GREENWOOD, SC (August 1, 2023) – Calm conditions and blue skies greeted 80 junior golfers on Tuesday morning for the opening round of the Players Series at Greenwood Country Club. Five players carded rounds of even-par (72) or better on the tricky George Cobb design.
Championship Links: Boys 13-18 Leaderboard | Girls 13-18 Leaderboard | Final Round Pairings & Tee Times
Lilian Alexander (Duncan) carded the low round of the day in the Girls 13-18 age division. The 2023 graduate fired an opening round of one-over par (73) that consisted of two birdies and three bogeys. Alexander holds a two-stroke advantage over Merritt Barbrey (Columbia), and Fripp Island Junior Challenge champion Karsyn Herron (Graniteville) will round out the final pairing in the Girls 13-18 division after an opening round of four-over par (76).
Brennan Kelly (Greer) played a fantastic bogey-free round of three-under par (69) and holds the overnight lead in the Boys 13-18 age group. Kelly is joined in the final pairing by Williamston's Garrett Gillespie and Blake Heard of Anderson, who each posted opening rounds of one-under par (71). Easton Cox (Conway) and Chase Whittle (Awendaw) will each look to make a charge from three-strokes behind after an opening round of even-par (72).
Wednesday's final round of the Players Series at Greenwood Country Club is set to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Hole #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 .
