3-time state champion from Midlands school commits to Clemson golf program
Weeks after winning her third straight state championship, Caroline Hawkins made her college choice.
The Blythewood High junior announced Sunday night that she is committing to Clemson. Hawkins also considered South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Furman.
“I am extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Clemson University!!” Hawkins wrote on her Instagram page. “I want to thank the Lord for giving me the ability to play the sport I love at such an amazing school! Thank you coach Hester and Nahm for this incredible opportunity! I also would like to thank my coaches for their guidance and help when making this decision! Last but not least, thank you to parents and friends for constantly supporting me. Go Tigers!”
Hawkins tied a state record by winning her third-straight individual golf championship at Columbia Country Club on Oct. 30. She fired a 5-under 139 over the two days of the championship to win by seven shots over Wando’s Grace Lindsay.
Hawkins became the third girls golfer to win three straight titles, joining Chesnee’s Olivia Roberts and Strom Thurmond’s McKenzie Talbert (2010-12).
“I’m really excited,” Hawkins said after the tournament. “My goal is obviously four, but one step at a time. I was kind of nervous coming into the tournament. It was at my home course and expectations were high, but I pulled through and I am really happy.”
Hawkins had a 70.4 scoring average and was medalist in four of her five matches this season at Blythewood. She also had three top-five finishes in American Junior Golf Association national events in April and May.
