The Blade Junior Classic
$1.6 million donated. 175 players to college. The Haas family stamp of approval.
The story
The Blade Junior Classic was conceived by Rob Reeves after a visit to the Players Championship. His vision was specific: create the best junior golf tournament experience for families and athletes alike. Twenty-seven years later, the numbers validate the vision — over 3,500 junior golfers have competed, 175 have progressed to college golf, and $1.6 million has been donated to Prisma Children's Hospital, Camp Courage, and First Tee of the Upstate. The Haas family involvement is not honorary — it is operational. Jay and Jan Haas have been instrumental in maintaining the standards of play and etiquette. Their sons Bill Haas (6-time PGA Tour winner) and Jay Haas Jr. both competed as juniors. Kevin Kisner (3-time PGA Tour winner), Ben Martin, Austin Ernst (LPGA Tour winner), and Lauren Stephenson (LPGA Tour player) are all Blade alumni. The tournament produces professional golfers at a rate that rivals events with ten times the budget. The Dick and Lucille Hendley Scholarship Fund, established in 2021, adds another dimension: scholarships awarded based on character, community service, and academic excellence — not just golf scores. This reflects the Blade's foundational belief that junior golf is about developing complete people, not just low handicappers. The 2026 move to Olde Eight due to Thornblade Club renovations demonstrates the tournament's resilience and the depth of its community support. The Blade is not venue-dependent — it is mission-dependent.
The venue
Hosted at the Thornblade Club in Greer, South Carolina for 27 years. In 2026, due to renovations, the 28th Annual Blade moves to Olde Eight — reflecting the tournament's adaptability and the strong support it receives from the Upstate South Carolina golf community.
Course setup: Thornblade Club (and Olde Eight in 2026) presents a championship-caliber test with well-maintained bermuda fairways, challenging greens, and a layout that rewards strategic play. The Upstate South Carolina setting means moderate elevation and generally fair weather during the summer tournament window.
Format
The premiere event on the South Carolina Junior Golf Association schedule. The tournament week includes a formal dinner with guest speakers, a pre-tournament fundraising party, and the Monday Junior-Am pairing juniors with corporate sponsors.
Cut: No
Field
Elite field players · SCJGA schedule entry
Coach verdict
South Carolina, Clemson, and Furman coaches are regulars. The 175-to-college pipeline speaks for itself. Coaches trust the Haas family's involvement as a quality signal.
Best for: Excellent for 12-18. The tournament week programming (formal dinner, Junior-Am, scholarship awards) provides value beyond the competition. Younger players benefit from the family atmosphere and the exposure to the Haas family's standards. The competitive divisions for 15-18 are where the college recruiting value concentrates.
College scouting: Significant
Competitive insight
The Blade is the best example of a regional event that punches above its weight nationally. It is the premiere South Carolina junior golf event, and the alumni track record (175 to college, multiple PGA/LPGA Tour players) puts it in company with events that have far larger budgets and national marketing. For juniors in the Carolinas and the Southeast, this is a must-play. The Haas family name on the event is not decorative — it means the standards are real.
Scoring context: Competitive scores are typically in the 70-74 range per round. The course setup is fair but demanding — the best players will be under par, but the field depth means even-par golf puts you in contention.
Application tip
Entry is through the South Carolina Junior Golf Association schedule. If you are not an SCJGA member, join early in the year to ensure eligibility. The tournament fills based on SCJGA registration windows, so watch the dates.
What makes it different
Notable alumni
Recent champions
| Year | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Cade Kriscunas | Caroline Hawkins |
| 2023 | Dawson Szabo | Olivia Pellerin |
| 2022 | Andrew Gregory | Anne Fernandez |
| 2021 | Zach Adams | Paige Paolucci |
| 2020 | William Jennings | Chloe Holder |
Is it worth the travel?
situational valueIf you are in the Carolinas or the Southeast, this is a must-play. For families traveling from outside the region, the value depends on whether your junior is targeting SEC or ACC programs in the Carolinas. The philanthropic mission and family experience make it worth attending at least once.
Charitable impact
Over $1.6 million donated to local organizations. The Dick and Lucille Hendley Scholarship Fund rewards character, community service, and academic excellence.$1.6 million donated to Prisma Children's Hospital, Camp Courage, First Tee of the Upstate.