SC Junior Golf group welcomes new foundation director

Alex Hamilton returns to his roots in becoming foundation director of the S.C. Junior Golf Foundation.

“He’s a great fit,” said Biff Lathrop, executive director of the S.C. Golf Association. “Not only does he have a great passion for the game and what we’re doing, he grew up in our junior program. He’s done it all in golf.”

Indeed, Hamilton brings a wealth of experience in the game to his new post. He excelled on the course, delved into the coaching ranks and most recently worked as a college and amateur development representative for Callaway Golf.

“I’m excited to return to an organization that has meant so much to me,” Hamilton said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for me to help junior golf in our state.”

South Carolina’s junior program ranks among the nation’s best, and Hamilton was part of its climb into prominence. In the junior ranks, he competed against future PGA Tour winners such as Lucas Glover, Jonathan Byrd and D.J. Trahan. His high school golf team included Kevin Kisner.

“Just so many great players have come though the program,” he said. “Major champions (Glover, U.S. Open, and Dustin Johnson, U.S. Open and Masters), a lot of PGA Tour winners and a lot of players who developed a love for the game in junior events.”

Hamilton got his start in the game by following his dad to the courses and, he said, “I can’t remember not being involved in golf.”

He played in the state’s junior competition, starred on South Aiken’s state high school championship teams, played four years at USC and took a shot at the pros before turning to coaching, principally as an assistant at USC and head coach at Wofford. He moved to Callaway two years ago.

His triumphs include winning the South Carolina Amateur in 2004.

“The SCGA has such a great staff with Biff, Justin Fleming (senior director, S.C. Junior Golf Association), everyone,” Hamilton said. “I’m looking forward to joining the team and helping the foundation carry on its mission of growing the game and helping junior golfs of all skill levels.”

College update. Both USC and Clemson closed the men’s fall seasons with individual tournament victories, Gene Zeigler for the Gamecocks and Andrew Swanson for the Tigers.

Zeigler, a sophomore from Florence, earned his first college win in the Daniel Island Intercollegiate by three strokes in leading the Gamecocks to a tie for fourth in the team competition. Zach Adams, a freshman from Charleston who won the South Carolina Amateur in August, collected his first collegiate top-10 finish with a tie for eighth.

Swanson, a sophomore from Bluffton, fired a final-round 63 on his way to the individual championship in the Ka’anapali Classic in Hawaii. His 18-under par 195 set a school record from strokes under par. The Tigers finished second in the team competition.

USC’s women, ranked fourth nationally, completed the fall schedule with a fourth-place finish in the Landfall Tradition in Wilmington, North Carolina. Senior Justine Fournand placed third and All-American Hannah Darling, a sophomore, matched her career best with a final-round 66 and tied for sixth. Darling is ranked No. 3 among individuals by both Golfweek and Golfstat.

Clemson’s women saved their best for the final round and climbed to sixth in the Battle at the Beach in Mexico. Sophomore Chloe Holder led the Tigers, placing 17th in the individual competition.

Chip shots. Catherine Shealy (Blythewood) continued her sizzling season, teaming with Freddy Henriquez (Blythewood) to win the WSCGA/SCGA Mixed Team Championship at Mount Vintage GC in North Augusta. Shealy’s other achievements this year include winning the Sonic Columbia Women’s title, qualifying for the U.S. Mid-Amateur and winning the senior amateur division of the South Carolina Women’s Open. Jeanie Atkinson (Columbia) and Rich Houghton (Elgin) joined forces to win the senior division in the Mixed Team event. ... Tim Teaster (Cayce) changed from behind with a final-round 67 to win the SCGA’s Super Senior Championship at Florence CC. Walter Odiorne (Blythewood) earned second place. . . . Jon Weiss (Florence) birdied the first playoff hole to edge Chandler Mulkey (Johns Island) and win the SCGA’s Mid-Amateur title at Dataw Island Club on St. Helena Island. ... Robert Lutomski (Simpsonville) shot even-par 70 to nip Donald Taylor (Columbia) by two strokes in the SCGA’s 40-Plus series at Camden CC.

This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 8:50 AM with the headline "SC Junior Golf group welcomes new foundation director."