The South Carolina Junior Golf Association announced the top juniors from across South Carolina who will compete in the Cheraw State Park Fall Challenge this weekend.

The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, along with the town of Cheraw, sponsors this annual event held at Cheraw State Park and Cheraw Country Club golf courses

“Junior golfers need the opportunity to compete and grow as players, and we are all very excited that they are coming here once again to play,” Director of Golf David Hyduke said.

The Fall Challenge was started in 1994. It is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.

More than 248 applications were received last year for the 36-hole event, and it is fast becoming one of the junior golfers' favorite sites.

Trophies will be awarded in seven age groups.

Tee times will run from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Past winners include Bill Haas of Wake Forest in 1997, Brian Duncan and Matt Hendrix of Clemson in 1996 and 2000, Michael Maness of U.S.C. in 1998, and Cheraw's own Matt Bennett of Coastal Carolina in 2001.

“The SCJGA is very pleased to have PRT involved once again in such a great tournament. The game of golf is such a vital part of South Carolina's economy, and to blend the game with the youth of our state is a top priority for both organizations,” SCJGA's Chris Miller said.

Robby Bennett, past SCJGA president and tournament chairman, brings this event to the town of Cheraw.

“The future of golf lies with our young people. We are delighted to have the opportunity to host an SCJGA event. We want South Carolina to develop great golfers, and this is an opportunity for the SCJGA and the Cheraw community to help make that happen,” Bennett said.