GREER, SC – Final round results of the 23rd Annual Blade Junior Classic hosted by Thornblade Club on Thursday, July 22, 2021.
Championship Information: Final Round Results | Media Results
Zach Adams of Charleston claimed victory as the 23rd Annual Blade Junior Classic Champion. Entering the final round, Adams held a six-shot lead in the boys 13-18 division. Firing seven-under 64 today, Adams finished the tournament with an electric overall score of 15-under 198.
“I knew it was going to be a little tough at the start today going in with a six-shot lead,” said Adams. “So, I gave myself a goal to win by 10 and I won by 12 so I just kind of steadied my way to a 64. It just feels great to be the champion. I’ve been playing here for so long and I’ve come close a few times, so I’m just proud of myself and excited.”
Jerry Bruns of Beaufort and Tip Price of Greenville, each posted three-under 69 to finish in a tie for second place. Overall, Bruns and Price carded 3 under par 210 for the tournament.
Paige Paolucci of Blythewood entered the final round in a three-way tie for first. She shot two-over 74 in the final round to be crowned champion of the girls 13-18 division. Paolucci finished with an overall eight-over 224 for the tournament.
“Going into 16 I knew I only had three holes left to make a charge,” Paolucci said. “I was just trying to put the ball on the fairway, put the ball on the green and I ended up having a good score. Last year, I never would have thought I would win this year. But, I came in this year thinking I was going to win and wanting to win, so I’m super excited that everything kind of fell the way I wanted it to.”
Caroline Hawkins of Columbia finished second, posting a final round five-over 77. She finished 11-over 227 for the Championship.
The SCJGA would like to offer a special thanks to Thornblade Club and the entire Blade committee for their gracious hospitality and continuous commitment to growing the game of golf in South Carolina.
Through a continued effort to support junior golf, the 2021 tournament will mark the start of The Blade’s support of the Dick and Lucille Hendley Scholarship Fund. Through partnering with the Hendley family, one male and female Blade participant who exemplifies great character, a passion for community service and a desire to excel in the classroom will be eligible to receive scholarship assistance. In 1999, The Blade Junior Golf Classic was founded by a group of Thornblade Club members with a passion for creating the best junior golf tournament experience for junior golfers and their families. After 20 plus years, a dedicated board of directors and a team of generous sponsors, The Blade has developed into one of the most premiere tournaments in junior golf. Since its inception, The Blade has sought to provide support for local charities, having donated nearly $1.5 million to charities such as the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation, Prisma Children’s Hospital and Camp Courage, The FRAZEE Center, and 1st Tee of the Upstate, among others.
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.
