Isle of Palms, SC— Saturday’s captain’s choice tournament where birdies were bountiful mimicked Sunday’s junior stroke play portion of the Ford-Picard Christmas Classic at the scenic Wild Dunes Links Course.
Gage Howard (Woodruff) emerged victorious in the Boys 13-18 age group following an incredible back nine of five-under 29 for a tournament total of five-under (65) par. Howard would birdie four out of his last five holes on his way to victory and posting his lowest score in competition. Major Lenning (Simpsonville) would also birdie four out of his last fives holes but ultimately fall one shot short, finishing in solo second place after an impressive round of four-under par (66). Local player Luke Walmet (Mt. Pleasant) would round out the top three, posting a one-under par (69).
Taking the title in the Girls 13-18 division was Columbia’s Lextyn Petz. Petz claimed the title, posting a five-over par 75, which was good enough for a one-shot victory. It was a battle but Petz would seal the win on the 18th hole, finishing with a birdie to just edge Pauline’s Madison Peake who carded a six-over par and secured second place. Abbeville’s Caroline Whitt rounded out the top three posting a 12-over par.
In the Boys 12 and Under division, Thomas Sabalis (Columbia) would find the winner’s circle after carding a par in a one hole playoff with Columbia’s Zim Atkinson. Both posted rounds of one-over par (37) on the tricky front nine of the Links Course.
In the Girls 12 and Under division, Hannah Marsden (Myrtle Beach) takes the win with a nine hole total of 53.
The Ford-Picard Christmas Classic completed it’s 27th year of the event, providing a weekend of fun and excitement for all. Special thanks to Wild Dunes Resort and the Links Course for their continued support of the event each year. All tournament information, including results, can be found on the SCJGA homepage.
