Greer, SC – Columbia’s Merritt Barbrey came into The Blade Junior Golf Classic with a strong resume: four-time All-State honors, Region Player of the Year twice, and multiple Play Series victories. But there was one box she had yet to check.

“I had not won a South Carolina Junior Golf Association major,” she said after claiming the girls’ division title at the 27th edition of The Blade at Thornblade Club.

Barbrey led by one after the opening round of the 54-hole championship but slipped back during the second round, falling three shots behind.

“I didn’t know exactly where I stood,” she said. “I just tried to stay focused, make a few pars and maybe a birdie or two. I was just hoping to make the cut.”

Scoring was difficult for the entire field on the challenging Thornblade layout, with most rounds in the mid-to-high 70s. Barbrey didn’t record many birdies—but when she did, they counted. Her back-to-back birdies on holes 9 and 10 in the final round proved to be the difference.

“That gave me momentum,” she said. “After that, I felt like I had a chance.”

While her main rival, Kate Gunnels, from Belton, recorded more birdies overall, she also struggled with a couple of big numbers opening the door for Barbrey to retake the lead—and this time, never give it back.

Barbrey finished at 17-over-par, five shots clear of Gunnels. Caitlyn Gaines of Lexington placed third at 25-over.

With most of her summer schedule complete, Barbrey is now preparing for her senior season at A.C. Flora High School, where she hopes to catch the attention of college coaches.

“We might play one more event,” she said, “but mostly I’ll be practicing and getting ready for the season.”

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