2018 WSCGA Junior Girls State Amateur Champion Rachel Rich
What an amazing day on the links today in the final round of the 39th Annual WSCGA Junior Girls State Amateur Championship. The weather was perfect and a battle was taking place in the race for the championship. Half of the field fired rounds in the 70's today making the run for the title free game for many. Going into the final round Abigail Schimpf had a one shot lead over Isabella Rawl and two shot lead over Rachel Rich. The lead shifted back and forth between four players throughout the day making for some exciting golf to watch. Hylton birdie, Burnett birdie, Burnett birdie, Rich birdie, Burnett birdie, Hylton birdie, Schimpf birdie it was like a game of tennis out there keeping the game tight all the way to the end. Clawing there way to the top was Rachel Rich and Savannah Hylton shooting 72 and 74 respectively for a three day total of 217. Rich and Hylton thus took it back on the course for a sudden death playoff starting on the 10th hole. Both players striped a drive down the middle in perfect position to attack the front right hole location. Hylton hit first and left the ball a little short left of the green, but in a position of a makable chip. Rich hit it pure and stuck her approach shot 2 feet left of the hole for a great look at birdie and to put some pressure on Hylton's chip. Hylton proceeded to chip the ball just over the edge of the hole to about 3 feet past and made the putt for par. Rich's two foot putt for the win just got mentally longer, with nervous running high she was able to drain the putt, center cup, for birdie and the Championship win. Finishing one shot back from the Championship was Abigail Schimpf and Isabella Rawl with a three day total 218.

In the second Division Katie Whitfield caught on fire and was tearing it up today carding a career low 4 birdies in the round to post a 74 for a three day total 238 to win the Division by 2 shots over Kayleigh Reinke. Reinke played steady all week shooting 82-80-78 to post a three day total 240. Rounding out third in the second division was Sara Botelier just one shot back of second with a 241.

South Carolina Team is Set for 14th Annual GA/SC Girls Challenge Matches
The WSCGA Girls Junior State Amateur Championship is also the gateway for six players to earn a spot on the GA/SC Junior Girls Challenge Matches representing South Carolina and the WSCGA. This year will be the 14th Annual of this event with the trophy named after South Carolina Legendary Golfer Karen Ferree. Ferree was out watching the final round and presented the top six girls with there GA/SC Girls Challenge Match towel and packet for the team. The following players earned a spot on the team.

Rachel Rich - Mt. Pleasant - Rivertowne Country Club
Savannah Hylton - Hilton Head Island - Wexford Plantation
Isabella Rawl - Lexington - Country Club of Lexington
Abigail Schimpf - Daniel Island - Daniel Island Club (not pictured)
Sophia Burnett - Bluffton - Colleton River Club
Mary Kathryn Talledo - Spartanburg - Woodfin Ridge Golf Club

The matches will be played August 4-5 at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee with early morning tee times both days. Come on out and watch the fun!!
There is so much more to tournament golf than just playing in the tournament....on the course there is the camaraderie, the learning of etiquette, controlling nerves, hitting shots that make you say wow. Off the course you get to see the world, the great discoveries, relax on the beach, hang out with friends, enjoy the beauty the world has to offer. It is a great game we play that will make you the happiest person in the world and at the same time break your heart, but at the end of the day you will always have your fellow competitors who have become your lifelong friends. So until next year.....Live the life you love and love the life you live.