Along with Leigh Beasley Cook, Forrest’s Sara Browning is the only woman golfer to make multiple Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association state golf tournament appearances for the Lady Rockets, dating back to the 1974-1975 season when records were first recorded by the TSSAA.

Beasley went to state three times, shooting a two-day total of 188 as a sophomore on her home course at Buford Ellington inside Henry Horton State Park, 185 as junior at Old Fort in Murfreesboro, and in her senior season, Beasley Cook carded a 194 at Pickwick State Park in Savannah.

Browning made two state tournament appearances, both at WillowBrook Golf Club in Manchester, shooting 177 over two days in 2018 that resulted in a 16th place finish and last Wednesday, Browning finished 16th again with a pair of 89’s for a 188 two-day total.

“I’m sure that Sara would have probably wanted to improve upon her performance from last year, but to be honest, this year’s tournament was a grind,” Forrest coach Andy Burkett said. “Tuesday’s round was as wet as I’ve seen a golf course all year, and for her to finish the final four holes on Wednesday at one-under par is really impressive.”

Even though both of Browning’s scores were the same, the Forrest senior played well in Wednesday’s final round, writing down five pars and two birdies after not getting any of either on Tuesday.

Browning turned the front nine at 48 before finding her groove on the back nine of the 5,304-yard WillowBrook tract, especially the last six holes where she shot even par.

“I think the length of WillowBrook is what really gave Sara the most problems,” Burkett said. “It’s challenging for anyone to make a lot of pars when they are having to hit driver then hybrid on most approach shots.

“The margin for error is just higher in that situation. I think as Sara’s game evolves and she adds some more distance off the tee, which will definitely benefit her in the long scheme.”

A bogie was sandwiched in between two pars on holes 13 thru 15 before Browning showed extraordinary talent and class with back-to-back birdies on 16 and 17.

A bogey on the 310-yard par 4 finishing hole ended the tournament and Browning’s career at Forrest.

“Sara proved she is one of the most accomplished and talented golfers that Forrest High School has ever seen by placing in the top 20 two years in a row,” Burkett said. “To even make it to the state tournament from our tough region is an accomplishment in itself, so for her to finish 16th two years in a row is incredibly impressive and I’m more than proud of her.”

The back-to-back Region 6A-AA and reigning state tournament champion Summertown Lady Eagles blistered the field, winning by 40 shots over second place Adamsville.

Summertown totaled 300 over the two days with eighth-grader Karlie Campbell shooting 80-72-152, junior Kaley Campbell 76-79-155, and sophomore Lanie Campbell carding 73-84-157.

Gordonsville’s Sophie Linder won the individual portion with an even par round of 72 on Tuesday, followed by a three-over par 75 on Wednesday to finish five strokes clear of Karlie Campbell.

Kaley Campbell won the event last season with a 148 two-day total.

“Those girls (Summertown) are anything but remarkable when it comes to the game of golf,” Burkett said. “They ran away with the team division again this year and finished second, third, and fifth respectively in the individual category.”

“It’s impressive to say the least. Just another testament to how competitive the golf is in Region 6A-AA.”

Other local finishers of note are Hickman County’s Bailey Gilbert (11th) and Cascade’s Candler Noel (14th).

On the boys side, Signal Mountain ran away with the team competition as they shot a 595 total, 67 strokes clear of second place Kingston.

A couple of local boys did very well, especially Cascade’s Evan Woosley-Reed, who won the individual portion of the event with a two-day total of 138. His six-under par finish started with a one-over par 73 on Tuesday followed by a blistering round of 65 on Wednesday with eight birdies and an amazing five consecutive birdies on the back nine.

“I think Evan had a little chip on his shoulder after shooting an uncharacteristic 75 at the region tournament,’ Burkett said. “Watching him play on that back nine was the stuff of legends, he was an absolute machine out there and wasn’t going to be stopped.’

“His back nine will go down in history as one of the most dominant performances in Tennessee state history, and again, what a strong showing for our region with Evan winning the state championship for individuals.”

Eagleville senior Bobby Snell finished up his prep career with a 16th place finish, shooting 82-77 for a 159 total.

“It was a great capstone to a great career for Bobby Snell with his finish at the state tournament,” Burkett said. “I’ve gotten to know Bobby over the last couple of years and he’s a great competitor with one of the sweetest left-handed swings you’ll see.”

“I’m very happy for him to finish his career on such a strong note at the state tournament. If college golf is something Bobby decides to play, whoever gets him will get a top notch competitor and kid.”