The greens of South Carolina recently played host to the fiercely contested state golf championships, with several local teams and individual talents from the York and Lancaster County areas making their mark across various classifications. While some teams faced tough competition, individual performances highlighted the exceptional skill present in the region.
5A Division 1: Rock Hill’s Douglas McMaster and Clover’s Lyle Leary Earn All-State Honors
In the highly competitive 5A Division 1 championship, the Rock Hill Bearcats (York County) finished 15th with a total score of 687. However, the team saw a stellar individual performance from Douglas McMaster, who shot a 146 to earn All-State honors, securing his spot among the top ten golfers in the division. His consistent play over two rounds was a bright spot for Rock Hill.
Also representing the York County area in 5A Division 1 was Lyle Leary of Clover, who also garnered All-State recognition. Leary’s impressive 149 placed him among the state’s elite, showcasing the talent emerging from Clover.
River Bluff ultimately claimed the 5A Division 1 team title with a score of 602, narrowly edging out Dorman (605).
5A Division 2: Nation Ford and Indian Land Battle in a Tight Field
The 5A Division 2 championship proved to be a thrilling affair, with local teams Nation Ford (York County) and Indian Land (Lancaster County) showcasing their competitive spirit. Nation Ford finished a respectable 5th in the team standings with a score of 590, demonstrating their strength on the course. A standout for the Falcons was Carter Smith, who earned All-State honors with a 144, tying for the 13th best individual score in the division.
Indian Land was not far behind, placing 8th with a total of 605. The Warriors’ Mason Kucia delivered an exceptional performance, tying for medalist honors with a remarkable 140. This outstanding display cemented Kucia’s place as one of the state’s top golfers and a significant talent to watch.
Tega Cay was represented by Baker Tolentino and Noah Jones at the State Championships, where they competed as individuals after strong performances at the Upper State Championships. Baker shot a 156, finishing 47th, while Noah carded a 172 on the challenging course. With the entire team returning next year, Tega Cay is poised for a serious run at qualifying for the State Championships as a team.
TL Hanna took home the 5A Division 2 team championship with a dominant score of 570, just two strokes ahead of Greenville (572).
4A: South Pointe Finishes Tournament Play
In the 4A championship, the South Pointe Stallions (York County) finished 16th in the team standings with a score of 744. While no individual All-State honors were listed for South Pointe, their participation in the state championship reflects their commitment and growth throughout the season. Blue Ridge secured the 4A state title with a score of 599.
Overall, the 2025 SC Golf Championships provided a platform for numerous talented high school golfers to showcase their skills. The York and Lancaster County areas were well-represented, with individual players earning prestigious All-State accolades and teams proving their mettle against the state’s best. These performances underscore the burgeoning golf talent within the region.
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