The much anticipated Southern Junior was a smashing success! The event was held June 12-15.
A total of 21 states and seven different countries were represented by junior golfers (14-18 years old). The field consisted of 168 players with a 3.5 USGA Handicap Index or better. This was the first time since 1992 that this event was held in our state.
Players and parents began arriving on Sunday evening, and all played a practice round on Monday. Most of the participants had never been here or even heard of the slice of heaven we are fortunate to call home!
The field was cut by more than half to 66 players following the completion of 36 holes. All players at +4 or better made the cut and played the final round.
This event featured some 40+ players that had already committed to play golf at the collegiate level, and the majority of the others were hoping to lock up verbal commitments sometime this summer. There were a plethora of Division 1 coaches on property throughout the week from institutions including:
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama
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Troy University
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Samford University
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Louisiana State University
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The University of Arkansas
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The University of Tennessee
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The University of Mississippi
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Wofford
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Sewanee–The University of the South
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Mississippi State University
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The University of South Alabama
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The University of Alabama-Birmingham
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Army West Point
Parents, coaches, officials, and players were in awe of our facility and thankful that our membership was willing to host this event!
We had numerous highlights throughout the week! Johnny Bai of China made an ace on #5! That’s right, the first ace on a Par 4 at Willow Point. The hole played 280 yards in the final round and yielded tons of birdies, and some big numbers too!
Beck Burnette of Georgia made and ace on #13 in the second round to secure his place on Thursday. There were some great scores posted with the lowest being 66.
A big shout out to Willow Point members Luke Dasher and Wilson Andress for making the cut as well as our friend, Ford Clegg from Birmingham.
The championship turned out to be quite the battle! With two holes remaining, first round leader, Ethan Hagood of Birmingham trailed Texas’ Kyle Cox by two. Hagood birdied #17 and #18 to force a playoff. The multi-hole aggregate playoff was played on #10, #11 and #18. Hagood continued his birdie streak on #10, #11, and… #18! Ethan Hagood birdied his last five holes to take home the title!
We would like to thank all the volunteers, host families, and the entire membership for showing all the participants genuine southern hospitality!
> View more photos from the event through our Instagram account
> View the 45th Southern Junior Championship Results.
> Learn More About the Southern Golf Association | 
