Defending champions look ready to defend last year’s championships

By Stan Olenik. Editor-Publisher, The GolfClub

He didn’t know it then, but Shakespeare may have written the headline for this year’s Red Raider Invitational.

“The past is prologue,” the Bard declared. And in this case, “the wheel came full circle.”

Around here, that’s just a fancy way of saying Will Ruth repeated as medalist — and TL Hanna repeated as team champion.

The Red Raider, played at Greenville Country Club’s Riverside Course, isn’t an official high school event. It’s more of an early measuring stick — an unofficial preview to see whether last year’s champions are ready to defend what they earned.

On a cold, windy afternoon at Riverside, Will Ruth and Hanna answered that question quickly.

Ruth Handles the Elements

The Dorman senior — and future UNC Wilmington Seahawk — fired a 4-under par 67 with five birdies and just one bogey. It was a different look from last year’s win, when he played in shorts under much milder conditions.

This time, the wind affected everything — from tee shots to short putts.

“I love playing this course,” Ruth said. “It’s just so different because of all the elements. The greens slope everywhere, and it’s something you’re not really used to. It’s fun.”

2023 SCGA Junior Player of the Year Erick Erlenkeuser posted a solid 1-under par 70 to finish second.

Karsen Wilkins of Greenville, Bryson McCurry of Greenwood, and Asher Webb of Mauldin all posted even par rounds to earn sports on the All-Tournament Team.

Ruth, already a two-time 5A Division I individual state champion, will attempt to win a third straight title this spring. But for his senior season, the individual accolades aren’t the top priority.

“I would love to win a team state championship,” he said. “That’s one thing I’d like to have on my résumé. If I do my part and stay competitive, I think we’ll have a chance.”

Hanna Sets the Standard Again

Behind Erlenkeuser’s runner-up finish, TL Hanna repeated as team champion with a 290 total — eight shots clear of the young Greenville squad.

The Yellow Jackets leaned on experience. Erlenkeuser and Bennett Scalette — last year’s SCGA Junior Player of the Year and future Clemson Tiger — provided the steady presence that has defined Hanna’s recent run.

Head coach Erik Bona has guided Hanna to three straight state titles, and he knows repeating won’t get easier.

“I’ve told the kids what was good enough three years ago wasn’t good enough the year after, and it wasn’t good enough last year,” Bona said. “And whatever we did last year won’t be good enough if we want to stay on top this year.”

Greenville, despite graduating recent standouts Tip Price (Clemson) and Hugh Faulkner (Anderson), briefly held the team lead before finishing second. Sophomore Karsen Wilkins matched Ruth with five birdies but had to battle back from an early bogey-double bogey start to finish tied for third.

A Season That Will Move Quickly

The official season begins with the next tournament on the schedule, and it will feel compressed. With several state championships moving to Myrtle Beach and junior schedules shifting, teams won’t have much time to find form.

For Hanna, a fourth straight title would also complete a sweep for the Anderson High School after the girls captured their state championship in the fall.

But Bona believes hunger isn’t something a coach installs — it has to come from within.

“Staying on top takes leadership,” he said. “We’ve been blessed with seniors and juniors who’ve stepped up, worked with the younger guys, mentored them, and carried over our expectations. That makes a difference in the long run.”

Shakespeare also wrote, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”

After watching Ruth and TL Hanna at Riverside, we may not know everything yet — but we have a pretty good idea of what this high school golf season might become.