MYRTLE BEACH, SC (July 6, 2023) – 84 junior golfers braved the blazing conditions on Thursday for the opening round of the Players Series at Myrtle Beach National. Low scores were the theme of the day as 10 players carded rounds of even par (72) or better on Myrtle Beach National's West Course.
Championship Links: Boys 13-18 Leaderboard | Girls 13-18 Leaderboard | Final Round Pairings & Tee Times
Garrett Gillespie (Williamston) was the low man of the day in the Boys 13-18 division, carding five birdies to go along with only one bogey on his way to an opening round of four-under par 68. The 2025 graduate currently holds a two-stroke advantage headed into Friday's final round over Blake Bocelli (Mount Pleasant) and JP Reed (Bluffton). Both Bocelli and Reed will join Gillespie in the final pairing on Friday afternoon.
An exciting finish is sure to be had in the Boys 13-18 division, as eight players sit within four strokes of the lead at the halfway point.
In the Girls 13-18 division, Hannah Lowery (Myrtle Beach) and Ella Kate Barnett (Galivants Ferry) sit in a tie atop the leaderboard at the halfway point. Both ladies carded rounds of two-under par (70) and sit three strokes ahead of their nearest competitors, Karsyn Herron (Graniteville) and Grace Lindsey (Mount Pleasant).
Friday's final round is set to begin at 12:15 p.m. off Holes #1 and #10.
About the SCJGA Players Series
In February of 2022, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association announced a brand-new tournament series called the Players Series that is designed to give junior golfers from South Carolina the opportunity to develop their skills and earn exemptions into future Major Championships hosted by the SCJGA. The Players Series schedule begins with the Fripp Island Junior Challenge in early February and consists of 15 different tournaments by the end of 2023.
All Players Series events are included in the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings, as well as the year-long Players Series points standings, which will reward players with exemptions into future SCJGA Major Championships based on the standings at the conclusion of the year. All Players Series events are included in the year-long points race, as well as all statewide SCJGA One-Days such as the President’s Day One Day.
About the South Carolina Junior Golf Association
The purpose of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association is to continue the history and traditions of the ancient game of golf through its members and an active outreach to the youth of our state. Established in 1990 by community leaders with a love for the game and a commitment to passing on golf’s heritage to the youth of South Carolina, the SCJGA is committed to meeting the needs of all young people in the state and providing playing opportunities to boys and girls that might not otherwise have the chance to experience golf and its many benefits. Through affordable opportunities of play, instruction and competition, juniors of all ages, walks of life and skill levels will be touched by the character of the game. It helps to teach them honor, sportsmanship and respect and makes them better prepared to face the challenges ahead in life.
For more information about the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, visit www.scjga.org .
