Dawson County High School golf sensation Madison Caldwell finished second at the Class AAA State tournament May 19 at the Waynesboro Golf Club.

The sophomore lost by one stroke to eventual winner Gracie Henderson from Blessed Trinity High School.

Caldwell shot a 76 over the grueling 5,508-yard course in Waynesboro.

Caldwell went out with the first group and held the lead until the final group came in with Henderson's 75.

The average score in state competition at the Waynesboro course was a 97.85 for the girls.

"I am so proud of how Madison played at state. She did not have her best day with her driver and irons, but her putter saved a lot of strokes. She made some amazing putts to save par on several holes to give herself the chance to be state champion," said Head Coach Wes Greer.

Caldwell improved three places compared to her finish in 2013 where she came in fifth place in state competition.

The Lady Tiger was crowned Region 7-AAA champion at Royal Lakes Golf Club a few weeks earlier, easily defeating the closest competitor by 11 strokes.

"Madison's accomplishments this year have been outstanding. There is only one thing she does not have: The state championship, and I thoroughly expect her to get it next year," Greer said.

Rounding out the top four were: Crockett Floyd from North Oconee with a 78 and Candler Kimsey from White County with an 80.

Winning the state team championship was Blessed Trinity with a team score of 245. North Oconee finished in second place with a score of 249.