GREER, SC (July 17, 2025) – Final round results of the 27th Annual Blade Junior Classic hosted by Thornblade Club in Greer, SC, on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Championship Links: Scoring & Results | The Blade Website
In the boys 13-19 division, Will Ruth of Moore carded a final round score of two-uder par 69. Ruth finished the tournament with an overall score of five-under par 208 to take home the 27th Annual Blade Junior Classic title in the boys division.
"I was thinking I was really wanting to play well and this is the tournament I always wanted to play well in and be at the top, and I think being able to finish at the top was really special. I was just thinking 'Hey, one shot at a time, I know I got people chasing me and a lot of great players behind me, I just have to keep on doing what I am doing and can't be dumb, can't be too smart with myself, just have to keep playing my own golf game,'" Ruth said of his final round mindset.
Caden Olsommer of Anderson was named runner-up, finishing the tournament with an overall score of two-under par 211.
In the girls 13-19 division, Merritt Barbrey of Columbia posted a final round score of two-over-par 73 to claim the 27th Blade Junior Classic Girls Champion title. She finished the tournament with an overall score of 17-over-par 230.
“This one means a lot," Barbrey said, "just because it's been a rough summer and I came back in on one of the hardest golf courses I think in South Carolina, and I was surrounded with all my friends. I think it was great.”
Kate Gunnells of Belton was named runner-up in the girls division, posting an overall score of 22-over-par 235.
About The Blade Junior Classic
In 1999, The Blade Junior Golf Classic was founded by a group of Thornblade Club members with a passion for creating the best junior golf tournament experience for junior golfers and their families. After 20 plus years, a dedicated board of directors and a team of generous sponsors, The Blade has developed into one of the most premiere tournaments in junior golf. Since its inception, The Blade has sought to provide support for local charities, having donated nearly $1.5 million to charities in South Carolina. Through a continued effort to support junior golf, The Blade began supporting the Dick and Lucille Hendley Scholarship Fund in 2021. Through partnering with the Hendley family, one male and female Blade participant who exemplifies great character, a passion for community service and a desire to excel in the classroom will be eligible to receive scholarship assistance.
About the South Carolina Junior Golf Association
The purpose of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association is to continue the history and traditions of the ancient game of golf through its members and an active outreach to the youth of our state. Established in 1990 by community leaders with a love for the game and a commitment to passing on golf’s heritage to the youth of South Carolina, the SCJGA is committed to meeting the needs of all young people in the state and providing playing opportunities to boys and girls that might not otherwise have the chance to experience golf and its many benefits. Through affordable opportunities of play, instruction and competition, juniors of all ages, walks of life and skill levels will be touched by the character of the game. It helps to teach them honor, sportsmanship and respect and makes them better prepared to face the challenges ahead in life.
For more information about the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, visit www.scjga.org
