August 21, 2025

University Achievements Celebrate Local Success in Johnsonville

News Summary

In Johnsonville, the success of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ and the recognition of Florence Marion University’s golf team members highlight a vibrant community spirit. The film broke streaming records, while student-athletes excelled academically and athletically, contributing to local pride. The reopening of the Wellman Club as a municipal golf course further encapsulates the progress in recreational activities that engage the community.

Johnsonville, South Carolina – Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel, ‘Happy Gilmore 2’, has set a new record as it became the number one film on the streaming platform with an impressive 46.7 million views during its opening weekend. This remarkable achievement marks Netflix’s most successful opening weekend in the United States to date and highlights the film as Adam Sandler’s most successful streaming release ever.

The success of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ has not only made waves in the streaming world but has also positively influenced interest in the original ‘Happy Gilmore’ film, which originally debuted in 1996. The renewed attention is expected to boost viewership and engagement with the classic comedy.

Florence Marion University‘s golf team members, Xavier Schwarz and Ryan Bozard, have also achieved significant recognition, being named 2025 Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars. This esteemed list includes 556 NCAA Division I athletes from 190 schools, showcasing the best collegiate talent across the nation.

To qualify for the Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars list, nominees must be either a sophomore, junior, or senior and have participated in at least 50% of competitive rounds. Additional requirements include maintaining a stroke average under 76.0 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2. Furthermore, recipients must demonstrate high moral character and be in good standing at their respective institutions.

Xavier Schwarz, who graduated cum laude with a degree in Business Administration (marketing), boasts a GPA of 3.533. He concluded his collegiate career with a team-best 73.90 stroke average, including seven rounds at par or better. His standout performance was a seventh-place finish at the Southland Conference Championship Tournament.

Meanwhile, Ryan Bozard, majoring in biology, achieved a GPA of 3.402 and actively participated in 10 out of 11 tournaments during the past season. His efforts resulted in two rounds of par or better, with a season-low score recorded at 69. Both athletes contributed to Francis Marion’s strong showing, culminating in a sixth-place finish at the Southland Conference Tournament and six Top-10 finishes out of 11 tournaments.

In community news, the Wellman Club in Johnsonville has reopened as a municipal golf course after being closed for 13 years. The grand reopening took place on June 1 after a comprehensive $5 million restoration project. Funding for the renovation came primarily from Florence County’s One-Cent Capital Project Sales Tax, with Johnsonville receiving $3.9 million to revive the course.

The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, with approximately 600 rounds played in the first four days since the reopening. Renowned golf course designers Tom Watson and Rees Jones contributed to the course’s renovation, which now boasts five different tee boxes and stretches to a challenging 7,247 yards from the back tees.

The newly restored clubhouse features a Wellman Hall of Fame, dedicated to the history of the course. The Wellman Club aims to serve as a vibrant social hub for the local community while ensuring affordability, with memberships priced between $2,000 and $4,300.

Both the film industry and local sports developments reflect the dynamism present in Johnsonville. The record-breaking release of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ and the academic achievements of local athletes underscore a thriving community spirit boosting cultural and recreational activities.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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