In 2020, the Dawson County Tigers golf team practiced only three times before their season was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But heading into the 2021 season, golfers from Dawson County High School are eager to make a name for themselves.     

Tigers head coach Will Anglin said that he thought last year’s team could have been the best golf team in school history and his returning players are grateful for every opportunity they have to play. 

Anglin added that this year will be full of surprises for Tigers fans. Two brothers, Andrew and Alex Hughes, transferred to Dawson County last year and were unable to display their talent on the links. Andrew was recently named Polo Ralph Lauren National Player of the Week and is ranked as one of the top golfers in the state.  

Lady Tigers head coach Frank Brown has three returning seniors this year, Kenzie Smith, Madison Anglin and Carly Lamb, who he said will be leaders by example for the team. On the boys’ side, Will Howard returns as a four-year star.  

“The expectations are high and the kids seem to be responding to the challenge,” Anglin said. “[Howard] knows what it takes to be successful. He will be someone that we lean on for leadership and experience throughout the season.” 

As for newcomers, the boys’ team has three sophomores that Anglin expects to have an immediate impact. WIll McNatt, Elijah Benson and Jeremy Ray are all golfers that Anglin said could step up and help his roster in a big way.  

Brown said Trinity Brooks and Victoria Frank are two ninth graders that will get their start in the program this season and could have many strong years to come.  

Coaches said that fans should circle the Big Red Shootout, DATE,  on their calendar. The Tigers travel to the tournament with some of the top golfers around the state. Both coaches mentioned that their rivalry with Lumpkin County is always a match they look forward to throughout the season. 

“Golf is a sport where you are in constant competition with yourself,” Anglin said. “I want my guys to compete every day trying to be better than they were the day before. If they do that, then we are going to have a very successful year.”

The regular season starts Thursday, March 4, when both the Tigers and Lady Tigers battle Gilmer High School at Chestatee Golf Course in Dawsonville.