Hollywood's Ryan Bozard shot a blistering 4-under-par 67 on a blustery day at Ocean Creek Golf Course and Goose Creek's Akeira Sanchez held on by one shot to claim the boys and girls titles at the Fripp Island Junior Challenge, the initial event in the SCJGA Players Series.
Bozard held a one shot lead after opening with a 72, and he left no doubt about who would hoist the trophy Sunday, making two birdies per side in a spotless round to win by six shots. Roman Mullinax (Lexington) surged to second with the only other round under par in the final round, shooting 2-under on the back nine for a 70. Aiken’s Richard Anaclerio was four shots back of Mullinax in third.
Beaufort’s Simon McAlister got his season off to a strong start with a fourth-place showing, starting strong with a 73 to put him one off the lead after 18 holes and birdieing the last to end a wild ride Sunday with a 77. Hilton Head’s Jeep Patrick and Tag Graziano tied for ninth at 11-over 154.
Sanchez held a six-shot lead after a sterling 75 on Saturday, but she had to hold off a charge form Ella Kate Barnett of Galivant’s Ferry for a one-shot win. Barnett’s 78 was the low round of the day by a four-shot margin, and Sanchez had to make a par on the par-5 18th to finish at 14-over 158 and edge Barnett
The initial two-day event on the new SCJGA Players Series was made possible by the support of Beaufort Charities, which has donated more than 500 sets of clubs to local youth over the past eight years and has been a supporter of the SCJGA and South Carolina Golf Association since 2018.