Final Results

July 14, 2005

Manning, SC-- Seneca native Drew Ernst defeated Chris Couch of Summersville 2-up to capture the 2005 S.C. Junior Match Play Championship at Wyboo Golf Club in Manning, SC. Mark Ernst, the 1981 SC Junior Match Play Champion, was in attendance to see his son birdie the 9^th, 10^th, and 12^th holes to swing the match from an early lead held by Couch. Couch, a 17-year-old rising senior from Summersville, was 1-up with birdies on 1^st and 7^th before Ernst made his move. In the mornings semi-finals matches, Couch defeated 2005 S.C. Junior Stroke Play Champion Patrick Rada earlier in the day when he came back from 1-down after 17 holes with a birdie on the 18th and a birdie on the first hole of the playoff. Ernst closed out Austin Parks from Mount Pleasant with a tee shot on 16 that came to rest within five feet. Ernst made his birdie to advance to the championship match.

"This was a great end to a long week", stated Ernst. I felt as though the fairway-wood on 9 made the difference this afternoon. Couch is a great player and it was a great match. I am just happy to win."

This tournament was conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association.

Semifinals

Christopher Couch, Summerville, SC def. Patrick Rada, Anderson, SC, 19 holes

Drew Ernst, Seneca, SC def. Austin Parks, Mount Pleasant, SC, 2&1

Finals

Ernst def. Couch, 2 up