EASLEY, S.C.—Calm, chilly conditions greeted 84 junior golfers on Sunday morning for the final round of the Players Series at Southern Oaks. Despite the calmer conditions, the 6,100-yard layout continued to show its teeth, surrendering only one round of even par (72) or better for the tournament.
Greenville’s Groves Williams added yet another Players Series first place trophy to his collection on Sunday afternoon. Williams emerged from a crowded leaderboard to win by a single stroke. The 2024 graduate made a clutch birdie on the 18th hole to post three over par 147 for the tournament and claim first place over runners-up Casey Kosney (Spartanburg) and Beau Lewis (Greenville). Williams’ first win on the Players Series in 2023 came in April at Cherokee National Country Club, and he joins Michael Gavin (Hilton Head Island) as the only two-time winner in the Boys 13-18 division this year.
Ella Kate Barnett (Galivants Ferry) also brought home her second Players Series title on Sunday at Southern Oaks. Barnett turned her two stroke lead at the halfway point into a five shot victory at eight over par 152 for the tournament. Marissa Scaletta (Belton) took runner-up honors with a tournament total of 157. Barnett’s maiden victory on the Players Series came in August at Myrtle Beach National, and she joins Akiera Sanchez (Charleston) as the only multiple-time champions on the Girls 13-18 side.
The SCJGA would like to extend a special thanks to Southern Oaks Golf Club for hosting the Players Series at Southern Oaks!
Championship Links: Boys 13-18 Final Results | Girls 13-18 Final Results
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.
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
