Myrtle Beach Jr Challenge in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
(June 18-19, 2016)
Swinging to the Top
This weekend the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour took on the International Club in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The windy weather during the tournament seemed to be somewhat of a challenge for the juniors. The HJGT would like to thank the International Club for opening their doors to us this Father’s Day weekend. There was quite a bit at stake at this tournament. Along with Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings, South Carolina Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) Heritage Points and Tarheel Youth Golf Association (TYGA) Points were on the line. Winners in each division will receive an exemption into the 2016 Tour Championship, December 3-4, 2016 and the top 10 finishers receive points towards year-end honors that include state teams, all HJGT teams and the Hurricane Cup. Once that first tee shot sored through the air, the golfers were ready to put their clubs to the ball and make their mark on the course.
Boys 16-18 Division
The champion for the boys 16-18 division was Will Simmons of Charlotte, NC. Will was leading the pack at the end of the first day with 3 birdies for round of 74. Concluding the end of the second round, Will was in a three-way tie for first place with John Hatcher Ferguson of Rocky Mount, VA and Jackson Cole of Pawleys Island, SC. Each of the boys had a two-day total of 155, sending them to a sudden death playoff. Two holes into the play off Will was able to seal the deal with two pars for the win. Jackson Cole finished the play off with a par and bogey to secure his spot for second and John Hatcher Ferguson placed third. All three boys had 5 birdies each at the completion of the tournament, making them the leaders in that category as well. Though the wind seemed to present a challenge this weekend, these boys toughed it out and played their hearts out.
Boys 14-15 Division
Holden Grigg of Myrtle Beach, SC was the champion of the boys 14-15 division. Holden was four strokes back from the leader at the end of the first day with 12 pars for a round total of 76. The next day, Holden came back to win it with 14 pars for a round total of 74 leaving him with a two day total of 150. Taking home the 2nd place trophy was Gage Smith of La Fayette, GA with a two-day total of 155. Placing 3rd, was Charlie Wike of Surfside, SC with a two-day total of 158. Though the wind tested the abilities of all contestants these boys didn’t seem phased by it and their scores attest to that.
Girls 14-18 Division
Madison Branum of Lexington, SC was the champion of the girls 14-18 division. It was a fight to the finish for our top three ladies today with each place only one stroke apart. Madisonwas leading the ladies at the end of the first day with a day one score of 78. She finished out with a day two score of 87 and a two-day total of 165. Just one stroke behind, our 2nd place player was Sydney Abruzzino of Myrtle Beach, SC with a two-day total of 166. Right on Sydney’s heels, came in Ashley Flynn. Ashley had a two-day total of 167. The wind came into play for these ladies as well and tested their abilities but these ladies are fierce and wouldn’t let that take them down and they fought stroke for stroke ‘til the end.
Boys 11-13 Division
Harry De Grood of Myrtle Beach, SC was the champion ofthe boys 11-13 division. Harry was in the lead by one at the finish of the first round with a day one score of an 87. He managed to take it the finish line with a day two score of an 80, completing the weekend at a total of 167. Taking second was Drew Coppin of Denver, NC. Drew finished day one with an 88 and day two with a 94 for a two-day total of 182. Just as the wind affected the other contestants, it was no surprise to here from the two boys at the wind was their biggest challenge that they faced on the course this weekend. It was Harry’s mission to overcome that challenge to win the tournament, and he did just that.
Boys U10 Division
Dallas Johnson of Mount Pleasant, SC was the champion of the boys 11-13 division. Harry was in the lead by one at the finish of the first round with a day one score of an 80. He managed to take it the finish line with a day two score of an 86, completing the weekend at a total of 167. Taking second was Trevor Peck of Myrtle Beach, SC. Though the wind was a big factor in this weekends tournament, Dallas specifically mentioned it was the green that gave him the biggest run for his money. All-in-all these boys enjoyed two great rounds at the International Club playing the game they both love.
Weather May 21-22, 2016:
Round 1: Low 71, High 84. Mostly Cloudy, Wind 10-15 mph
Round 2: Low 62, High 79. Mostly Sunny Skies, Wind 5-10 mph
Tournament Division Yardages
Boys 16-18: 6,551 Yards
Boys 14-15: 6,551 Yards
Girls 14-18: 5,733 Yards
Boys 11-13: 5,733 Yards
Boys U10: 4,972 Yards
About Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
The Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) was founded in 2007 with the intent of providing junior golfers between the ages of 11-18, and now 10 and under, an opportunity to play exceptional courses in a competitive environment. Golfers who participate on the tour will compete in one of six age divisions: Boys 16-18, Boys 14-15, Boys 11-13, Boys U10, Girls 14-18, and Girls U13. Based out of Jacksonville, FL, the HJGT administers events all across the nation, with stops in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In 2016, we have now expanded to the west coast and cover California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, and Oregon. For more information regarding the 2016 HJGT Tour, please visit our website at www.hjgt.org, call the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour headquarters at (904) 379-2697, or email info@hjgt.org
Experience #TheHurricaneDifference