Columbia, S.C. – With back-to-back years as one of the largest numbers to try and qualify for the event, 124 would have a shot at the opportunity to call themselves the 89th SCGA Amateur Champion but only one would walk away with the Billy Lewis Trophy. The final round of the championship at Columbia Country Club in Blythewood, SC started on time and was completed without delays, which was unusual compared to prior days. Starting the day with the lead, defending champion Tyler Gray (Lugoff) would look as though a repeat would be in his future. That is, until Hilton Head Island’s Jonathan Griz got to the back-nine of the championship.
With a tap in eagle on the par-5 12th hole, Griz would take the lead after an unfortunate bogey by Gray making it a three shot swing heading into the final six holes. Christian Salzer (Sumter) would make a run, draining a 25 foot putt for eagle on the 15th to pull within one of Griz. Shortly after his eagle, Salzer would bogey the 17th placing him in a tie for second place with mid-amateur Kyle Bearden (Barnwell) who fired a back-nine -3 under (33) to keep himself in contention.
With a routine par on the final hole, Griz would become the youngest Amateur Champion in SCGA history. When asked about this win, Griz noted this being his biggest win thus far in his career and will hold tight to this victory AS]]as he joins an elite group of past champions. Commenting on his new place in history, Griz expressed, “the amount of names on this trophy, that have gone on to play on the PGA TOUR and win – and for me to come out here and become the youngest champion, it gives me so much confidence and I’m honored to win this event.”
The top 20 and ties will be exempt next year into the 90th Amateur Championship at DeBordieu Club in Georgetown, South Carolina.
