Bennett Scaletta Earns Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year; Marissa Scaletta Earns Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year
Columbia, SC (December 8, 2025) — The South Carolina Junior Golf Association is proud to announce its 2025 Players of the Year: Bennett Scaletta, the Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year, and Marissa Scaletta, the Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year. The sibling duo brings home Bennett’s second Player of the Year award and Marissa’s first. These prestigious honors, named after South Carolina golf legends Jay Haas and Beth Daniel, recognize the state’s top junior golfers based on the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings.
Bennett Scaletta: Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year
Bennett Scaletta’s 2025 season showcased the consistency and competitiveness emblematic of the Jay Haas Boys Player of the Year.
Competing in 10 SCJGA events, Scaletta claimed victory at the 5th Annual Jackie Seawell Junior, winning in a thrilling playoff. He added impressive runner-up finishes at both the 18th Annual Harvey Brock Orange Jacket Classic and the SCJGA Junior Championship presented by the Heritage Classic Foundation, proving his ability to perform under pressure at the state’s most competitive events. This marks Scaletta’s second time earning Player of the Year honors.
Beyond SCJGA events, Scaletta continued to excel regionally, finishing second in the Georgia–South Carolina Cup Invitational, tied for third at the Jim Ferree Junior Invitational, and securing second place at the Southern Cross.
“Winning this award for the second time is an honor that I am extremely grateful for,” said Bennett. “I played great this year and couldn’t have done it without all the support around me. Putting my name on this award alongside so many great professional players means so much to me.”
Named in honor of Jay Haas, a South Carolina native and golf legend with nine PGA Tour victories and 18 Champions Tour wins. The award represents a tradition of excellence and sportsmanship. Scaletta’s outstanding 2025 campaign reflects those same qualities, making him a deserving recipient of this distinguished title.
Marissa Scaletta: Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year
Marissa Scaletta earned the Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year title following an exceptional 2025 season filled with standout performances.
She captured victories at both the 29th Annual Players Championship and the Jackie Seawell Girls Fall Challenge, showcasing her consistency. Scaletta also secured a strong runner-up finish at the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea, further solidifying her position among the state’s top junior golfers.
Beyond the SCJGA, Scaletta continued her impressive play, earning first place at the PKBGT RocketTour Players Championship and winning the 5A Division II State High School Championship, a milestone achievement in her high school career.
“Being named the Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year is an honor I never imagined. It’s even more special to achieve this alongside my brother, sharing a moment we have worked so hard for,” said Marissa. “This award reminds me of the hours of hard work, the setbacks I overcame, and the dedication I’ve poured into improving my game. I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to receive this recognition, and it inspires me to keep striving for even greater growth in the future.”
The Beth Daniel Girls Player of the Year award, named after LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame member Beth Daniel, honors the legacy of a golfer whose career includes 33 LPGA victories, two U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships, and a victorious captaincy of the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup team. Scaletta's achievements mirror Daniel’s excellence and commitment to the game, making her a fitting recipient of the award.
Selection Process
The SCJGA Players of the Year were determined using the Heritage Classic Foundation Rankings, sponsored by the Heritage Classic Foundation. These rankings highlight the accomplishments of junior golfers throughout the season and celebrate the best in South Carolina junior golf.
Honoring Excellence
Prior to the new year, both Marissa and Bennett will be honored in ceremonies alongside South Carolina golf legends Beth Daniel and Jay Haas. These events honor the remarkable achievements of South Carolina’s junior golfers and their contributions to the sport.
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
