GAFFNEY, SC (April 24, 2022) – Bright, blue skies greeted the competitors on Sunday morning for the final round of the Players Series at Cherokee National. The tricky, par-72 layout continued to play tough on all of the junior golfers competing, with only one player posting a second round score of even-par 72 or better.
Players Series Links: Final Round Results (Girls Division) | Final Round Results (Boys Division)
Groves Williams of Greenville began the final round seven strokes back of the lead after struggling in round one, but quickly erased the deficit with a score of two-under par 34 on the front nine. The Greenville native continued his solid play on the back nine, ending his round with a birdie on Hole #18 for a total score of three-under par 69. Williams posted three-over par 147 for the tournament, which was good enough for a four-stroke victory in the Boys 13-18 division.
Connor Williams of Spartanburg brought home runner-up honors with a two-day total of seven-over par 151.
The Girls 13-18 Division was taken by overnight leader Ella Stalvey of Blythewood as she posted a second-round score of one-over par 73. Stalvey finished the tournament at one-under par 143, claiming a four-stroke victory over Okatie’s Claire Green.
The SCJGA would like to extend a special thanks to Cherokee National Golf & Recreational Club for their hosting of the Players Series at Cherokee National!
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.
For more information about the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, visit www.scjga.org
