The Chiefs ended up on top by going low. McIntosh High won the GHSA Class 5A girls golf state championship, beating 2nd place Greenbrier by 7 strokes to win the title.
“I felt great joy for our players for winning the state championship. These young ladies work extremely hard throughout the entire year to improve their golf game,” said McIntosh coach Brad Yarbrough. “To see their hard work pay off, and to see them perform well at the biggest event of the year, was very rewarding. I couldn't have been happier for them.”
Kayli Chang, Adalynne Forchette, Cheyenne Jaucian, Lily Sitler, and Lana Spraley competed for the Chiefs at the championship tournament. Sitler, a freshman, placed 3rd overall, with Forchette in 10th place, Spraley in 20th, and Jaucian in 21st.
Going into day 2 of the tournament, the Chiefs held a 7-shot lead over the defending champions from Greenbrier. The lead swelled as big as 12 shots through the front nine holes, but Greenbrier pulled within as little as 3. Sitler steadied the team with back-to-back birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to offer some much-needed breathing room.
“After that, the players settled themselves and finished strong,” said Yarbrough.
Morgan Downing, Audrey Gustason, Robyn Sanders, and Lindsey Trimble were also key contributors throughout the season. The team is coached by Yarbrough, along with assistant coach CJ Jaucian.
“This team is special because they are talented and eager. Talent is one thing, and many players overly rely on this, but these players want to practice. They want to compete. They want to get better,” said Yarbrough. “When you have talent and a great work ethic, that will carry you very far.”
It marks the third state title in team history and the first since back-to-back championships in 1998 and 1999. With no seniors graduating from this year’s champs, the Chiefs will be back looking for a fourth crown next spring.
Posted 5/24/2024
