2004 Georgia-South Carolina Junior Challenge Match

Georgia Juniors Top South Carolina, 12 1/2 to 3 1/2

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. - Needing just two points to claim the 2004 Junior Challenge Match title, the Georgia team posted another strong performance in the final round (6-2) to win the overall match, 12 1/2 to 3 1/2, over their counterparts from South Carolina. The 29th Annual Georgia-South Carolina Junior Challenge Match, pitting the top eight juniors from both states, took place at the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club, July 16-17.

Entering the day with a comfortable five-point cushion, the Georgians clinched the title in the first two matches of the day. Chris Johnson of Brunswick topped Harrison Moore of Orangeburg, 4 and 3, then Ryan Blackburn of Augusta edged Daniel Bowden of Easley, 1 up, to boost Georgia's overall total to a match-clinching 8 ½ points.

The Georgia squad then iced the victory with wins from Seth McCain of Comer (1 up), Rob Bennett of Augusta (6 and 5) and Russell Henley of Macon (4 and 2). Rob Richardson of Lilburn and Troy Bartkowicz of Sharpsburg both finished their matches All Square to add 1/2-point each to the team total.

South Carolina's lone win in the second round came from its 2004 Junior Champion, Allen Koon of Bamburg, who defeated the reigning Georgia Junior Champion, Michael Green of Augusta, 5 and 3.

Bartkowicz, Comer and Green, who represented Georgia for the second-straight year, helped avenge a 9 ½ to 6 ½ loss to South Carolina last year. In two Junior Challenge Matches, Bartkowicz now owns a 1-2-1 record, Comer improves to 3-1 and Green moves to 2-2. Making their first appearance in the Match, Bennett, Henley and Johnson all finished with 2-0 record.

Teams were composed of the top eight finishers from each state's Junior Championship. The two-round event featured eight matches worth one point each in both rounds.

Georgia now owns an 18-11 lead in the all-time series, and, with its 2004 victory, halted a two-year win streak by South Carolina.

Many notable players have represented Georgia in this competition over the years, including PGA Tour Professionals Davis Love III, Gene Sauers, Bob Tway and Larry Mize and several Georgia Amateur Champions, including Bill Bergin (1981), Carter Mize (1993-1994), Jack Croyle (2000) and Jonathan Shiflet (2002). The nation's current top-ranked junior player and two-time Georgia Junior Champion, Brian Harman, also competed for Georgia from 2001-03.

Final Results
Final Points: Georgia 12 1/2; South Carolina 3 1/2

 

Round Two Results - Saturday, July 17: Georgia - 6; South Carolina 2
Ryan Blackburn, Augusta def. Daniel Bowden, Easley, 1 up
Chris Johnson, Brunswick def. Harrison Moore, Orangeburg, 4 and 3
Rob Richardson, Lilburn vs. Justin Thompson, Clarks Hill, All Square
Seth McCain, Comer def. Bubba Atkinson, Charleston, 1 up
Rob Bennett, Augusta def. Billy Belair, Myrtle Beach, 6 and 5
Russell Henley, Macon def. Garland Ferrell, Greenville, 4 and 2
Troy Bartkowicz, Sharpsburg vs. Paul Woodberry, Lake City, All Square
Allen Koon, Bamberg def. Michael Green, Augusta, 5 and 3

Round One Results - Friday, July 16: Georgia - 6 1/2; South Carolina 1 1/2
Ryan Blackburn, Augusta vs. Harrison Moore, Orangeburg, All Square
Chris Johnson, Brunswick def. Daniel Bowden, Easley, 2 and 1
Rob Richardson, Lilburn def. Bubba Atkinson, Charleston, 1 up
Justin Thompson, Clarks Hill def. Seth McCain, Comer, 6 and 4
Rob Bennett, Augusta def. Garland Ferrell, Greenville, 2 and 1
Russell Henley, Macon def. Billy Belair, Myrtle Beach, 1 up
Troy Bartkowicz, Sharpsburg def. Allen Koon, Bamberg, 1 up
Michael Green, Augusta def. Paul Woodberry, Lake City, 2 up