Former Bridgeport High School standout and state champion Mason Williams picked up his first individual collegiate victory this week for Georgia Southern.

 

Williams finished at -10 to take first place and help lead the Eagles to the team championship at the Bash in the Boro event at Georgia Southern University Golf Course.

 

Each of the three rounds saw Williams improve his score going from a 71 to a 68 to a 67 for a total of 206 which was three strokes better than second place.

 

Georgia Southern coach Carter Collins had some high praise for Williams, who is also the youngest golfer in West Virginia history to capture the West Virginia Amateur Championship.

 

“We’re so proud of Mason,” Collins said. “He’s had two runner-up finishes in his career, which is still pretty good. He’s continually got better throughout his career. He finds new ways to improve and I’m proud that he’s a collegiate champion, which is a big badge of honor.”

 

In typical Williams fashion, he was focused on his performance and unaware of where he was on the scoreboard.

 

“This is a special place, and I'm glad to get it done in front of the home crowd,” Williams said.  “It was nice having the team in contention too. It was a good way to take my thoughts out of it – I just wanted to play well for my team – and we put together a really good final round.

“I had no earthly idea where I stood the entire day. I was walking off the green after I made the putt, and Ben (Carr) gave me this big bear hug and said, ‘You just did it!’ and I said, ‘Did what?’ I had no idea.”

 

Editor's Note: Photo of Mason Williams competing in the WV Amateur earlier this year by www.benqueenphotography.com