmanship and respect and makes them better prepared to face the challenges ahead in life.
For more information about the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, visit www.scjga.org
