White wins state title, signs with Tennessee Tech
BRYSON WHITE
White finalized his college decision just days after winning the TSSAA Division II-A golf tournament last month at Sevierville Golf Club’s River Course. He led the Warriors to a third-place finish in the team standings.
The victory was especially sweet for White, a Clinton native, who sought redemption after a disappointing final round at the state tournament as a junior.
“I’m ecstatic for him,” said CAK Coach Donnie Cooper. “Last year, he shot a 71 in the first round and was in contention. Then, on the second day, he shot a 79. This year, he came back with confidence. He just wanted it more. He was relaxed, and he had a great attitude. When he shot that 79, I think that really motivated him.”
In the 2024 state championship, White finished both rounds under par. His first-round score of 69 was 3-under, and he followed that with a 1-under 71 in the final round of the two-day, 36-hole event.
His total score of 140 earned him the championship by one stroke over Battle Ground Academy’s Brady Ray, who shot 70 in the first round.
“This is awesome, and it’s actually a little relieving,” White said. “It’s a great way to end my career at CAK. Last year, the first day was pretty good, but that second day just fueled me to work harder. Golf is so stressful out there because you’re out there for five or five-and-a-half hours. I had to change my mindset and just move on to the next shot or the next hole.”
Cooper praised White’s work ethic. “He’s been one of my favorite players to coach,” he said. “He’s an extremely hard worker. Nobody works harder than he does.”
