Despite facing strong winds and challenging conditions, the Bearcats and Lady Cats showed remarkable resilience in their match against the Worth County Rams at Bainbridge Country Club. While victory eluded them this time, their determination and sportsmanship shone brightly throughout the game.

“It’s one of those elements that we don’t get enough of, to be able to train efficiently in it,” Bainbridge head golf coach Greg Harrell said. “Despite that Caleb went out and took care of business and shot a 39 in those elements. That wind was probably a six-shot difference in the wind, we had between 30 and 35 miles per hour wind gust, and it was probably a 25-mile per hour wind constantly throughout the afternoon.” 

Standout Performers: 

• 11th grader Caleb Logue took the spotlight as the Bearcats’ low medalist. He showcased his skill and tenacity on the course, shooting a 39. 
• 11th grader Emma Dollar led the Lady Cats as the low medalist, demonstrating her exceptional talent and focus.

“They have the mindset, the eye of the tiger,” Harrell said. “They put their mind to execute in every shot, it’s special to watch, honestly.” 

For the JV athletes:

• Ninth grader Thomas Hines, was the third low medalist of 27 golfers, orchestrating the Bearcats with an impressive performance.
• Ninth grader Dominique Davis had a career round ranking fifth out of 26 players.
• Eighth-grader Lane Cundiff shot the seventh-lowest round. 
• Ninth grader Maddie Barber and 10th grader Mary Margaret Beckham truly led the charge for the Lady Cats. Demonstrating their commitment to excellence and setting a high standard for their teammates. Their performance in challenging conditions showcased not only their skill but also their resilience and determination.

“I was very proud of Thomas’ performance because he overcame a lot of adversity early,” Harrell said. “I thought he was going to wind up shooting 50 on the first hole, but he was flawless the rest of the day, I would venture to say the junior varsity outscored the varsity, it was that close, the JV team improved their scores tremendously, especially in those elements.” 

The current Bearcats and Lady Cats golf teams are comprised of a significant proportion of freshmen, making up 35 percent of the roster. This youthful presence underscores the importance of gaining valuable in-game experience, especially in a sport as mentally demanding as golf. For these young athletes, each competitive round serves as an essential learning opportunity, helping them to develop their focus, resilience, and strategic thinking. The mental challenges of golf require players to maintain composure under pressure, make quick yet calculated decisions, and continually refine their skills. By participating in actual matches, these freshmen can build the confidence and mental fortitude needed to excel both individually and as part of a cohesive team. 

“I have them signed up for as many tournaments as I can,” Harrell said. “I could care less whether we get last place or not, it’s about the experience.”

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the sponsors who made this event possible. Special thanks to Mr. Rick Pierce, Mr. Richard Irvin, and their dedicated staff for their unwavering support of Bearcat Golf.

Don’t miss the action this Saturday, March 8th, as the Bearcats host the 25th Annual Bearcat Invitational beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bainbridge Country Club. Come out and cheer them on!