LaGrange golf caps off strong week as Chastain wins third tournament of the season

Published 9:15 am Saturday, March 30, 2024

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The LaGrange golf program was spread across the state on Monday and the teams put together strong results at various tournaments.

“On Monday, we had teams scattered across the state and everybody did really well and I’m proud of how all the teams performed, said Ben Thrasher, the head of the LaGrange golf programs.

The varsity boys took a trip south to play in the Jim Hickman Invitational. It was a strong showing for the team as Saxon Chastain finished as low medalist with a 72 and the team finished first overall.

“He’s playing about as good as any high school golfer I’ve seen play,” Thrasher said. “He is just so consistent and even keel through it all. He treats playing golf like it’s just another business day. It’s really impressive to watch.”

This was Chastain’s third tournament win of the year, matching his total from his freshman year with still time to add more victories to his ledger during his sophomore campaign.

Chastain led the way, but it was a total team effort to shoot a combined score of 306 — 24 strokes better than runner-up Upson-Lee. It was one of the best showings for the team in recent memory as the Grangers lapped the field.

“This was the lowest team score that we have shot in at least seven years and probably a lot longer than that,” Thrasher said. “Shooting 306 is always good, I don’t care what course you are playing and what the conditions are, but to do it in 20 miles per hour winds is really dang impressive.”

Senior Ben Woodham had his strongest showing of the year, shooting a 76. Fellow senior Ty Ormsby also shot a 76 as Hugh Kersey shot an 82 and William Petrus shot 98 to round out the field for LaGrange.

“I’m so proud of Ben because he struggled mightily earlier this year and I think he would be the first one to tell you that,” Thrasher said. “He came out with a tremendous attitude on Monday and really figured it out.”

While the varsity boys were putting on a show at Upson-Lee’s home course, the JV boys and girls were getting some important reps at the LaGrange JV Invitational at The Fields.

“Monday we hosted a JV boys and girls tournament at The Fields as a good opportunity for a lot of our younger guys and young girls to play,” Thrasher said. 

As a team, the boys finished third in a field of nine teams. Sophomore Charlie Pitts and junior Bo Bowman were the standouts with both shooting an 85 on the day to finish in a tie for fifth place.

“This was Bo’s first tournament of the season and to go out there and shoot an 85 after a few weeks off is impressive,” Thrasher said. 

Mack Martin finished with a score of 92 and Preston Williams had a 97. The team was joined by a talented eighth grader Andrew Terrell, who shot a 94.

Due to obligations elsewhere, some of the varsity girls saw time in the course. That includes sophomore Caroline Brown, who shot a 91 to finish third overall as an individual.

“Caroline Brown had a great day she finished third overall. She has some really good shots and had really good confidence and her confidence as the season has progressed is really improving as a golfer,” Thrasher said. 

Senior Carlee Roland played in her first tournament of the year and shot a 98. She spends most of her spring on the soccer pitch.

“This was her first event of the year and she finished 11th overall which shows you just how talented she is and how much she can help us when she’s available,” Thrasher said. 

Sophomore Katie Hale shot a 106 as did up-and-coming star Emery Heard — an eighth grader.

“Emery is definitely one we are excited about for the future,” Thrasher said. “I know Coach (Kelsea) Platt is really excited to have her as part of the team.”

The girls finished fourth overall as a team.