The Gatewood golf team returned to glory as it captured the region championship earlier this month.
Five golfers – Gavin Gignilliat, Lathan Hillin, Ames Johnson, Mikey Padula, and Sean Harvey – combined for a winning score of 318. The championship capped off a great regular season for the Gators.
Shooting a 75, Gators senior Gignilliat won the low-medalist award for the tournament, while 8th-grader Hillin wasn’t far behind with a 77 score, helping lead Gatewood to victory. Padula (82), Johnson (84), and Harvey (95) also performed well to help finish strong.
Gatewood head coach Doug Price wasn’t surprised his team did so well against the competition.
“We’ve had a good season. We’ve won every one of our matches and are led by one of the best golfers in the GIAA in Gavin (Gignilliat),” Price said. “He’s followed up by our eighth-grader, Lathan Hillin, who is a great golfer. But I’ve also got a great mixture of talent all the way down the line, and they enjoy playing golf together. That’s the big thing. They enjoy hanging out and practicing together. It helps when you’ve got kids that dedicate so much time to their craft and it pays off.”
Gatewood will next take on the best high school teams in the state on April 22 in the GIAA Class AA state tournament at Harbor Club in Greensboro. According to Price, Gatewood’s golfers have been preparing for this moment the entire season.
“You’re talking about the best of the best teams in the GIAA coming together to compete,” Price said. “I think when you look at some of those teams from South Georgia and Atlanta, they have a lot of talent, but I think we have an advantage with the state tournament being held at Harbor Club, our home course. I think we’ve got the upper hand, but just need to take care of business next week.”
Gignilliat, Hillin, and Padula were recently named to the All-Region team. Price also was named the All-Region Coach of the Year, so expectations for the tournament are high. They want to win it all.
After an underwhelming season a year ago, Price believes this squad can achieve greatness.
“I’ve had some strong teams in the past, really good ones as kids have gone on to play college golf,” he said. “We’ve finished runner-up a couple of times in the state, but this year, I think it might be the right time. The kids have put in a lot of work, man.
“They are deserving of winning it all but must put it all together for one more tournament,” Price added. “I like our chances next week, especially at home.”