Erlenkeuser Earns Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year; Messimer Joins Elite Company as Three-Time Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year
Columbia, SC — December 16, 2024 — The South Carolina Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) is proud to announce its 2024 Players of the Year: Erik Erlenkeuser as the Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year and Madison Messimer as the Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year. These awards, named in honor of South Carolina golf legends Jay Haas and Beth Daniel, recognize the top junior golfers in the state based on the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings.
Erik Erlenkeuser: Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year
Erik Erlenkeuser’s 2024 season exemplified the consistency and skill associated with the Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year title. Competing in more than 30 events throughout the year, Erlenkeuser captured a victory at the 17th Annual Harvey Brock Orange Jacket, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion under pressure. His runner-up finishes at the Blade Junior Classic, the NB3 Georgia Regional, and the Carolinas Junior Boys’ further underscored his position as one of the state’s most accomplished junior golfers.
Erlenkeuser also shined in highly competitive fields, securing a tie for fourth at the NB3 Boys Junior National Championship. His success extended to high school events, where he earned first-place finishes at the Region 1-5A Tournament and the Bobcat Invitational. Throughout the season, Erlenkeuser consistently delivered top-10 finishes, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill that have become hallmarks of his game.
"I am honored to receive the SCJGA Jay Haas player of the year. This award doesn’t come easy; it was a major goal of mine. I’m thrilled to see my hard work, determination, and grit pay off. This successful year wouldn’t be possible without my family, friends, mentors, and coaches. I feel blessed." - Erik, reflecting on his momentous victory.
Named in honor of Jay Haas, a South Carolina native and golf legend with nine PGA Tour wins and 18 Champions Tour victories, the award reflects Haas's legacy of excellence and consistency. Erlenkeuser’s 2024 campaign reflects the same qualities, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious title.
Madison Messimer: Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year
Madison Messimer earned the Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year title for the third consecutive year, joining McKenzie Talbert as the only players to achieve this distinction in SCJGA history. Her 2024 season included several standout performances, including a tie for fourth at the prestigious PGA Junior Championship and a tie for fifth at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, cementing her position among the top junior golfers in the nation. In September, she was one of 12 members of the victorious U.S. team in the biennial Junior Solheim Cup at Army Navy Country Club, coached by Beth Daniel in Arlington, Virginia.
Messimer’s year also featured a runner-up finish at the Scott Robertson Memorial and a top-10 finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex. Her consistency in elite fields earned her recognition as a Rolex Junior All-American, further solidifying her reputation as one of South Carolina’s finest young golfers.
"It means so much to me to win Beth Daniel Player of the Year for the third straight time! It’s extra special since Beth Daniel was my captain for the Junior Solheim cup team. I have worked very hard this year to accomplish this goal." - Madison stated when asked to sum up what receiving this third consecutive title means to her.
The Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year award, named after LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame member Beth Daniel, honors the legacy of a golfer whose career includes 33 LPGA victories, two U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships, and a victorious captaincy of the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup team. Messimer’s achievements mirror Daniel’s excellence and commitment to the game, making her a fitting recipient of the award.
Selection Process
The SCJGA Players of the Year were determined using the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings, sponsored by the Heritage Classic Foundation. These rankings highlight the accomplishments of junior golfers throughout the season and celebrate the best in South Carolina junior golf.
Honoring Excellence
Prior to the new year, both Erlenkeuser and Messimer will be honored in ceremonies alongside South Carolina golf legends Beth Daniel and Jay Haas. These events honor the remarkable achievements of South Carolina’s junior golfers and their contributions to the sport.
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
