By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–While maybe not with the results he wanted, Carter Walton still left the Small Division State Golf Tournament with a full appreciation of his accomplishment.
“I’m blessed to have made it. Obviously, not everyone got here,” Walton said after shooting an 88 (16-over-par) on Day 2 of the event.
Walton’s two-day total of 169 (25-over) was good enough for a 25th place finish and in the top half in the 64-player field at WillowBrook Golf Course in Manchester.
Ironically, Carter’s older brother, Tyler, finished in the same position at the state tourney two years ago.
“Mom and dad had two pretty-good golfers for sons, I guess,’ Carter laughed.
For the second straight day, the younger Walton struggled with his putter Wednesday – especially on the front-side, where he carded three double-bogeys and a triple bogey on his way to a 12-over 47.
He did settle down nicely on the back-nine, though, shooting a 40 with his only birdie of the day and four pars.
“Obviously, it was disappointing to never get my putter going,” Walton said. “I tried to make some adjustments from Tuesday and felt pretty good after the first hole. I hit the ball well off the tee again, but the flat stick just killed me.
“I wish I’d done better, but I was proud of the way I kept it together on the back-nine when it could have gotten really ugly. I did my best.”
UCHS head coach Jason Qualls, who coached both Walton brothers, was complimentary of Walton’s demeanor when things were going their worst.
“I was extremely proud of Carter that he was able to hold it together after such a rough patch on the front-side,” Qualls claimed. “I actually thought he played better both days on the second-nine, which was the tougher of the two, in my opinion.
“And any time you can make it to the biggest stage of whatever sport you’re participating in, it’s a tremendous accomplishment. The Walton family has two really good sons, who just happen to be really good golfers as well. They’ll all take some good memories from this place, no matter what their scores were.”
Evan Woosley-Reed (Cascade) repeated as the tournament champion, carding a 3-under 69 to come from behind and win by one stroke over Cayden Chambers of Waverly.
Milan finished sixth in the eight-team field behind winner Signal Mountain.