Bulldogs Show Grit on the Greens

By: Shelia Mader

The Marianna Bulldogs golf team has proven early in the season that they’re more than ready to compete, opening with a strong 3-0 start before hitting a challenge last week on the road.

Traveling to Tallahassee to square off against three Leon County programs, the Bulldogs held their own but came up just short. Maclay and Chiles shared first place with identical 157s, while Marianna followed close behind with a 164. Godby finished at +6.

Even in a tough field, Bulldog golfer Rathan Barnes shined with a stellar 38. Creed Whitworth was right on his heels with a 39, followed by Jackson Kent at 40, and Andrew Law closing with a 47.

The Bulldogs quickly shook off the loss and bounced back in a big way two days later at their home course, Indian Springs. Feeding off home-course confidence, they topped Altha and Bethlehem to get back in the win column. Whitworth led the charge with a 38, while Law turned in a 44. Barnes added a steady 45, and Kent carded a 52.

That victory pushed the Bulldogs to 4-1 on the young season, a record that highlights both their resilience and their potential.

The Lady Bulldogs also took to the course at home on Thursday, where Faye Olsen led the team with a 51. Emma Poole followed with a 58, while Emma Leavins (60) and Paige Lawson (61) rounded out the scoring for the day.