EASLEY, SC – Final round results of the Upstate Junior Classic hosted by Smithfields Country Club on Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Final Round Information: Final Round Results | Media Results
Entering the day two-strokes behind the round one leader, Logan Lutz of Mount Pleasant mounted a back nine charge that included three consecutive birdies on holes 13-15 to snatch the lead for good. Lutz posted the only round under par for the entire tournament across all age groups, carding a three-under-par 69 en route to a four-stroke victory over runner-up Aiken Golightly of Rock Hill.
“It feels really good to win,” Lutz said. “It brings some confidence to me. I haven’t played a whole lot of great golf this summer and this is a good confidence booster, so hopefully this will help take me to my next tournaments and I will keep playing good.”
In the girls 13-18 division, Greer native Raquel Fowler, emerged victorious shooting four-over 76 for the final round. Overall, Fowler posted 11-over 155 for the tournament. Runner-up honors went to Okatie’s Claire Green, who earned her way into The Blade Junior Classic with her high finish.
“This was my first big win,” Fowler said. “I have played in a few SCJGA tournaments, but since I am going to college after this summer I haven’t gotten to play in as many, so it is really cool that I finally won one.”
Will Ruth of Moore took home first place in the boys 13-14 division with a tournament total of nine-over 153. Ruth enjoyed the most commanding victory of the entire tournament, a five-shot win over runner-up Cade Kriscunas of Hilton Head.
“I put in a lot of hard work,” Ruth said. “I won my division last year, so I wanted to go back-to-back, and it feels cool winning as a 13-year-old. I met new friends and had fun, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Owen Atkinson of Columbia shot two-over 38 in the final round to claim first place in the boys 12 and under division.
“It feels great to win the Upstate Junior Classic,” Atkinson said. “After the Grant Bennett I needed to win a tournament before I move up to the older age group, so this is a great tournament to win.”
Matthew Roff of Spartanburg took second place in this division carding one-under 35 in the final round.
The following players in the boys 13-18 contest and girls 13-18 division qualified for the 23rd Annual Blade Junior Classic and will compete in the coveted Championship at Thornblade Club, July 20-22: Wyatt Harrill (Chapin), Tag Graziano (Hilton Head), Jack Magera (Greenville), Jones Saylor (Bluffton), Granger Amick (Spartanburg), Mitchell McNeill (North Augusta), Jeep Patrick (Hilton Head), and Claire Green (Okatie).
The SCJGA would like to extend a special thanks to Smithfields Country Club for their gracious hospitality and commitment to growing the game of golf in South Carolina.
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.
