MURRELLS INLET, SC (March 17, 2025) – The 25th Annual Can-Am Junior Team Matches took place at Wachesaw Plantation Club this weekend, where the top eight male and female junior golfers from South Carolina faced their counterparts from the Golf Association of Ontario.
Saturday's Four-Ball Matches
The competition began with Saturday’s four-ball matches, where Team Canada took an early lead. Madison Messimer & Erik Erlenkeuser and Charles Cauthen & Claire Green made an immediate impact for Team USA, each securing 2.5 points to keep the American side in the race.
Dawson Szabo & Caroline Hawkins continued the momentum, matching that effort with another 2.5 points. Sage Bradshaw & Lilly Reed Black battled hard to add 2 points to the board.
Teddy Dunn & Olivia Roberts contributed 0.5 points, while Will Ruth & Grace Lindsey fought for another 0.5 points, closing out the day’s matches.
By the end of the first round, Team Canada led 13.5 to 10.5, setting up a fierce battle for the final day.
Sunday's Singles Matches
Sunday’s singles matches saw Team USA fight hard to close the gap. Madison Messimer and Ella Kate Barnett led the charge, each securing a full 3 points for Team USA. Dylan Park, Sage Bradshaw, and Olivia Roberts delivered strong performances, each adding 2.5 points. Lilly Reed Black contributed 2 points, while Bennett Scaletta, Teddy Dunn, and Erik Erlenkeuser each earned 1.5 points. Will Ruth battled for 1 point, Grace Lindsey added 1 point, and Hannah Lowery rounded out Team USA’s effort with a crucial 0.5 point.
Despite Team USA's resilience, Team Canada held on to claim victory with a final score of 39.5 to 33.5.
To view full tournament results: 25th Can-Am Junior Team Matches
Event Highlights
This year's matches marked a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of friendly competition and camaraderie between South Carolina and Ontario junior golfers. The Can-Am Junior Team Matches were established to foster new relationships, provide competitive experiences, and celebrate the growth of junior golf in both regions.
Wachesaw Plantation Club has been instrumental in hosting the event since 2002 and has recently agreed to continue through 2028. The club's membership, particularly the "Wachesaw Warriors," has contributed over $600,000 to support this event and South Carolina Junior Golf. Their dedication, along with that of individual sponsors and host families, ensures the event’s continued success.
About the Course
The matches were contested over the 6,853-yard (boys) and 5,940-yard (girls) par-72 course at Wachesaw Plantation Club. The club’s commitment to excellence provides a challenging and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Team Selection
The South Carolina team is selected based on the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings from the previous December’s standings, inviting the top eight ranked male and female players.
The 25th Annual Can-Am Junior Team Matches exemplified the spirit of competition and unity, reinforcing the strong bond between South Carolina and Ontario’s golfing communities.
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
