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Phillips Comes From Behind to Defend Title

Columbia, SC: Trailing by two coming into the final round, Trent Phillips knew that staying consistent and within his game would align him in position to make a run at defending his title. With a birdie on ten, to begin the back nine charge- Phillips took the lead and never looked back. Firing a back nine two under (34), including an eagle on hole twelve, Phillips launched to a four-stroke lead over the field. Phillips would keep this lead, and hoist the coveted Charlie Rountree Junior Trophy posting a three-day total 205, eleven under. When asked of the turning point in the round, Phillips said “the birdie on ten, and then the eagle on twelve secured my game plan that I had coming into the round and making sure I put myself in a competitive position.” Phillips joins Thad Vincent, Larry Seward, Mike Schroder, John Gibbs, and Tommy Biershenk in history of defending the title and has the opportunity to join Charlie Rymer next year, as Rymer won the event three years in a row (1983-1985).

Rounding out the top three and keeping in the final pairing of the day, Ryan Marter of Columbia posted an even-par (72) to secure a second place and Levi Moody of Greenville carded a two over (74) to take solo third place.

In the Boys 13-14 Division Rock Hill represented this week and showcased some of their best talent. Zachary Reuland fired rounds of 73-71-73, three day total of 217 to secure a five shot victory over Manning Sloop, also of Rock Hill. Reuland not only won his age division, but also tact on a top ten overall finish.

The low eight scores of the tournament automatically qualify for the 42^nd Annual Georgia-South Carolina Junior Team Matches. They will play July 20-21 at Bulls Bay Golf Club in Awendaw, South Carolina. These coveted matches are the longest running interstate matches in the country. The top eight overall also qualify for the prestigious Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational and the Sea Pines Junior Heritage. The Champion receives an exemption into the SCGA Amateur and the Sage Valley Junior Invitational.

Going 10 years strong, the Heritage Classic Foundation, the presenting sponsor for the SCGA Junior Championship, graciously continues their support of junior programs in SC. The Heritage Classic Foundation is the general sponsor of the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing and The Players Amateur and has contributed over $35 million to local charities since its inception in 1987. The Heritage Classic Foundation, the title sponsor of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association Rankings, has a long history of supporting junior golf programs in SC. Thanks to the dedication and support of sponsors, volunteers and spectators, the Foundation to date has donated more than $35 million to charities and awarded 312 scholarships for more than $3.96 million.

Final Results