Clay County Boasts One Of The Largest Boys And Girls Golf Rosters In The Region

Clay County, being one of the smaller schools in the Upper Cumberland, boast one of the largest boys and girls golf rosters in the region. Head coach Amy Dodson brings back a total of 16 golfers this fall. Dodson and company are replacing four senior boys from last year’s golf team.

16 golfers on a team is an impressive feat considering that Clay County does not have a home golf course within its own county. Dodson’s golfers travel daily to Livingston, Tennessee for practice and competitions. Dodson estimated that the closest any of the golfers lived to Hidden Valley Country Club was 20 minutes.

“With golf they have to want it as individuals,” Dodson said. “They definitely have to schedule more time for (golf). We have some that really love it, and they are willing to travel to play and practice. We do have a driving range here at school… we are putting in a lot of hours down there too.”

Dodson has not had the majority of her team throughout the summer. Most of her golfers are multi sports athletes that come to golf when summer ball and training are over. Dodson has a few girl golfers that run cross country and cheerlead also.

Clay County golf is replacing graduated senior stand out multi-sport star athlete BJ Emmerson who competed in the state tournament in golf and finished second in the district and region on the individual level, played in the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (TACA) East-West all-star football game at Austin Peay University in Clarksville, and standout baseball player.

“We are still working on getting our scores down,” Dodson said. “I have four new freshmen boys and five new freshmen girls. Their first match back (from summer) they were all a little nervous. So, we will see how things will go.”