'It literally means everything:' Gray wins South Carolina Amateur

Tyler Gray had an emotional afternoon on Sunday at the South Carolina Amateur. Gray, a Lugoff, S.C., native who will be a sophomore at Costal Carolina in the fall, says he couldn’t break 80 a year ago. On Sunday, he was holding a state amateur trophy.

“It literally means everything. I can’t even put it into words,” Gray said, his voice shaking.

Gray posted rounds of 67-66-67-68 to finish the event at Thornblade Club in Greer, S.C., with a 72-hole score of 268, 16 under par. He finished four strokes ahead of runner-up Logan Sowell of Kershaw, S.C.

“I set a goal in May that when I got to this golf tournament I was going to have a chance to win it,” Gray said. “I knew if I played right, I was going to have a chance. I came out on top today and it means the world.”

Gray said the win will give him a world of confidence entering the fall season. He was among 31 players to finish the week under par.

Former U.S. Walker Cupper Todd White was part of a tie for ninth at 7 under. Another notable finish came from Caleb Proveaux. The South Carolina player was part of a tie for 12th at 6 under.