BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 9, 2018) – The 46th Southern Junior Championship begins Wednesday, June 13 at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana. 156 competitors from 20 states and four countries between the ages of 14 and 18 will compete over 54-holes of stroke play for the title.
Squire Creek Country Club, the No. 2 ranked course in Louisiana according to Golf Digest, boasts a Tom Fazio-designed par 72 layout that previously hosted the Southern Junior Championship in 2010 and the 2015 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. The club was established in 2002 and is home to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
A talented field is led by defending champion Ethan Hagood from Birmingham, Ala. Hagood, a University of Alabama Birmingham signee, won the 2017 championship at Willow Point Golf & Country Club in Alexander City, Ala. in a playoff against Kyle Cox of Carrollton, Texas after the players tied at 208 (-8). Hagood birdied his final five holes including the last two holes in regulation to earn a spot in the playoff and all three holes in the aggregate playoff to win the title.
Championship History & Records
History: The Southern Junior Championship was first held in 1973 at The Deerwood Club in Jacksonville, FL. Buddy Roundtree scored an eight over par 296 to win the championship. Florida won the inaugural team award with Roundtree’s help. The Championship has been held annually since 1973.
Individual Scoring Record: 195 – Charles Howell (1996)
State Team Scoring Record: 563 – Georgia (1996, Charles Howell, Walt Lee, Jayce Stepp, John Fisher)
Most Individual Titles: 3 – Charles Howell (1994, 95, 96)
Most State Team Titles: 11- Georgia (1974, 76, 79, 95, 96, 97, 2000, 09, 13, 14, 15)
Championship Schedule
Tuesday, June 12
Player Registration. Tee times available for practice rounds.
Wednesday, June 13
First round of stroke play.
Hosted lunch for championship contestants.
Thursday, June 14
Second round of stroke play.
Hosted lunch for championship contestants.
Field cut to low 66 scores and ties.
Friday, June 15
Final round of stroke play.
Hosted lunch for championship contestants
Prizes & Awards
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers and State Team winners. The Champion will have his name engraved on the Perry Adair Trophy that is housed in the SGA office. Ties for second and third place awards will be determined using the USGA recommended score card playoff procedure to break ties (last 9 (Holes 10-18), last 6 (Holes 13-18), last 3 (Holes 16-18), 18th hole, 1st hole, 2nd hole, etc. until the tie is broken).
Championship Format
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54 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes, field cut to the low 66 scores and ties for the final round.
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State Team Competition: lowest four aggregate scores of players from the same state after 36 holes. Players are automatically entered into the competition.
Squire Creek Country Club Information
General Manager: Rick Maier
Director of Golf: Brad Pullin
Superintendent: Nick Cauley
Address: 289 Squire Creek Parkway, Choudrant, LA 71227
Website: http://www.squirecreek.com/
Golf Shop Phone: 318.768.7000
Championship Yardage: 7074 yards, par 36-36--72
Course/Slope Rating: 75.3/146
Course Architect: Tom Fazio
Course Turfgrass: Tees/Fairways (Tifway Bermuda); Rough (Tifway Bermuda); Putting Greens (Tifeagle Bermuda)
About the Southern Golf Association
The Southern Golf Association, founded in 1902, is one of the oldest golf organizations and serves member clubs over a 14 state area. Recognized by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Regional Golf Associations as one of the leaders in the promotion of Amateur Golf, SGA championships are selected for inclusion as criteria for selecting players for USGA and State team competitions. Through the years, SGA Champions have been chosen to represent various state golf associations in selected team competitions, including the Walker Cup and World Amateur.
The SGA is host to the Southern Junior Championship as well as the Southern Amateur Championship and hosts the international award, the “Amateur of the Month”, to a deserving amateur golfer on a monthly basis.
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Instagram: @SGAGolf
Twitter: @SGAGolf
