SANTEE, S.C.– Lake Marion Golf Course played host to the SCJGA’s final event of 2020 as 78 competitors took on the par-72 layout on a chilly day in Santee.
Matthew Baxley (Beech Island) began his quest for his first SCJGA title with a solid effort on the tricky front nine, carding eight pars and a lone birdie to sit at one-under par making the turn. The 2023 graduate continued his consistent play with seven more pars on his final nine to go along with his only two bogeys of the day to take the lead in the clubhouse at one-over par (73). Baxley’s score stood atop the leaderboard for about half an hour until being matched by Nathan Giles (Columbia), who made birdies on holes #16 and #18 down the stretch to force a sudden-victory playoff. After every score had been posted, Baxley and Giles headed back to the tee on the reachable par-five 18th hole to decide the champion. Baxley cashed in on a birdie opportunity from just inside 10 feet to take the Boys 13-18 title following Giles’ par.
In the Girls 13-18 division, Lora Ledbetter (Conway) successfully defended her crown from the 2019 New Year’s Eve One Day by posting a steady round of two-over par (74). The Coker University commitment finished three shots ahead of her nearest competitor, runner-up Emily Baker (Chapin). Baker bounced back from a rough first nine, posting one-under par (35) on her back nine to take second place.
Owen Atkinson (Columbia) took the Boys 12 & Under division by two strokes, carding a one-over par (37) on the back nine. Finishing in a two-way tie for runner-up were Owen’s younger brother, Zim Atkinson, and Easton Cox (Conway),
The Girls 12 & Under age bracket champion was Summer Carey (Manning), who finished with a commanding six-stroke victory over the field. Runner-up Kinley Brazell (Blythewood) finished strong, making pars on the final two holes to claim second place.
The SCJGA would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2021!
Boys 13-18 Champion Matthew Baxley 
Girls 13-18 Champion Lora Ledbetter
