Story by the South Carolina Golf Association

ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. - The final round of the 87th SCGA Amateur Championship at Dataw Island Club's Cotton Dike course has come to an end, but the champion will remain in the history books forever. William Harwood of Columbia will add his name to The Billy Lewis Trophy, joining other names like Lucas Glover, Bill Haas and DJ Trahan.

Starting the day with a four shot lead, Harwood would find himself on the back nine tied for the lead with Easley's Sawyer Mills going into the 13th hole. With birdies on three out of the four first holes on the back nine, Mills would begin a surge for the title. A late bogey by Mills and a birdie on the 15th hole by Harwood would ultimately catapult Harwood into the winner's circle as the round came to an end. With Dataw Island members and spectators all around the 18th green, Harwood would sink a six foot putt to claim his victory. 

Speaking on his mindset heading into the final round, Harwood said "I just focused on playing freely and stress free. Not playing the golf course or my competitors but playing my game. I felt like I did just that and thankfully was able to capitalize." A goal coming into the summer season, Harwood will cherish this win a little more than others. Speaking on the win, Harwood expressed "Being from South Carolina all my life and looking at the names on the trophy, it's really special. With not getting off to the start I wanted to this summer, I came to this tournament wanting to make some noise." The noise was clearly heard and with that noise comes an abundance amount of confidence that he will take away from the championship as he heads back to Elon University this fall.

First round leader, Jake Carter (Aiken) would end the championship in third place, firing a final round four under par, 67 to edge Caleb Proveaux of Lexington by three shots. Save the date and plan to compete with us in 2019 at the 88th SCGA Amateur Championship will be played at Thornblade Club in Greer.

For full results from the 87th SCGA Amateur Championship at Dataw Island Club's Cotton Dike course - 87th SCGA Amateur Championship.

About the South Carolina Amateur
The Palmetto State's finest amateur golfers square off in their annual youth-vs.-experience battle in the South Carolina Golf Association's Amateur Championship. The 72 hole event will include the top golfers in South Carolina who have either qualified for their position or earned an exempt status through another accomplishment. This Championship brings out the best in all participants and includes former Champions such as Lucas Glover, DJ Trahan and Bill Haas.