Canes clinch state golf championship with thrilling final round

May 20, 2025

L-R: Coach Carter Smith, Reid Henson, Andrew Lutjens, Noah Pogue, Carsen Stanfield, Bodie Brumlow, Ramsey Dunn, Carter Rice, Griffin Woodall, Owen Dunn, Blake Lutjens, Reid Lowry, and Coach Chad Murray.

The Cartersville High School boys’ golf team captured the 2025 Georgia High School Association Class AAAA state championship with a 36-hole, two-day total of 4-under par 572. 

The Class AAAA state tournament was held at the 6,100-yard, par 72 Governors Towne Club in Acworth. 

Cartersville and North Oconee were tied at 4-under par after Monday’s opening round, but the Hurricanes prevailed by shooting a team total of even par 288 in round two on Tuesday. The Titans slipped to three over par in the second round and finished three shots back at 575.

“I knew it was going to be a battle,” said Canes’ head coach Chad Murray, “because they (North Oconee) have a championship pedigree. As back-to-back defending champions, they have a great squad.”

Benedictine Military (583) finished in third place, followed by Allatoona (588), Marist (605), Dalton (609), Blessed Trinity (613), Starrs Mill (618), Harris County (623), Ware County (623), Westminster (623), and Midtown (628).

Bodie Brumlow (70-71—141, 3-under) finished sixth as an individual to pace the Canes. He was followed by teammates Andrew Lutjens (71-73—144), Noah Pogue (72-72—144), Carsen Stanfield (73-72—145), Reid Henson (71-75—146), and Ramsey Dunn (78-79—157).

"We didn't perform well on the front nine," Murray said after Tuesday's final round, "but neither did our opponents. It was likely the intense pressure of the state championship. They were ahead by up to four shots at one point, and we were ahead by as many as six. With three or four holes left in the final round, we were tied but managed to find a way."

Bear Dollander of Benedictine Military won the Class 4A individual title with a total of 66-68—134 (10-under par). Dalton’s Cole Stockard (69-69—138) and Blake Goodroe (66-72—138) of Madison County tied for second. Trace Carter (67-72—139) of Ware County was fourth, and Josh Durthaler (69-71—140) finished fifth.

The boys’ state golf championship is the seventh for Cartersville. The Canes won Class A in 1967 and Class AA in 1990, 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2002.

“It was the epitome of a team win,” reflected Murray. “We were the definition of a team. When one was struggling, someone else stepped up. I couldn’t be prouder of the guys for finding a way to get it done.”