THOMASVILLE- The Brookwood Golf Team dominated at Glen Arven Country Club on Monday afternoon when the Warriors captured their fourth state championship in five years.

After a narrow two-stroke victory last year, the team left nothing to chance, pulling away with a 13-stroke win over perennial powerhouse Rivers.

The Brookwood team had a great day on the course. Senior University of Georgia commit JD Culbreth shot a 69, while fellow senior Cornell commit Shep Davis tied him for second with a 69. Austin Baker shot a 70, and Emmett Street shot a 77, but the biggest star of the day was junior Mason Howell.

Howell was on Hole 18 vying for first place when he took a long drive that took an unfortunate bounce.

“It rolled down the cart path a little bit and rolled onto the bridge,” Howell said. “My coach and I sat there and debated on what we were going to do for a while, but decided to just go for it.”

Howell took the shot, putting him in the perfect position for a birdie and a playoff.

Howell was tied for low medalist with Frederica’s Jackson Byrd, after shooting a 67. It was a feeling Howell knew all too well, as he faced off in a playoff with fellow teammate Culbreth last year, where Culbreth ultimately came out victorious.

Howell said he remembered the sting of losing and had been practicing for this moment since then. All his hard work paid off on Hole 8 when Howell ultimately beat Byrd for Low Medalist at the State Championship.

“Last year stung a little bit, but I felt like I played steady,” he said. “I played three solid holes and got the job done. I’m super happy.”

Head Coach Jimmy Gillam shared in Howell’s excitement, noting how things always come full circle.

“I know it was eating at him a little bit from last year because he and JD (Culbreth) are buddies, but they are also very competitive against each other,” he said.

While Howell was thrilled with his personal achievement, he was more excited for his team, which has become a name across the state for its stellar golf program.

“We are out here trying to beat each other every day and no one really expects that from a small town in South Georgia, but it’s just the time we have put in together that makes it so great,” he said.

Gillam couldn’t agree more.

“They’re a very talented bunch and they all have an unbelievable work ethic,” Gillam said. “Every day it’s competitive and they bring the best out in each other.”

Brookwood was not only crowned the GIAA Class 3A State Champions, but posted several All-State players including Baker, Davis, Culbreth, and Howell, all of whom shot 70 and under.

These scores are indicative of everything Gillam has tried to build and instill in the team since he took over as head coach.

“We have one of the best high school programs in the country, much less the state,” he said. “We have three D1 players committed and two or three more on the horizon. The future is very bright for this program.”

With Culbreth and Davis set to graduate, Howell hopes to continue the legacy they have helped create.

“This is a spot I want to be in again next year with my guys and I think we have that chance next year as well,” he concluded.