PCHS sixth girls’ program to four-peat in GHSA history
COLUMBUS — Pierce County High School’s Lady Bears became the sixth golf program in GHSA history with at least four consecutive state titles with a victory here at Maple Ridge Golf Club.
PCHS, winners of seven titles (2000, 2005, 2019, 2022-25) this century, shot 162-160-322 here at the 5,655-yard Maple Ridge Golf Club layout for a 35-shot win over runner-up Hart County in the twoday Class AA state tournament played Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20.
“I am just happy for these girls and this accomplishment,” said head coach Stuart Stipe. “They work really hard and are very deserving. They get the credit, God gets the Glory.”
The Lady Bears won their first three championship trophies by 30 (2022 Class AAA), 30 (2023 Class AA - one day) and 29 (2024 Class AA).
PCHS joins Glynn Academy (2004-07; three 5A, one 4A) as fourtime winners. Lake Oconee (201825; four A Public, three A DII) extended its state record to seven Tuesday in Evans at Bartram Trail Golf Club.
Class 6A Lambert won its sixth straight (2018-25; five 7A, one 6A) and 11th in 12 years at Kinderlou Forest in Valdosta.
North Oconee (2021-25) recorded a fifth straight Class 4A title winning at Bentwater Golf Club in Acworth joining Lambert (2013-17; four 6A, one 7A) and Vidalia (2013-17; AA).
“We use the rich tradition of high school golf in Pierce County as motivation,” Stipe said. “I think that's where we find our satisfaction. Continuing what those before us have started.
“I think the four extra trips to Columbus, along with our physical and mental toughness, was the difference. What the other girls and coaches were using as excuses, we used as reasons. The ‘reasons’ we won!
“Every Lady Bear faced adversity. We used past experiences, character and ‘Pierce Pride’ to get through it. High School golf is a TEAM sport played by individuals. We have five Lady Bears capable of representing PCHS. However, only four can compete. All five, though, will share this state title equally.”
Senior McKenzie Connell won her second medalist honor carding 7577-152 (three birdies) to win by 12 shots over Maya Lilja-Vazquez of Savannah Arts Academy in the field of 53 golfers. Connell captured her first low medalist honor in 2023. She was third as a freshman in 2022 and runner-up as a junior in 20024.
“It is hard to not notice what Mackenzie was able to accomplish not only this week, but in the last four years,” said Stipe. “ Her fourth consecutive state championship and Low Medalist honor is the perfect way to finish her remarkable career.”
Following PCHS and Hart County in the 12-team field were Morgan County (188-174-362), Coahulla Creek (186-181-367), Franklin County (178-191-369), Stephens County (192-187-379), Burke County (193-188-381), Columbus (206,191-397), Appling County (225-206-431), Sonoraville (230208-438), Jackson (220-221-441) and North Murray (235-226-461).
The Lady Bears held a 15-shot advantage over Hart County at the end of the first day, 162-177. Pierce County’s 160 score on Day 2 was 14 shots better than Morgan County’s 174.
Sophomore Mollie Kate Dixon finished a solo third carding 87-83170 as the Lady Bears place four in the Top 10 spots.
“I was extremely proud of Mollie Kate both days,” said Stipe. “She competed and battled every hole. She has been working hard and she can now see the fruits of her labor.”
Freshman Brooke Dixon placed solo eighth after rounds of 91-90181 (one birdie).
Junior Belle Sinclair carded 8993-182 (one birdie) to finish in a four-way tie for ninth. She was joined by Morgan County’s Hailey Westmoreland, Appling County’s Morial Mims and Stephens County’s Lainey Addison.
“Belle and Brooke both earned top 10 finishes the hard way,” added Stipe. “They made adjustments during each round and found a way to finish strong. Life lessons were learned and we are all better for it.”
Stipe handed out thank yous as well.
“This would not have been possible without the support of our golf community, out administration, our Birdies for Bears Booster Club, Okefenokee Country Club, and coach Shannon Batten at the middle school teaching these girls how to compete and expect to win,” said Stipe.
