River Bluff Boys Golf Team Wins First State Championship

News Summary

The River Bluff boys golf program achieved a historic milestone by winning its first state championship at the Class 5A Division I tournament on May 17. Finishing with a total of 602, the team secured the title three shots ahead of Dorman. This victory marked a significant turnaround from last year when they failed to qualify for the state tournament. Coach Roger Smith credited the win to the players’ determination and resilience throughout the season. The team’s success sets a new standard in the program’s history as they embrace a new era of achievement.

Columbia, SC – The River Bluff boys golf program achieved a historic milestone by winning its first state championship on May 17 at the Class 5A Division I tournament held at Wildewood Golf Course. The team secured the title with a two-day total of 602, finishing three shots ahead of Dorman, which posted a score of 605.

This championship win contrasts sharply with the team’s performance the previous year when they failed to qualify for the state tournament. The turnaround was marked by significant achievements, including winning the Upper State championship the week prior – also a first for the program.

Coach Roger Smith attributed the team’s success to their motivation stemming from last year’s disappointment. Throughout the season, the players demonstrated resilience and a commitment to learning from past experiences. Their determined effort was evident as they began the final day of the tournament tied for first place with Dorman, entering the final nine holes at a score of 301 before building a decisive five-shot lead on the back nine.

Howie Vroon, a sophomore, played a crucial role in the victory, sealing the win for River Bluff with a critical bogey on the 18th hole. While River Bluff celebrated its team victory, Dorman’s Will Ruth claimed the individual championship, winning on the fifth playoff hole. Ruth, the defending champion, finished in a three-way tie for individual honors along with River Bluff’s Nathaniel Caughman and teammate Casey Kosney, with all three players ending the tournament at even-par 144.

Vroon rounded out the individual performances with a sixth-place finish, scoring 148. Other notable results included Blythewood’s Connor Fisher and Spring Valley’s John Thompson, both of whom earned all-state honors by tying for seventh place with scores of 149.

The overall standings for the tournament showcased River Bluff’s dominance, with Spartanburg finishing third at 614 and Blythewood taking fourth with a score of 624. A full list of team standings is as follows: River Bluff (602), Dorman (605), Spartanburg (614), Blythewood (624), Lexington (626), Mauldin (632), James Island (635), Spring Valley (637), Byrnes (637), Carolina Forest (638), Wando (667), Ashley Ridge (670), Fort Dorchester (675), West Ashley (675), Rock Hill (687), and Sumter (703).

All-State honors were awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties, which included players with scores ranging from 144 to 149. Alongside the Class 5A results, TL Hanna won the 5A Division II championship, while Chapin finished tenth in their respective category.

The emotional weight of the competition was further highlighted by Dorman’s principal, who attended the tournament to award diplomas to the school’s two seniors, Grant Paolucci and Jordan Hard, ensuring they received their graduation recognition following their rounds of play.

This remarkable victory for River Bluff not only exemplifies the determination of the team but also sets a new standard in the golf program’s history, as they step into a new era of achievement.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Midlands Boys Golf Team Honors 2024 Season Standouts
Local High School Golf Star Signs with USC-Sumter
Chapin and Lexington High Schools Score Major Golf Victories
Bluffton Unveils Innovative Nine-Hole Golf Course: Crossroads

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE Chapin

CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!