GOLF

Mia Andrade, a rising 7th grader at Chapin Middle School, qualified for the US Kids Clubs World Championships taking place Aug. 1-3.

“I played well all season and feel confident about my game,” commented Andrade.

Players participate during an entire season to accumulate points based on performance to earn the opportunity to compete in the World Championship.

There could be golfers from up to 50 different countries at Pinehurst in August.

“I played well all season and really looking forward to Pinehurst,” continued the 11-year-old, who plays at Mid-Carolina Club.

Mia’s dad, Anthony Andrade, was smiling ear to ear.

“I am so proud because she has worked hard for quite a while and has targeted this event for two years,” he said.

In other youth golf news, golfer Jenson Castle of West Columbia qualified for the US Junior by finishing second at the South Carolina qualifying site at Mt. Vintage in Aiken.

A 2-time state champion, first at White Knoll in 2016 and last year at Gray Collegiate Academy, Castle will attend the University of Kentucky this fall. Most recently, Castle tied for 12th overall at the Rolex Girls Junior Championship.

The Hootie and the Blowfish Tri-County Chapter last competition was at CC of Lexington on June 24.

In the Boys 7-9 age group, Trust Winter placed 1st by one shot over Gavin Gas-kins.

Matthew Bellon placed 1st in the Boys 10-12. In the Boys 13-14 age group, all places were decided by one stroke.

Ashton Eubanks placing 1st and one shot behind him was Chase Cline in 2nd and Roman Mullinax in 3rd. Charlie Beiers was medalist with the days low round of even par 72.

In the girls 13-18 division, Alexis Hodge placed first. This week, the Tri-County will be competing at Golden Hills Country Club.