News Summary

As the golf season approaches, Pensacola is buzzing with anticipation for the talented young golfers from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. With notable players from local high schools stepping up, including rising stars and seasoned veterans, the 2025 golf season promises to be thrilling. Notable absences, such as the departure of Hudson Mitchell, create opportunities for fresh talent to shine on the greens. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to see who will emerge as the next champions in the local golf scene.

Exciting Times Ahead for Local High School Golfers in Pensacola!

Pensacola is buzzing with anticipation as the golf season approaches! With fresh talent sprouting up and returning stars ready to shine, the 2025 golf season promises to be nothing short of thrilling. Over the past summer, our local golfers have shown their skills in various tournaments organized by the Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association as well as the First Tee Gulf Coast. They have indeed made a name for themselves and now, we have a list of 14 standout players from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who are definitely worth keeping an eye on!

A New Dawn Without Hudson Mitchell

This year feels a little different as we say goodbye to the talented Hudson Mitchell, who was named 2024 PNJ Boys Golfer of the Year before graduating. With his departure, the stage is set for younger golfers to step up and show us what they’re made of. A combination of fresh faces and experienced players, it’s a dream team in the making!

Talented Players to Watch

Let’s dive into some of the remarkable athletes set to make their mark:

  • Riley Bounds from Gulf Breeze is a rising senior who finished third in the District 1-3A tournament with a score of 91. He’s already made waves by placing fifth in the Divot Derby this summer.
  • Michelle Burt, also from Gulf Breeze, is a junior who knocked it out of the park with a team-low score of 86 at District 1-3A. She earned a fourth-place finish at regionals and took home third in the Divot Derby with a total score of 236!
  • Pensacola Catholic’s very own Mac Gilmer is a senior who scored 175 (83-92) at the Class 1A state tournament, along with a stellar 74 at Region 1-1A – talk about consistency!
  • Luke Godwin from Northview is soaring as a rising senior with a team-low of 78 at the region tournament, taking 12th place overall. He tied for third in the Divot Derby with a score of 222.
  • Then we have Tate Jernigan from Pace, a rising sophomore who brings strong performances. He scored 164 (83-81) at the Class 3A state tournament and played a crucial role in helping Pace secure a seventh consecutive district title!
  • Another player to keep an eye on is Anna Kunkel from Northview, a rising senior who scored 79 at Region 1-1A and claimed low-medalist honors at District 1-1A with a score of 70!
  • Freshman sensation Jaya McDonald from Navarre had a great run with a low score of 85 at District 1-3A, paving her path to the regional tournament.
  • Wilmer Mitchell, a rising junior at Pensacola Catholic, finished second for his team at the Class 1A State tournament with a robust score of 155 (79-74).
  • Another talented senior from Pensacola Catholic is Ian Morris, who posted a score of 174 (84-90) at the Class 1A tournament.
  • Let’s not forget Elizabeth Palmer, a returning All-Area senior and the only area competitor to last year’s Class 1A state tournament with an amazing score of 149 (76-73).
  • Adam Penrod from Pace, a senior, finished second-lowest for his team at Class 3A tournament with a score of 157, showcasing discipline with a 72 at the District tournament.
  • Ben Robinson from Tate, a junior, scored 78 at the District tournament and participated as an individual at Region 1-3A with an 84.
  • Last but not least, we have Baylor Touchstone who snagged the title at the Divot Derby with a total score of 218 and placed 16th at the District tournament with an 83.
  • And who could forget Abby Vernier, the 2024 PNJ Girls Golfer of the Year who finished third at the Class 2A state tournament with a stellar total of 148 (76-72) and delivered consistent performances throughout the summer?

Golf Season Excitement

With so many dazzling prospects in the fold, this year is shaping up to be nothing short of exhilarating. Golf enthusiasts across Pensacola will want to catch these future stars as they take to the greens. Whether they’re seasoned veterans or newcomers, the passion and dedication these players bring to the game is sure to light up the local golf scene!

As we step into the 2025 golf season, make sure to keep your eyes glued to the greens! Who knows, you might see the birth of a new champion right before our eyes!

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