GOLF

The Lexington Lady Wildcats won the S.C. High School League Class 5A girls’ golf championship this year to carry on a tradition that is simply incredible.

Isabella Rawl earned the individual title and her teammates Molly Hardwick and Carley Vardes placed second and fourth, respectively.

This is extremely unique and should be headline national sporting news.

According to a social media reference, Lexington has had 40 players achieve All-State Honors.

In the Class 2A/3A championship, Jenson Castle of Gray Collegiate Academy shot 68-69-137 to win the overall individual championship, while sister Jalen Castle tied for third with Kennedy Gooding of Gilbert with a score of 150.

Oceanside High School won the championship.

Gilbert High School placed fourth and considering this is a new program, its growth has been amazing.

“Three years ago, Gilbert had no players, no where to play, or no equipment. Chris Miller of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association outfitted us with clubs and we got started in a field,” commented Gilbert coach Dru Nix.

Just to make the state championship is an honor and contending after just three years of being in existence is phenomenal.

“Maybe the best part for me is we are extremely young, including sophomore, Anna Moss, two freshmen, Alex Hodges, Kennedy Gooding, and an eighth grader, Meredith Price. These young players love to work too”, continued Nix.

For the next few weeks, this column is going to be devoted to identifying ingredients in our local golf culture that produce fruitful results.

There are numerous ingredients including individuals and entities that will be covered so stay tuned.

The “Winter Tour” registration is underway and for information contact Crooked Creek Park, Seven Oaks Park or call 803-781-2063 for more information.

A closing golf tip would be to take full advantage of our beautiful fall golf weather and just play.

If you want to see a beautiful intersection of land and water while watching the best players in the World Nov. 15-18, consider attending the RSM Invitational in Sea Island, Ga.. Go to PGATOUR.com for tickets.

It’s a three-hour, 45-minute drive from Chapin and I can assure you that even even if you are not a die hard golf fan, this coastal land is beautiful.