Ernst and Rapp Claim South Carolina Junior Match Play Titles

Boys

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 18^th 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

Girls

Manning, SC—Emily Rapp of Simpsonville wrapped up the 2005 Girl’s S.C. Junior Match Play Championship. Rapp defeated Lauren Tomlinson of Greeleyville 5&4 in today’s Championship Match. Rapp advanced into the Final by defeating Austin Ernst of Seneca 2&1. Tomlinson defeated Rhiannon Loebs of Conway 1-up to advance to the Championship Match. A chip-in birdie on the 11^th hole helped to seal the match for the 17-year-old rising senior at Mauldin High School. Tomlinson, also a rising senior, clawed back from 4-down after the 5^th hole to bring the match to 2-down after the 9^th. Tomlinson found a way to stay in the match with clutch putting and straight tee shots. However, Rapp was too, leading the entire match and driving the green on the 10^th for a two-putt birdie. Both Rapp and Tomlinson will be invited to play in the Mid-Atlantic Girls Matches. The 2 finalist will be part of the Carolinas team that will compete against teams representing Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. The Mid-Atlantic Challenge will be played at Pine Needles Resort on August 6^th and 7^th.