Five young golfers from our area recently showcased their skills at the 2024 Summer Nationals hosted by the Under Armour Junior Tour. The prestigious tournament took place from June 19-23 at the PGA National Resort’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The event attracted more than 90 elite players from across the country in the 15-18 boys division, creating a highly competitive field for these talented athletes.
Impressive Performances
Leading the pack from our local contingent was Cooper Riner, who secured a commendable sixth place. Cooper performed consistently throughout the tournament, demonstrating his prowess and potential on the national stage. His performance improved on the second day, especially on the back nine, where he scored fewer bogeys and one less double bogey compared to the first round. Between the 36 holes in two days, he birdied 4 holes and made par 18 times. He shot 79 on the first day of play and shaved off 3 strokes for a total of 76 on Day 2.
Richard "Peanut" Braddy followed closely behind Cooper when scoring was finalized, finishing in 11th place. Richard’s game was marked by precision and tactical decision-making. He maintained a consistent performance over the two-day outing as well, finishing with scores of 79 and 80. His play was characterized by a steady 19 pars, with a few bogeys and the occasional double bogey affecting his overall score. Despite these challenges, his ability to secure birdies on two key holes demonstrated his potential and competitive spirit.
Layton Terwilliger also performed admirably, securing the 23rd spot. Layton’s performance highlighted his growth and adaptability. Like Cooper, he improved on Day 2 by reducing his number of double bogeys and maintaining a higher number of pars compared to the opening round. His overall scores for the two-day outing were 85 and 80 respectively.
Paxton Dixon, Cooper's brother, placed 52nd, showing determination throughout the tournament. He came out strong in the first round and birdied two holes to finish with a score of 84. The second round proved tougher for Paxton; a couple challenging holes set him up for double bogeys, contributing to a total score of 93. Despite the tough second day, Paxton's effort, participation in, and experience from such a competitive tournament will undoubtably help his golf game in the future.
The same can be said about Ethan Fields, who rounded out the group with a 78th finish. He logged a birdie and 7 pars on Day 1 and pared another 7 holes on Day 2 to record final scores of 89 and 99 between the 36 holes.
All five golfers’ scorecards can be found printed with this story.
Qualifying for the Worlds
Cooper, Richard, and Layton’s outstanding performances earned them spots in the 2025 Under Armour Junior Tour World Championship. This event is set to take place from July 17-21, 2025 at the beautiful Reunion Resort in Florida. The tournament will feature top junior golfers from around the globe, providing an even greater platform for these young athletes to demonstrate their skills.
Team Efforts in the Par 3 Scramble
In addition to their individual successes, the boys also participated in the Par 3 Two Person Scramble. Cooper and Paxton teamed up to tie for 35th place with a highlight being Cooper’s remarkable hole-in-one on Number 4. Meanwhile, Ethan and Richard paired up and finished tied for 56th place, alongside Josiah Hardee of Atlanta. Layton Terwilliger played a supportive role as their caddie.
Emanuel County Well Represented
The participation of these young golfers in such a respected tournament underscores their talent and dedication to the sport. Their achievements at the 2024 Summer Nationals not only highlight their individual skills but also bring pride to our community. We look forward to their continued success on the greens and their upcoming performances at the world championship next year.
