Drew Jeffords Takes S.C. Junior Match Play

 

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (July 15, 2022) -- Final results from the Boys’ Division of the 2022 South Carolina Junior Match Play Championship at Orangeburg Country Club, in Orangeburg, S.C. on July 15, 2022. The Boys’ Division competed at 6,895 yards (36-36--72).

Related: Championship Website | Full Field | Starting Times | Scoring | Photos | History

Coming into the day, Drew Jeffords of Florence, S.C. was getting ready to resume his quarterfinal match. Later in the evening, after a long day of golf, Jeffords became the South Carolina Junior Match Play Champion. The No. 44 seed in the bracket, clinched the title with a 2 & 1 win over his good friend, David Oliver of Pageland, S.C.

“In a couple of my matches I didn’t miss a single putt inside 10 feet,” Jeffords said. “Then in the championship match my iron striking was really good, I hit everything really close. Everything really came together in different matches.”

This win marked the first Carolinas Golf Association win for the 2023 graduate of Trinity Collegiate School. Jeffords went up against a stacked field of great golfers all week from the Palmetto state.

The tournament was affected by multiple inclement weather delays, forcing the players to adapt to the circumstances throughout the week. Thankfully, for Jeffords the bad weather held off on the final day, allowing him to play and take home the trophy.

“Honestly during the rain delays, I just sat in the locker room and looked at my phone, ate some food, and drank some water.” Jeffords said. “I tried not to think about the match I had ahead of me.”

Earlier in the championship, in his round of 32 match, Jeffords played in the longest match of the week. It took him 24 holes to take down Jay Wilkins of Simpsonville, S.C. Immediately after this match Jeffords went out for his round of 16 match, and dominated his opponent winning 7 & 6.

“It was a very nerve-wracking match,” Jeffords said. “We both just grinded it out and eventually I just came out on top.”

In his quarterfinal match, Jeffords defeated Major Lenning of Simpsonville 3 & 1. His semifinal match came down to No. 18, where he narrowly edged Will Ruth of Moore, S.C. 1 up.

Out of the gate during the championship match, Jefford’s game was dialed in. He birdied four of the first eight holes to go 3-up on Oliver. At that point in the match, it seemed that Jefford was going to cruise to victory.

This was not the case, as Oliver slowly grinded away, starting with a win on No. 9. Then with a conceded eagle on No. 12 and a par on No. 13, the match was back to all-square with the championship to play for on the last five holes.

Jefford made pars on each of the remaining holes, which was good enough to seal the deal. On No. 17, which is a par-3, Jeffords and Oliver both missed the green to the right. Jeffords, who had a great short game all week got up-and-down for par, while Oliver did not, therefore ending the match.

“It was awesome to play David [Oliver] in the championship,” Jeffords said. “We have the same swing coach, Paul Woodbury, and he’s been going crazy about this match. David put up a good match and I’m proud of him.”

Jeffords played seven rounds of golf this week to become the champion. This can be physically and emotionally exhausting for a junior golfer, but Jeffords was up for the challenge.

“It feels amazing to win, I am super proud of myself,” Jeffords said. “I am tired though, we just played 100 holes in two days. I am going to sleep and celebrate tomorrow night.”

The Carolinas Golf Association would like to thank the members and staff at Orangeburg Country Club, especially Director of Golf David Lackey, Head Course Superintendent Alex Tolbert, and Head Golf Professional J.P. Waldron for graciously hosting the South Carolina Junior Match Play Championship. 

South Carolina Junior Match Play Championship

Orangeburg Country Club | Orangeburg, S.C.

Semifinal Results 

Drew Jeffords of Florence, S.C. def. Will Ruth of Moore, S.C. 1 up

David Oliver of Pageland, S.C. def. Adam Hunt of Columbia, S.C. 3 & 2

Final Results

Drew Jeffords of Florence, S.C. def. David Oliver of Pageland, S.C. 2 & 1

 

About the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA)

The CGA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization that was founded in 1909 to promote and to protect the game of golf in the Carolinas by providing competitions, education, support and benefits to golf clubs and golfers. The CGA is the second largest golf association in the country with over 700 member clubs represented by nearly 150,000 individuals.

The CGA annually conducts 48 championships and five team match competitions for men, women, juniors, and seniors. It also runs over 150 One-Day (net and gross) events as well as qualifying for USGA national championships. The CGA serves golf in the Carolinas with numerous programs such as: the USGA Handicap System; tournament management software and support; course measuring and course/slope ratings; agronomy consultation; answers about the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, and Handicapping; Carolinas Golf Magazine; Interclub series; Tarheel Youth Golf Association; Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame; expense assistance for USGA Junior and Girls' Junior qualifiers from the Carolinas; and the Carolinas Golf Foundation (CGF). The CGF has distributed nearly $2,000,000 since 1977 to benefit Carolinas' golf initiatives including junior and women's programs.     

For more information about the CGA, visit our website.

 

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