GREENWOOD, SC (June 17, 2022) – Sweltering temperatures once again greeted the competitors at the Players Series at Greenwood Country Club for Friday’s final round, and the heat only added to the excitement that the final 18 holes would bring.
Players Series Links: Final Round Results (Boys Division) | Final Round Results (Girls Division)
The boys 13-18 leaderboard was tightly contested all day, with as many as five players being tied for the lead at any given time. Extra holes were needed to determine the champion, as Michael Gavin of Hilton Head Island, Ryan Bozard of Charleston, and Hudson Clary of Easley all finished the tournament tied at one-over par 145.
A sudden-victory playoff began on the par-five 18th hole, with Bozard and Gavin carding a birdie to force a second playoff hole. The pair matched one another a second time with birdies on the par-five 1st hole. On the third playoff hole, which was the daunting par-three 2nd hole, Gavin secured the title with a fantastic chip from short of the green to tap-in range for par and his first SCJGA Players Series title.
The girls 13-18 division was tightly contested for much of the day, but overnight leader Emilyn Davis of Honea Path stood strong against a late charge from runner-up Kaylee McElwain of Aiken.
Davis finished the tournament at seven-over par 151, which was good enough to claim a two-stroke victory.
The SCJGA would like to extend a special thanks to Greenwood Country Club for their hosting of the Players Series at Greenwood CC.
About the SCJGA Players Series
Players Series events will be included in the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings. The Players Series is uniquely designed with its own separate rankings system, which will reward players based on end of the year final standings. All Players Series events will be included in the separate rankings, as well as all state-wide SCJGA One-Days such as the President’s Day One-Day.
The year-long points race will give all Players Series competitors the opportunity to earn exemptions into the SCJGA’s 2023 major championships, excluding the Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational. The top finisher in the boys and girls standings at the end of 2022 will be “fully-exempt” into all SCJGA 2023 major championships. Full exemption earns players the right to compete in high-profile Championships such as the Sea Pines Junior Heritage, the Blade Junior Classic and the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea. Other exemptions into SCJGA majors will also be awarded to players depending on final Players Series Rankings and SCJGA majors exemption availability.
In addition to the year-long points race which rewards long term commitment to the series, immediate rewards will also be given to 2022 Players Series Champions. Champions of each 2022 Players Series event will earn exemptions into all future 2022 Players Series events, as well as exemption status into the 2022 Upstate Junior Classic, 2022 Harvey Brock Orange Jacket Classic and 2022 Fall Challenge.
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.
