Brock and Kelly Set Early Pace in County Golf Championships

Golfers across the Upstate teed off Friday in pursuit of local glory as both the Greenville and Spartanburg County Golf Championships got underway under warm summer skies.

The 54-hole events, traditionally held later in the summer, moved to June this year to accommodate scheduling changes tied to the South Carolina Amateur Championship. Both tournaments will crown county champions following Sunday’s final rounds.

Greenville County: Brock Blazes Fox Run

Two-time champion Danny Brock made himself right at home on a course he knows better than most—Fox Run Country Club—firing a blistering 8-under-par 63 to take a three-shot lead in the Greenville County Amateur. Brock, who grew up playing at Fox Run, has now won twice on the layout and is aiming for a third county title.

“It’s his home course, and he certainly played like it,” said one observer. “He just knows where to be and how to score out there.”

Trailing Brock are Nolan Marks and former champion Cole Patterson, both carding 66s to stay within striking distance at 6-under.

In the Greenville Senior Amateur, former South Carolina State Amateur champion Lee Palms leads the field after an impressive 5-under-par 67, edging past previous county senior champ Duff Wagner, who is in pursuit as play heads into the weekend.

Scores from the Greenville County Amateur https://greenvillecga.bluegolf.com/bluegolfw/greenvillecga25/event/greenvillecga253/contest/20/leaderboard.htm

Spartanburg County: Kelly Makes Double Eagle Impression

Over at Woodfin Ridge Golf Club in Spartanburg, known for its generous fairways and emphasis on length off the tee, Brad Kelly jumped to the top of the leaderboard with a round to remember—a 4-under-par 68 featuring two eagles.

Kelly’s effort gives him a two-shot advantage over Trevor Phillips, a two-time Spartanburg County champion who’s looking to add a third title to his resume.

A trio of golfers sit just behind the leaders at 1-under-par, including defending champion Brad Sil, Hunter Parks, and three-time winner Kevin Roberts. Steve Pellegrini also joins the group at red numbers, while former Wofford standout Dustin Adair remains in the hunt at even-par.

Adair, despite playing a limited competitive schedule, continues to be a fixture near the top of the Spartanburg County leaderboard.

Scores from the Spartanburg County Amateur at Woodfin Ridge https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11451973751680322208

Why the June Change?

The move to June for both tournaments stems from adjustments made by the United States Golf Association, which now grants the South Carolina Amateur Champion a spot in the prestigious U.S. Amateur. With the national tournament set earlier in the calendar, South Carolina’s amateur championship shifted from early August to the end of July—prompting county organizers to move up their events as well.

Though the 2025 switch came late, both Greenville and Spartanburg county committees are considering options for 2026, with hopes of settling into more favorable summer dates.

Championship Weekend Ahead

Rounds two and three are set for Saturday and Sunday, and by sunset on Sunday, new or familiar names will be etched into county golf history. Whether it’s Brock, Kelly, or another contender who claims the crown, the Upstate golf community is sure to enjoy a thrilling finish.