News Summary
Blue Ridge High School achieved a historic victory at the 50th Southern Cross High School Golf Tournament, securing their first championship title. The team finished with a total score of 12-over 438, edging out Frederica Academy by just two strokes. Dawson Szabo led the team as the individual champion with an impressive score of 2-under 140. The tournament, held at the Palmetto Golf Club, showcased some of South Carolina’s finest young golfing talent and solidified its place as a premier high school event.
Aiken, South Carolina –
Blue Ridge High School has claimed its first championship title at the 50th edition of the Southern Cross High School Golf Tournament, held at the prestigious Palmetto Golf Club. This victory marks a significant accomplishment for Blue Ridge, as it was only their second appearance in the tournament, demonstrating their rapid ascent in the competitive high school golf landscape.
Blue Ridge finished the tournament with a two-day total of 12-over 438, securing a narrow victory by just two strokes over Frederica Academy. In a tightly contested event, Dorman High School took third place with a score of 441, followed closely by T.L. Hanna at 445 and the defending champion, Greenville, at 451.
Dawson Szabo Shines Individually
Leading the way for Blue Ridge was Dawson Szabo, who was crowned the individual champion of the tournament after finishing with a score of 2-under 140. Szabo’s final round score of 71 was particularly impressive, as he was the only player in the entire field to end the tournament under par. The junior golfer encountered early difficulties, starting with a score of 4-over through the first four holes but rebounded strongly on the back nine. Key contributions to his round included an eagle on the challenging par-4 15th hole.
Szabo was not alone in his success; teammate Owen Kinnunen also delivered a solid performance, shooting a final-round score of 71, further bolstering Blue Ridge’s chances of taking home the title.
A Celebrated Tradition in High School Golf
The Southern Cross tournament, often referred to as the “Masters of high school golf,” has been a cornerstone of junior golf in South Carolina since its establishment in 1975. Recognized for attracting some of the finest high school golfers in the state, it is a prestigious event that showcases incredible talent and competitive spirit. The layout of the Palmetto Golf Club provides a challenging yet fair test for these young athletes.
During this year’s competition, Aiken High emerged as the top local team, finishing with a total score of 482. Individual performances from local golfers included Luke Johnson from North Augusta, who tied for 18th with a score of 150, while Andrew Baxley finished tied for 35th at 155.
Format and Schedule
The Southern Cross features a total of 36 holes played over two days, with the first round taking place on a Friday and concluding with the final round on Saturday. This year’s tournament, with its rich history and competitive atmosphere, was no exception, further solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for high school golfers in the region.
As Blue Ridge celebrates this landmark victory, the legacy of the Southern Cross High School Golf Tournament continues, setting the stage for future generations of talented young golfers in South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Masters High School Golf – Southern Cross Returns for 50th Edition
- Post and Courier: Southern Cross 50th Anniversary
- Post and Courier: Szabo, Blue Ridge Win Southern Cross
- Wikipedia: Southern Cross
- Google Search: Southern Cross Golf Tournament
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.
