This morning, West Virginia Class AA championship golfer Mason Williams made it official. He will be continuing his golf career at the Division I Georgia Southern University in the fall of 2018. Though he made the verbal commitment this past summer, Williams – in the company of some Bridgeport High School golf members, friends, his parents and BHS Golf Coach Fred Wilhelm – signed off on accepting GSU’s offer to become part of the Eagles’ golf program.

 

“I really like the school and they have a quality golf program with great coaches and a really great schedule,” said Williams, who will be rooming with two other team members.

 

In October Williams led his Indian teammates to a third-place finish in the WVSSAC Class AA golf tournament in Wheeling. Personally, he nabbed the Class AA low medalist award, ending his high school career on a spectacular note.

 

He shot a 70 the first day of the state tournament, followed by a 76 the final day of play. He said he had some trouble on the back 9 that second day, but after pushing through that, felt pretty confident he would accomplish his personal goal.

 

The recognition and the plaque stating his accomplishment is nice, Williams said, but the best memory he takes with him is spending time with his coach and teammates at golf matches, practice and the commutes to and from competitions.

 

Williams has a long list of accolades, including a second-place ranking among junior golfers in the state and holding the record for lowest score on nine holes – a 29.

 

In July, he captured the 2017 West Virginia Junior Amateur Championships at Canaan Valley. He shot a two-day 144 to tie for the winning score and was declared winner after a four-hole playoff round.

Wilhelm said Georgia Southern is a great university and the sky is the limit for Williams, who is a standout in every since of the word.

 

“It’s his attitude and preparation for the game – ever since he was little, he has taken the game seriously,” Wilhelm said.

 

That, combined with Williams’ skill and experience, makes him quite an asset for the Tigers' golf team.

 

“He played in big matches, like the USGA tour. Being a junior, playing with adults on the tour makes you grow up fast,” he said.

Williams is a good example for his golf team members and golfers everywhere, Wilhelm said.

 

SGU Coach Carter Collins first saw Williams play on the final day of the 2016 WVSSAC Class AA golf tournament. On the first day, Williams had shot a 79. The day Collins flew in from Georgia to watch Williams' game in person, he shot a 75. That year, he wound up as low medalist runner-up and led the Indians to an overall fourth place finish.

 

The signing took place in the BHS library. Williams is pictured with some team members and buddies and with his parents, Tina and Bob and Coach Fred Wilhelm.

 

Click HERE to read a story posted June 23, after Williams made the verbal commitment with Southern Georgia University. Click HERE to read a story on the SGU Web site about Williams and other upcoming Tiger team members Ben Carr and Wilson Andress, of Columbus and Macon, Ga., respectively.