News Summary
The inaugural Carlisle Cup junior golf tournament in Aiken celebrated the legacy of Michael Carlisle, attracting 108 young golfers. With competitions across four age divisions, teams displayed remarkable skills in a two-player scramble format, culminating in standout performances in each category. Organizers aimed to highlight community and competition, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent in golf. The event is poised to become an annual tradition, continuing to honor Carlisle’s contributions to junior golf and supporting the growth of young golfers.
Aiken Hosts Inaugural Carlisle Cup Junior Golf Tournament
The inaugural Carlisle Cup junior golf tournament took place at Old Barnwell in Aiken, honoring the legacy of former tour organizer and revered USC Aiken golf coach Michael Carlisle. The event attracted 108 young golfers, showcasing their skills in a two-player scramble format across four age divisions.
Event Highlights and Results
The tournament featured intense competition, with notable performances in each age category. In the girls’ 13-18 division, the team of Karsyn Herron and Sarah Martin emerged victorious, completing their round with an impressive low score of 62. The boys’ 15-18 division was tightly contested, with Evan Crooks and Nolan Still finishing just one shot ahead of their nearest competitors, Wiley Trotter and Jack Manton, as well as Carson Keck and Colin Ritz.
Meanwhile, the boys’ 13-14 division was won by Samuel Thompson and James Gregory, who recorded a score of 64. In the boys’ 10-12 division, Bridges Trotter and Jack Engler clinched victory with a score of 66.
Honoring a Legacy
Casey Thompson, who organized the tournament, sought to honor Carlisle’s invaluable contributions to junior golf. During the tournament, a special flag emblazoned with the name “Carlisle Cup” was displayed on the 18th green, symbolizing the significance of this inaugural event. Casey Thompson himself is an All-State golfer and a former pupil of Carlisle, expressing deep appreciation for the mentorship and leadership that Carlisle provided throughout his career.
Community and Development Focus
The Carlisle Cup was designed not only to promote competitive golf but also to foster a sense of community and fun among participants. Organizers acknowledged the hard work and effort required to execute the tournament, especially given Carlisle’s dedication to nurturing young talent during over 30 years in junior golf.
Broader Implications for the Community
In related community efforts, Aiken County has previously allocated between $30,000 and $50,000 for infrastructure projects on Cedar Creek Road, which has predominantly suffered from flooding during heavy rain. Identified needs for paving and enhanced drainage systems aim to address these recurring issues, showcasing the council’s commitment to local safety and accessibility.
Future of the Carlisle Cup
The inaugural tournament is expected to become a hallmark event within the Aiken Augusta Golf Tour, previously known as the AAJGA. Organizers aim to make it an annual tradition, continuing to celebrate and enhance the future of junior golf in the region.
As the community reflects on the success of the Carlisle Cup, the tournament stands as a proud testament to the legacy of Michael Carlisle and the bright futures ahead for the young golfers it supports.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Cedar Creek Road Flooding
- Google Search: Cedar Creek Road Flooding
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- WFXG: Bamberg County Flooding
- Google News: Flooding in Bamberg County
- Fox Weather: North Carolina Flooding
- Google Scholar: Flooding
- Post and Courier: Opinion on Rain and Trash
- Google Search: Rain and Trash in Aiken
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


