Clinton Youth Golfer Mia Carles Claims Another State Championship
July 19, 2023
It’s been a great summer for Clinton’s Mia Carles, really great!
For third time in as many months, Mia Carles (age 14) has claimed another state title in golf.
The South Carolina Junior Girls’ Match Play Championship was played over three days, July 11 – 13, at Cherokee National Golf Club in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Among those competing was Clinton’s Mia Carles. After some tough competition over three days, Carles captured the championship defeating Olivia Roberts of Chesnee, South Carolina with a score of 3 & 1.
The championship match was tight as it was tied through the first five holes. Carles set the tone as she won back-to-back holes on six and seven, but Roberts responded as she beat Carles to come within one. Just before the turn, Carles drained an impressive putt for eagle to go up two holes. Carles made great putts all day with a birdie, an eagle, and 10 pars during the final round.
“The past three days I have been working on getting my swing back. My putting and chipping helped me out today,” stated Carles. “This is my first time playing match play. It was really fun, I enjoyed it and learned a lot,” remarked Carles.
Coming from a house full of golfers, having a South Carolina Junior Match Play champion is not new to the Carles household. In 2019, Mia Carles’ sister, Phoebe, claimed the title in a playoff at Berkeley Country Club in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
“It was a little nerve racking coming into the tournament since my sister had won before, but I was excited to play and win,” stated Carles.
The road getting to the championship match was not easy for Carles. Over the course of three days Carles played 68 holes and Roberts played 69 holes. Through the first 18 on Tuesday, Roberts led the field with a score of 76 (+4).
To advance to the championship, Carles took care of business in her semifinal match against Marissa Scaletta of Belton, South Carolina earlier that same day. The semifinal match was hard fought but Carles ultimately came out on top with a score of 5 & 3.
Congratulations, Mia! Clinton is proud of you, very proud!
