Putnam County graduate Emily Hardie has signed with Georgia Military College to continue her golf career, joining former teammate Jade Mullis in Milledgeville.
Hardie has been a steady presence in the Lady War Eagles program over the past four years, making an impact both on the course and in the classroom.
Head coach Mollie Jones praised not only her development as a golfer, but also the kind of person Hardie has been throughout her high school career.
“Emily has been a dedicated member of the golf team for the past four years while also maintaining strong grades in the classroom,” Jones said. “In addition to her success on the course, Emily plans to pursue a career as a special education teacher.
“She is an amazing young lady who works hard in everything she does and consistently sets a great example for those around her. Her dedication, positive attitude, and determination have made her a valuable part of the golf program, and we are excited to see all she will accomplish in the future.”
For Hardie, the opportunity to continue playing collegiately is something she never expected when she joined the Putnam golf program as a sophomore.
“I never would’ve thought that randomly trying out for the golf team my sophomore year would lead to some of the best memories, friendships, laughs, and opportunities of my life,” Hardie said. “Golf quickly became a sport I fell in love with, and I’m beyond grateful that it has given me the chance to continue playing at the next level.”
Hardie also expressed gratitude to the people who supported her throughout her journey.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in me throughout this journey — especially on the hard days,” she said. “The support has meant more to me than you will ever know, and I wouldn’t be here without all of the people around me.”
Hardie’s signing is part of a milestone year for the Putnam County golf program, which saw significant growth in participation and overall success. According to Jones, the program doubled in size this season, with increased student interest elevating the team’s competitiveness and depth throughout the spring.
Putnam County also made program history by hosting its first annual golf tournament, an event Jones said was a major highlight and a foundation for future growth.
“The Putnam County golf team had an outstanding season, showing tremendous growth and success both on and off the course,” Jones said. “Our program doubled in size, and we saw a major increase in student interest in golf throughout the year. The team worked hard, improved each match, and finished the season on a strong note.”
As Hardie prepares to continue her academic and athletic career at Georgia Military College alongside Mullis, her signing marks another step forward for Putnam County's growing golf program, which continues to build momentum year after year.