FLORENCE, SC– As rain drops fell during the round, so did birdies for Drew Harrill. Harrill, a Spartanburg native, fired a second round five-under par, 66 leaving him with a one shot lead heading into the final round of the 69th Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational at Florence County Club. Harrill began the day three shots back of first round leader Max Green (Hilton Head Island), but would quickly make his charge to the top of the leaderboard. Making the turn at one-under one the day, Harrill caught fire on his back nine carding three birdies and an eagle to post a four-under 31 and take the lead.
Looking back on his round, Harrill highlighted his putting and consistent demeanor throughout the round that contributed to his success. When asked about his approach for the final round, Harrill said, “I want to go into tomorrow like I have been the past two days. (I) just want to have fun and relax and hopefully celebrate when all is said and done.”
Dallas Johnson (Mt. Pleasant) carded a three- over 74 to hold a two shot lead over fellow Mt. Pleasant native Walker Felton in the Boys 13-14 division. Johnson will look to capture his first SCJGA major victory as he heads into the final round.
Holding on to his first round lead of three shots, Owen Atkinson (Columbia) remained consistent posting another three over par, 74. Atkinson will have some heat on his heels as Will Ruth (Moore) will look to make a run for the Boys 11-12 title sitting just three shots back.
Connor Wolfe (Blythewood) increased his lead after carding three over, 39 on the back nine for a two day total of 78. Wolfe holds a five shot lead in the Boys 10 & Under going into the final day.
The Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational is in it’s 69th year of existence and is the longest running junior golf tournament in South Carolina. Formerly known as the Florence Junior, the tournament was renamed after the famed Grant Bennett back in 2013. Bennett started the Florence Junior in 1952 after his inaugural year as both Head Professional and Course Superintendent in 1951. Bennett coached his high school golf teams to 11 straight state titles, had one of his pupils win the US Junior Championship (Buddy Baker), help host the 1963 US Junior Championship at Florence Country Club, was co-founder of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association and a member of multiple Hall’s of Fame.
Tomorrow’s final round will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the 1st tee. Follow live coverage of the 69th Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational by following the SCJGA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
