2017 SCGA Players of the Year
Keur Claims Player of the Year After Successful Summer
Capturing two prestigious wins this season, North Charleston native RJ Keur has been named the South Carolina Golf Association Player of the Year. Keur’s year consisted mostly of dominating the collegiate circuit during his junior year at the University of Alabama Birmingham. In his inaugural season as a Blazer, Keur was named to the First-Team All-Conference USA Team. With an impressive statistic of 16 rounds at or under par, it’s no surprise Keur jumped onto the scene at UAB in stellar fashion.
Coming off his record year at the University of Alabama Birmingham, Keur didn’t stop as he traveled back to the Carolinas for the summer months. Keur Captured the 103rd Carolinas Amateur Championship played at Briar’s Creek by seven shots, never losing his lead on the field. Keur also took a run at the 86th SCGA Amateur Championship played at Florence Country Club, taking the lead after round two of competition, firing a two-day total of 133. Keur couldn’t hold off Florence native Gregg Jones, but a final round 70 surged him into a tie for runner-up with Columbia’s Ryan Marter, who finished in a close second in this year’s South Carolina Golf Association rankings.
Other highlights during Keur’s summer season included a win at the 45th South Carolina Amateur Match Play Championship and a 10th place finish at the long standing Rice Planters Invitational, an amateur event right in his backyard. Coming off an impressive summer season and heading into his senior year, Head Coach Mike Wilson expressed “RJ’s summer was really impressive, but not surprising. He’s one of the most consistent ball strikers I’ve ever seen. It’s always just a matter of getting his putter going. As a coach, I could not be more ecstatic for RJ and all his accomplishments not only over the summer but for UAB. This past summer definitely shows he can win and compete against anyone in the country.”
Todd Captures Back-to-Back Senior Player of the Year Honors
Walter Todd of Laurens was determined to top his outstanding play of 2016 and did so with another exceptional 2017 campaign. Adding to his trophy collection, Todd captured the 2017 Jones Cup Senior Invitational, was on the winning team of the 24th SCGA Senior Four-Ball and the 23rd Mid-Amateur Four-Ball. He will now add another SCGA Senior Player of the Year title to his resume.
A familiar name in the SCGA winner’s circle, Todd and son Neal won the 50th SCGA Dudley-Sullivan Father Son Championship, adding to his extensive list of accomplishments. Other notable finishes include a tie for 2nd at the Chanticleer National Senior Invitational, top five at the 56th Carolinas Senior Championship and a 3rd place finish in the 59th Annual SCGA Senior Championship. Todd was also a member of the 2017 Palmetto Cup Amateur Team played at Columbia Country Club, coming out victorious in all matches.
When asked about what it means to win the SCGA Senior Player of the Year for the second year in a row, Todd expressed, "It's truly been wonderful to play in all of the events this past year, and especially on the senior level. I have truly enjoyed senior golf even more than I anticipated, competing with all my friends from throughout the years. While I feel I left some shots out there in different events, I look forward to 2018. Having the success I have had this past year only makes preparing for next year even better and more fun!"
Coming in runner-up for the second year in a row, fellow playing competitor and 2016 SCGA Senior Champion, Todd Hendley of Greer.
Both RJ Keur and Walter Todd Sr. will receive their respective Player of the Year awards at the SCGA’s 15th Annual Golf Day Awards Dinner and Banquet, to be held January 13th, 2018 at Columbia Country Club in Blythewood, SC. The ceremony will also include the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame induction of former PGA Tour player Dillard Pruitt.
