Golf has had a strong season with a 10-3-1 record due in great part to “the strong play of our upperclassmen” Golf Coach Chuck Hutchinson said. Highlights include them being 5th in the Blue Jacket Invitational out of 16 teams and they were 4th in the Region. 

At the same time, one of the team’s youngest members, 7th-grader Gavin Hutchinson, also was in the spotlight this year when he placed 2nd in a national Drive, Putt and Chip contest at Augusta National during the Masters Weekend April 4.

The team was totally supportive of Gavin, Coach Hutchinson said.

“They all have embraced him and rooted for him in person and on social media,” he said.

Despite his age, Gavin is a disciplined player.

“He has a strong work ethic, and he has the maturity to keep his head in the game and the positivity to look forward to his next shot,” his dad said.

He plans to continue to pursue golf in college and hopefully beyond.  

“He enjoys the competition,  being outside, and the fact that he can play anywhere he goes,” Coach Hutchinson said.

Gavin’s older brother Grant, who is a senior and captain on the golf team, is also a strong player. In fact, he came within a stroke of also making it to the national Drive, Putt and Chip contest a few years ago.

Grant, along with senior Solomon Kiger and Junior Jake Delbusse have been real leaders on the Socastee team this year.

“The experience that they bring to the team is incredible,” Coach Hutchinson said.  

Looking ahead, he said, “We have a lot of young talent but replacing our Seniors will create a challenge.”