2011 Players Championship

Austin Zoller made history when his victory made for the first siblings to win the Players. His one under 71 gave him enough margin to follow in the 2009 champion’s  (Taylor Zoller) footsteps in bringing the trophy back to the family home. Lauren Stephenson (Lexington) backed up her tournament (and course record) 66 from yesterday with nine birdies (!) to finish on top with a second round 66 to win by nine. It is hard to believe the youngster had four dropped shots over the weekend to set the new tournament records.  The boy’s 13-14 title went to Trevor Phillips after he struggled on his opening nine. An even par back side got the Easley native to an 81 total and good enough for the victory.

Trent Phillips of Easley fired a single bogey 32 to tie the tournament record and win the boy’s 10-12 bracket by three shots over Kyle Spencer. The young man also tied the overall tournament record in the nine hole division with 67. Natalie Srinivasan of Spartanburg held on to take the girl’s 11-13 action with a 74 total that kept her three shots ahead of her nearest competitor.

The tournament is hosted by the membership of Hartsville CC and presented by the Dustin Johnson Foundation. As one of the PGA Tours young guns, Dustin has separated himself as a class act and one of the most talented players on tour. The only player from SC to be on the Walker and Ryder cup teams wanted to give back to junior golf and the Players Championship was a great venue for him to do so. One of the many activities that will be a major focus is the future stars of the game will get to watch Dustin playing in the Presidents Cup this very weekend.