Midlands Golf Community Celebrates Outstanding Athletes

News Summary

The Midlands golf community honored its top athletes of the 2025 season, recognizing remarkable performances from high school players. Harrison James and Charles Cauthen were named Co-Players of the Year, while Connor Wolfe earned the Readers’ Choice Player of the Year award. Numerous players achieved impressive averages, contributing to their teams’ success. The spotlight was also on the Midland High boys golf team, which secured the District 2-6A championship under Coach Edi DeLucas, showcasing the promising future of golf in the Midlands region.

Columbia – The Midlands golf community celebrated its top athletes for the 2025 season, recognizing outstanding performances from high school golf players. Harrison James of Chapin and Charles Cauthen of AC Flora were named Co-Players of the Year, highlighting their exceptional talent and contributions throughout the season. Additionally, Connor Wolfe from Heathwood Hall was awarded the Readers’ Choice Player of the Year following a fan vote, further underscoring his impact in the sport.

In competitive results, significant achievements were noted among many players. Marcus Bradley from Hammond had an impressive average score of 36 in nine-hole matches and 71 in 18-hole matches, eventually finishing fourth in the SCISA 4A golf championship. Nathanael Caughman of River Bluff emerged as runner-up in the Class 5A Division I championship, posting a scoring average of 74.9. His contributions were pivotal in awarding River Bluff its first state title, and he has been selected for the North-South All-Star matches as he prepares to sign to play at Columbia International.

Charles Cauthen showcased a remarkable scoring average of 71.6 during the season, securing medalist honors in three tournaments and finishing sixth at the Class 4A state championship. Though chosen for the North-South All-Star team, he was unable to participate. Cauthen is ranked sixth by the South Carolina Junior Golf Association and has committed to continue his golf career at the University of Kentucky. Meanwhile, Teddy Dunn from Gray Collegiate had a scoring average of 72, claiming medalist honors at the Class 4A Lower State championship and finishing tenth at the state tournament, all while signing to continue his playing career at Mercer.

Furthermore, Harrison James achieved a scoring average of 72.2, earning medalist honors in four tournaments, including the Region 4-5A championship. He completed the season with a remarkable 7-under 65 in one of the tournaments, finishing ninth at the state championship and ranking ninth overall in the South Carolina Junior Golf Association rankings. He has also committed to play at Coastal Carolina.

Among other notable players, Dylan Leicht of Lexington had a nine-hole scoring average of 37.1, tying for 13th at the Class 5A Division I state championship, while Grant Paolucci from Blythewood recorded a scoring average of 73 and co-medaled at the Class 5A Division I Upper State championship. Paolucci finished eleventh at the state championship, received North-South All-Star selection, and has signed to play at Army.

James Rhodes from AC Flora achieved a scoring average of 74.1, placing eighth in the Class 4A state championship and again getting selected for North-South All-Star matches. Brady Senn of Gilbert maintained a scoring average of 75.1 and tied for medalist at the Region 4-4A tournament but narrowly missed out in a playoff. He finished eighth at the Class 4A Lower State championship and 20th at the state tournament. Meanwhile, John Thompson of Spring Valley won the Region 4-5A championship in a playoff and secured seventh place in the Class 5A Division I state championship, earning his spot in the North-South matches.

In other accolades, Howie Vroon of River Bluff achieved a scoring average of 72.6, winning medalist honors in two tournaments, including the Class 5A Division I Upper State. His sixth-place finish at the Class 5A championship was crucial in helping River Bluff secure its state title.

Among younger talents, Connor Wolfe, only an eighth-grader, demonstrated his potential with a nine-hole scoring average of 35.4, winning the medalist title at the SCISA 1-4A tournament and finishing as the runner-up at the SCISA Class 4A tournament.

Second-team honorees included Sam Booth (River Bluff), Alston Brooks (Gray Collegiate), Blaine Bushman (Irmo), and others, showcasing the depth of talent in the Midlands region.

Additionally, the Midland High boys golf team triumphed in the District 2-6A championship at Quicksand Golf Course, shooting a tournament-best 312 in the final round, finishing five strokes ahead of their closest rivals, San Angelo Central. Coach Edi DeLucas commended the team’s experience and poise throughout the competition, which proved crucial in achieving their victory.

The individual standings from the tournament were highlighted by Gilbert Lujan (Midland High), who took the medalist title with impressive rounds of 77-72—totaling 149, just one shot ahead of competitors Miles Cooper (Frenship) and EJ Rodriguez (Odessa High). Additional performances by teammates, including Carter Tipton and George Ray, earned them all-district honors, reflecting the overall strength and competitiveness of the Midland High team.

The success of these golfers underlines the bright future of the sport in the Midlands, as these young athletes continue to excel and build their reputations on and off the course.

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Additional Resources

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