Chapin High School is currently ranked No. 1 in 5A, while Lexington is No. 4 and River Bluff is No. 6.

“So far, we have won the Bengal Invitational, finished fourth at the Blue Jacket, tied for third at the Palmetto Preview, and just finished second at the Trojan Invitational,” Lexington Wildcats Coach Brandon Smith said of their start to the season.

“Taryn Smoak has been our leading golfer at most events. She is averaging close to 76.”

Coach Roger Smith is in his 24th year coaching golf, his 11th season at River Bluff. Coach Smith was one of the “coaches of influence” that brought girls golf to South Carolina. He is the current treasurer for the South Carolina State High School Coaches association and past president. His River Bluff Gators are currently ranked sixth in the state.

”This is the hardest working team that I have had,” he said. “Our starters worked in the off-season. We didn’t lose any players to graduation and what is most impressive is our team is hungry and loves to compete. The stronger the competition, the better we play. We have had three events and placed third, 12th and third. In the Trojan invitational at Waterford in Rock Hill, we had an eighth grader, Charlie Heaton, finish second while Caitlyn Gains, a junior, placed third.”

There are two brand new golf facilities that will open up in the month of October. Both have West Columbia addresses. One is called The Scramble at Tsunami Bar Sports while the other is Solina Golf Club.

The Scramble is a Wedge and Putt on approximately one acre of land while Solina Golf Club is on approximately 200 acres and is a regulation golf course that is being remodeled. It opened in September of 1992 as Indian River Golf Club. The name was changed when renovation began in January of this year. This column will preview both openings in coming weeks. 

There are numerous recreational golf opportunities in the Midlands available now than what will be available this winter so be sure to stay current with LRAC, ICRC, and RCRC. Programs will be available for all skill levels from brand new, and very young, too advanced. Here are the websites to watch: icrc.net, richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course, and sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac.

The easiest and fastest way to improve your game is find a young player who plays well and go watch them. The best first idea I ever got was from Dr. Bob Rotella, who is still the world premier sports psychologist, and he said,  “George, kids get it right. Go watch them closely. Don’t teach them anything. Ask them questions about why they are doing what they are doing and consider their answer before making any recommendations.”

Sam Jackson had an incredible run at the USGA Mid-Amateur and it will be fun getting details so be sure to tune in next week. The 2022 SCGA Player of the Year & Pelion HS graduate earned his way into the semi-finals of one of the few amateur events where the reward of being Champion, is an invitation to the Masters.